Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology (PSI accredited)

Overview

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is for graduates who wish to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology but who don’t hold an honours degree in psychology.

The course enables students to study key areas of psychology in a thriving research environment and, through a supervised research dissertation, explore practical issues of interest and relevance to a range of theoretical and occupational fields. Students will develop a firm knowledge base in psychology and gain experience of the research process that will build upon the skills and knowledge that they have already acquired in earlier studies. The Higher Diploma represents the necessary first step to becoming a professional psychologist. Upon successful completion of the Higher Diploma, depending upon the final grade, graduates will be eligible to apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise.

Students will be encouraged to consider entering their own analysis as a fundamental requirement for engagement with this field.

Key Features of the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology

• Designed for non psychology graduates and those seeking to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology
• The programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) – the professional body for Psychologists in Ireland
• The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• The course is of particular interest to those who wish to enhance their current work practices e.g. Health and social care professionals, teachers, HR Managers, Voluntary and Community sector workers and many more
• It is also of interest to those who would like to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of Psychology
• The course represents the first necessary step to becoming a professional Psychologist
• Successful graduates may apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:

• A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution, or equivalent qualification.
• An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

Course Content

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology programme has the following content:

Stage 1

• • History and Schools in Psychology
  • Research Technique & Analysis 1
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Foundations in Developmental & Social Psychology
  • Behaviour Analysis
  • Research Technique & Analysis 2
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Ethical Research Methods & Design

Stage 2

• • Personality and Individual Differences
  • Health Psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Advanced Developmental & Social Psychology
  • Mental Health & Distress
  • Human Performance
  • Research Project

Assessment Methods

Throughout the course some modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and examinations, or by continuous assessment alone. Continuous assessment will vary in style and purpose from module to module, depending upon the nature of the subject material and the teaching and learning objectives of the module. Assessments may include essays, multiple-choice questionnaire, short-answer in-class exam, oral presentation, group work and poster presentations. Examinations are typically held in January and late April/ early May.

Structure

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology extends over 2 academic years of full-time study, or 2 academic years of part-time study.

In year 1, students undertake the study of 8 mandatory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core areas and disciplines and to provide a platform for more advanced study at year 2.

In year 2, students undertake a further 7 mandatory subjects that build on the year 1 foundation and further develop students understanding of applied areas and key subjects of Psychology. Furthermore, students also undertake a mandatory research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

On a part-time basis students will attend classes two evenings per week from 6.15pm-9.30pm and may opt to study a maximum of 4 modules per semester.

Advice and confirmation of module selection will be made available to students before course commencement.

The programme will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, study skills workshops, practical laboratory work and field study work.

Career Opportunities

This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional body for psychology in Ireland. DBS was the first college outside the university sector to receive accreditation from the Psychological Society of Ireland.

Graduates may progress to postgraduate training or professional training within psychology. In addition, students will be equipped with the specialised knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue successful, responsible, and useful careers in a number of areas of employment relating to Psychology.

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €5,950 full-time and part-time for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you’ll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.