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What is the BA (Hons) in Psychology?

This interdisciplinary three-year degree course in Psychology offers students the opportunity to follow a major course in psychology alongside minor study in an associate humanities discipline. Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. As such, the mission of the BA (Honours) in Psychology is to help students learn to think like psychologists. To achieve this goal, students generate and evaluate empirical evidence while considering theoretical perspectives of the discipline.
Students actively engage with a rigorous academic program that includes comprehensive coursework and student research. The structure andcontent of the degree will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour for a dynamic and fast changing world. Students who undertake the BA (Hons) in Psychology will have to be capable of studying across a wide range of disciplines, including Statistics.

The BA (Hons) in Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

Arts Subjects

Students will study Psychology as their Major Subject in Year 1 in addition to taking two Minor Subjects from associate humanities disciplines. These Minor Subjects must be chosen from Groups 1, 2 or 3 of the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) course, but not more than one subject can be taken from each group.

On successful completion of year one, students will continue with their Major Subject, Psychology, and choose one of their two Minor Subjects to study in years two and three of the course.

BA (Hons) International in Psychology

The BA (Hons) International in Psychology is a four-year version of the BA (Hons) in Psychology course. Admission takes place in second year and students spend their third year studying at an approved partner university or third level institution abroad, before returning to complete their final year at SETU Waterford.

The information presented here is valid for students commencing their degree from September 2020 onwards.  Students who enrolled on the programme before September 2020 should consult their Programme Handbook on Moodle for further information.

Year 1

Semester 1 Semester 2
Introduction to Psychology Introduction to Biological Psychology
History of Psychology Developmental Psychology
Introduction to Statistical Analysis and Design Introduction to Cognition & Perception
Introduction to Psychological Research Methods Introduction to Social Psychology
Minor Subject 1 Module 1 Minor Subject 1 Module 2
Minor Subject 2 Module 1 Minor Subject 2 Module 2

Year 2

Semester 3 Semester 4
Advanced Cognitive Psychology Abnormal Psychology
Individual Differences Organisational Psychology
Intermediate Statistical Analysis & Design Advanced Statistical Analysis & Design
Applied Research Methods Psychology Laboratories
Minor Subject Module 3 Minor Subject Module 5
Minor Subject Module 4 Minor Subject Module 6

Year 3

Semester 5 Semester 6
Advanced Social Psychology Counselling Psychology
Psychology & Crime Health Psychology
Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology Dissertation: Psychology 2 (10 credits)
Dissertation: Psychology 1 Minor Subject Module 9
Minor Subject Module 7 Minor Subject Module 10
Minor Subject Module 8

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA (Hons) in Psychology 

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O4/H7

Language Recommendations for BA (Hons) in Psychology 

  • Applicants intending to choose PLC French: a grade of H5, or equivalent, in Leaving Certificate French is required.​
  • Applicants intending to choose PLC  Irish: a grade of H5, or equivalent, in Leaving Certificate Irish is required.
  • For all ab initio languages (those starting a language as a beginner) there are no special requirements.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA (Hons) in Psychology:

This course develops multi-skilled individuals with a wide range of transferable skills and provides industry with graduates who are capable of strategically managing all aspects of their environment. A graduate of the BA (Hons) in Psychology will be an enthusiastic and confident practitioner, comfortable with their ability to learn, and able to adapt to an ever-changing society. They will be ready to embark on a challenging and rewarding career in a variety of differing employment positions.

Follow otn study for or BA (Hons) in Psychology graduates

Masters degrees by Research at SETU Waterford or elsewhere as well as various other taught postgraduate programmes.

This course develops multi-skilled individuals with a wide range of transferable skills and provides industry with graduates who are capable of strategically managing all aspects of their environment. A graduate of the BA (Hons) in Psychology will be an enthusiastic and confident practitioner, comfortable with their ability to learn, and able to adapt to an ever-changing society. They will be ready to embark on a challenging and rewarding career in a variety of differing employment positions.

Masters degrees by Research at SETU Waterford or elsewhere as well as various other taught postgraduate programmes.

Contact

Course Leader

Dr Katherine Cagney

Lecturer in Psychology -

Email: [email protected]

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