Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

Course Overview

  • 4

    Years

  • 8

    Level

  • 484*

    Points

  • US925

    CAO Course Code

Why take this course?

PSI Accredited

Our BSc in Applied Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). The Psychological Society of Ireland is the national professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland.

On successful completion of your 4-year degree here on the Athlone campus, students can apply for entry into postgraduate programmes in Psychology. Only PSI accredited undergraduate degrees allow you to progress to postgraduate training in Psychology (e.g., clinical, counselling and educational). This degree confers eligibility forgraduate membership of both the PSI and the British Psychological Society.

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It examines how we think, feel, act and interact with other people. It examines questions such as: What makes each person unique? How can we communicate so that others understand us better? How can we make teams work efficiently? How can we help people to overcome anxiety? How can we make our dreams become a reality? If you are interested in similar types of questions, then this course is likely to be relevant to you.

The course will be relevant to anyone wishing to pursue a longer-term career in psychology. It is also an ideal stepping stone to post-graduate study either within psychology or in other areas of social science.

You will develop skills in research, problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, communication and professional development. If you are interested in these and similar types of questions, then this course is likely to be relevant to you.

What will I experience?

TUS Midlands Psychological Society of Ireland accredited BSc (Honours) in Applied Psychology is an ideal course for learners who are interested in undertaking comprehensive study in the field of psychology and for those who wish to study in a friendly, supportive and collaborative environment.

Over the 4 years of your study you will:

• Gain a thorough grounding in all core aspects of psychology including cognitive, social, developmental, biological and personality psychology,

• Gain experience of specialised and applied areas within psychology including health psychology, sport psychology, issues with mental health and disability and others,

• Receive training in interpersonal communication and professional development will be invaluable in work settings and in your personal life,

• Undertake a work placement in year 3 where you will gain experience in a work-based setting,

• Experience small class sizes which allow for individual attention from lecturers and ample opportunities for discussion and collaboration with other class members,

• Work with enthusiastic lecturers who are committed to teaching and learning,

• Learn in a friendly and vibrant campus community and have the opportunity to join various social clubs and societies.

What opportunities might it lead to?

A degree in Psychology can lead to a comprehensive list of careers including roles in clinical psychology, counselling, education, health, forensics, sport, HR Management, and Business. The broader skills learned – such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, research and project management skills – are also desirable for employers in a wide range of sectors.

Graduates who decide not to continue further training in psychology will find that a primary degree in psychology is a valuable qualification. It combines high levels of literacy and numeracy, experience in working both individually and within teams, as well as analysing data and carrying out research.

Additional Information

Work placement

In semester 2 of Year 3, you will undertake a work placement where you will gain experience in a work-based setting.

Industry links

One of the unique features of this new programme is its applied nature. TUS’s Department of Social Science has longstanding relationships with service providers across a range of health and social services. It includes areas such as Early Years Care & Education, Social Care, Mental Health Services, Intellectual Disability, Youth Work, Older People and Community Development.

Contact email: appliedpsych@ait.ie

Course Details

Course Duration:
4 Years
CAO Course Code:
US925
Cut Off CAO Points:
484*
Course Award:
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course NFQ Level:
Level 8
Department:
Dept of Social Science
Minimum Entry Requirements:

Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

Mature applicants are not required to meet these minimum entry requirements. However, there are a limited number of places for mature applicants - an interview may form part of the selection process.

Sign up for our CAO mailing list

Accreditations/Endorsements

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1: Introduction to Psychology, History of Psychology, Research 1: Introduction, Biological Basis of Behaviour 1: Exploring the Brain, Enhancing Academic Practice: Writing Skills

Semester 2: Research 2: Descriptive Statistics and Computing, Lifespan Development 1: Childhood & Adolescence, Research 3: Experimental Design, Applied Social Psychology

Year 2

Semester 1: Lifespan Development 2: Adulthood, Research 4: Inferential Statistics and Computing 1, Cognitive Psychology 1: Perception, Memory & Attention, Biological Basis of Behaviour 2: Brain, Body & Behaviour

plus elective from Organisational Behaviour, Health Psychology, Sport & Exercise Psychology

Semester 2: Personality & Individual Differences, Biological Bases of Behaviour 3: Applications and Current Issues, Research 5: Qualitative Research, Cognitive Psychology 2: Cognition in Action, Research 4: Inferential Statistics & Computing 2.

Year 3

Semester 1: Psychology of Mental Health, Exploring Neurodiversity and Developmental Differences, Preparation for Work Placement, Research 6: Applying Research Methods.

In semester 2, you will go on placement where you will gain experience in a relevant work-based setting.

Year 4

Semester 1: Applied Research 1: Research Proposal, Cognitive Psychology 2: Advanced Cognitive Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Learning and Educational Psychology

Semester 2: Applied Research 2: Project, Contemporary Issues in Psychology, Advanced Personality and Social Psychology

Careers & Opportunities

Further Study

An undergraduate degree in Psychology provides a fantastic foundation for further postgraduate study in a variety of related areas. However, graduates wishing to undertake a professional career in psychology (e.g.in clinical psychology, educational psychology, occupational psychology, counselling psychology or other specialised areas) must pursue further postgraduate study in psychology. To enrol on a postgraduate course in a specialised field of psychology, graduates must hold an undergraduate Psychology degree approved by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

The TUS Midlands BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology programme has been accredited by the PSI since June 2021.

Facility Gallery