Course Overview

Watch course video presentation here.

The HDipPsych (Full) is a two-year, full-time programme for graduates who have already received a higher degree in a field other than Psychology but who wish to pursue Psychology as a career option. By completing the HDipPsych (Full), you will cover course content equivalent to that of the University of Galway BSc Psychology programme.

The HDipPsych (Full) is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and thus satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in Psychology. The programme qualifies graduates for entry to postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Note, the HDipPsych (Full) programme might also be an appropriate course for students with a psychology background which does not consist of PSI recognised modules. If in doubt, applicants are recommended to direct queries to the PSI on this matter.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Postgraduate Applications System

Who Teaches this Course

  • Professor Ruth Curtis, BA, MA, HDipEd, PhD, AFPsSI, AFBPsS, CPsychol 
  • Dr Padraig Mac Neela, BA, PhD 
researcher
Dr John Bogue
BA, MSc, D.Clin.Psych
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researcher
DR MARK ELLIOTT
PhD, MPhil, MSc, BA
SENIOR LECTURER
School of Psychology
Room 1034
Arts Millennium Building
NUI Galway
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researcher
Ms. Anne Marie Keane
LECTURER ABOVE THE BAR
School Of Psychology
Room 1035
Arts Millenium Building
NUI Galway
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researcher
Dr Annmarie Groarke
BA, MA, HDipED, PhD, AFPsSI, CPsychol
Deputy Dean, College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies
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researcher
Dr Caroline Heary
PhD M.Psych BA
Senior Lecturer
School of Psychology
University of Galway
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researcher
DR. DENIS O'HORA
Ph.D., B.A.
LECTURER BAR/COLLEGE LECTURER
School of Psychology
Room 1032
Arts Millennium Building
NUI Galway
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researcher
Dr. Kiran Sarma
BA(Psych),MSc(Applied Psych),PhD(Psych)
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Requirements and Assessment

Assessment on the HDipPsych (Full) programme varies from module to module. Many modules are assessed by examination and some wholly or partially through continuous assessment. Work submitted for continuous assessment includes written essays, written reports, presentations and research projects.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

The programme is intended for graduates with at least a Second Class Honours level in any field other than Psychology. Places are awarded on the basis of academic merit. The two-year HDipPsych (Full) is not intended for graduates who have the BA (Joint Honours) with Psychological Studies from University of Galway (or its equivalent as deemed by the College of Arts). This is intended to be completed by the one-year full-time HDip in Psychology (Conversion).

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The HDipPsych (Fu ll) is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and thus satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in Psychology.


Note, the HDipPsych (Full) programme might also be an appropriate course for students with a psychology background which does not consist of PSI recognised modules. If in doubt, applicants are recommended to direct queries to the PSI on this matter. In particular, applicants are advised to enquire with the PSI as to the accreditation status of existing courses covered in psychology for the purposes of recognition of prior learning.

Duration

2 years, full-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

8

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website.


 

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

60

Award

CAO

Course code

HDIP-PSY

Course Outline

The programme provides detailed training in the science of psychology. Students take modules from the BSc Psychology second- and fourth-year programme.

The modules on offer include those on the psychology of learning; memory and cognition; developmental psychology; perception, attention and performance; biological psychology; issues in cognitive neuroscience; applied organisational psychology; social psychology; health psychology; psychological measurement (theory and practice); advanced research methods (both quantitative and qualitative); and computer skills training (SPSS).

Students take part in a series of experimental workshops throughout the two academic years and, in addition, are required to complete a research project under supervision in their final year. Students may also choose elective modules across both academic years.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Subject
Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Required Core Subject
A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.

Year 2 (60 Credits)

Optional PS340: Neuropsychology - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS408: Human Sexuality - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS342: Introduction to Positive Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS409: Psychology, Science & Pseudoscience - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS3114: Introduction to Communication Skills and Counselling - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required PS405: Advanced Research Methods in Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Required PS420: Psychological Measurement: Theory & Practice - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Required PS334: Applied Behaviour Analysis - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Required PS325: Research Project 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Required PS322: Health Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS3109: Vertically Integrated Projects 1 S1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional RPL015: Recognised Prior Learning - 15 Credits - Semester 3
Optional RPL005: Recognised Prior Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS338: Theories of Personality - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning - 10 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS3123: Exploring Routes to Wellbeing - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MG3113: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional PS3106: Language & Cognition: A Contextual Behavioural Approach - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS4100: Technology and Health - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS345: Applied Developmental Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS336: Psychology, Society & Human Values - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional LW365: Criminology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS341: Introduction to Collaborative Enquiry & Applied Systems Science - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required PS427: Forensic, Abnormal & Clinical Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required PS3100: Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required PS418: Issues in the Cognitive Neurosciences - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required PS327: Research Project 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MG3115: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS3110: Vertically Integrated Projects 1 S2 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional AJ2114: Communicating Through Storytelling - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS3124: Scientific Arts - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS343: Pediatric Clinical Behavioural Interventions - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional ED2104: Design Your Life Semester 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS329: Service Learning in Psychology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS3101: Modelling Learning and Decision Making - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS3107: Introduction to Psychophysiology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS3102: Brain and Behaviour: Theory & Practice - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS3103: Health and Well-Being: Theory & Practice - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS339: Behavioural Medicine - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS320: Memory & Cognition - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PS419: Relational Frame Theory, Language & Cognition - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This programme provides an excellent foundation for further postgraduate courses of study and careers in a variety of areas. Completing this degree will enable a graduate to gain access to further training to become a professional psychologist (e.g., a clinical, counselling or occupational psychologist) or to undertake a research degree in psychology (e.g., a PhD in Psychology).

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6.390 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€6,250 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€17,500 p.a. (€17,640 including levy) 2024/25


Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here

Best College of Arts & Social Sciences

Arts Education Winner Badge

2023 QS Subject Rankings: Top 300

Psychology QS Subject Award Badge

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