Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology

This programme is specifically designed to enable students to:

• Apply problem-solving, critical, analytical and scientific research skills to resolve complex, applied and unpredictable issues in the different areas of psychology.
• Perform a range of appropriate psychological measurements using software and technological tools.
• Relate ideas and research findings, both effectively and fluently, by written, oral and visual means.
• Identify a broad range of information, media and technological applications for psychological research.
• Demonstrate leadership in social settings, including understanding and communicating the role of evidence when making critical judgements about psychological issues and arguments.
• Demonstrate competence in problem solving and scientific research skills including generating research questions or hypotheses and devising ways of testing these using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

DEGREE LEVEL 1

Students will be equipped with knowledge about the theoretical and conceptual framework of psychology as a discipline. In addition, students will also be given a basic understanding of the practices and applications of psychology generally, and within the context of the mental health industry.

DEGREE LEVEL 2

A broader range of skills will be learnt, enabling students to describe systematic knowledge of influences on psychological functioning, an understanding of the core areas of the discipline, and how they interrelate. They will be able to apply problem-solving, critical, analytical and scientific research skills to resolve complex applied and unpredictable issues in the different areas of psychology. They will also demonstrate leadership, professionalism and ethical behaviours in the field. The students will be nurtured to display sensitivity, and to react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal factors in social groups and teams, including working co-operatively, and responsibly to make contributions to team objectives.

INTERNSHIP (16 WEEKS)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

DEGREE LEVEL 3

Students will make use of their previous studies and industrial experience to decide which areas of Psychology to specialise in for their final year elective modules. The students will be able to critically analyse and monitor their own learning as well as turn ideas into an action plan.

A final year project requires students to take a hands-on approach to different areas in psychology and to apply all the expertise and skills acquired from both the classroom and internship settings to their research project. They will also develop good skills in the use of media and technology for psychological research. The successful completion of the final year project is a testament of the student’s ability to combine psychological knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking and analytical skills to produce a personal achievement portfolio.

MQA COMPULSORY SUBJECTS*