The Higher Diploma in Psychology is a full-time programme running over two academic years from the date of first registration for the programme. (The programme may also be taken over a maximum of four academic years part-time).

Candidates should normally have at least a Second Class Honours, Grade I degree.

It may be necessary to limit numbers, and candidates will have to satisfy a Selection Committee at interview. Previous study of psychology, although not a requirement, is highly advantageous.

Year 1
Students take 60 credits as follows:
AP2102 Biological Bases of Behaviour (5 credits)
AP2103 Cognitive Psychology 1 (5 credits)
AP2104 Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
AP2105 Experimental Design and Statistical Applications 2 (5 credits)
AP2106 History and Philosophy of Psychology (5 credits)
AP2107 Individual Differences (5 credits)
AP2109 Social Psychology (5 credits)
AP2111 Psychology and Everyday Life (5 credits)
AP2204 The Psychology of Aging (5 credits)
AP2209 Research Methods in Psychology II (15 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Year 2
Students take 35 credits as follows:

AP3101 Abnormal Psychology (5 credits)*
AP3108 Practical Project Work (20 credits)
AP3111 Professional Skills (5 credits)
AP3114 Cognition and Real Life Applications (5 credits)**

plus
25 credits (with a minimum of 10 credits and maximum of 15 credits in each semester) from the following:
At least one module from:
AP3102 Applied Biological Psychology (5 credits)
AP3039 Evolutionary Psychology (5 credits)
AN4009 Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience (5 credits)
AN4012 Medical Imaging and Biomedical Devices in the Neurosciences (5 credits)
and
At least two modules from:
AP3115 Health Psychology: Models and Applications (5 credits),
AP3015 Forensic Psychology (5 credits)
AP3037 Work Psychology (5 credits)
AP3110 Psychological Therapies (5 credits)
AP3030 Special Educational Needs: Aetiology, Assessment and Intervention (5 credits)
AP3399 Psychological Measurement (5 credits per module)
and
At least one module from:
AP3104 Applied Developmental Psychology (5 credits)
AP3299 People and Technology (5 credits)
AP3020 Applying Psychology in Community Settings (5 credits)
AP3033 Positive Psychology (5 credits)

*Students who passed AP2101 cannot select AP3101
**Students who passed AP2203 cannot select AP3114
but must take 5 credits from above list of electives instead

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2018 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2017/2018.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Psychology (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate both knowledge and understanding in the core components of psychology;
• Exhibit the ability to write in an appropriate academic style;
• Demonstrate an appreciation of different research methodologies;
• Design and execute a piece of research in the area of psychology.