Introduction

This one year course in Psychology is designed for those who have an interest in Psychology and would like to gain knowledge and understanding of this area. 

Career Opportunities

The course content contains subjects essential to those seeking to progess in the area academically or to apply psychology theories to areas of management and business. 

Course Structure

• Human Growth and Development
• Child Development
• Applied Psychology
• Behavioural Studies
• Statistics
• Criminology
• Communications
• Work Experience

Work experience is a mandatory part of the course. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 days work experience which offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills and gain an understanding of the workplace.

Support Elements

• Applied IT (MS Office 2010)
• Study Skills
• Advice on careers and progression to further studies 
   

Assessment and Certification

• Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
• This course is certified by FETAC.  Learners must pass all 8 subjects to be awarded a FETAC Level 5 Award in Community & Health Services (DCHSX).

Progression

Learners who achieve a minimum number of distinctions may progress to further study at third level. This award (DCHSX) has many links to courses at third level. The FETAC website has further details. Some of these links include:

• BSc Applied Psychology (Level 8 PSI Accredited) awarded by the Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dun Laoghaire. 
• BScoSci Social Science awarded by NUI Maynooth (Level 8)
• BA (Hons) in Psychology awarded by Dublin Business School (Level 8 PSI Accredited)
• BA (Hons) Business and Psychology awarded by Dublin Business School (Level 8 PSI Accredited)
• BA Applied Social Studies in Social Care awarded the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
• BA (Hons) Psychology or BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology awarded by Napier University, Edinburgh. No tuition fees are charged to Irish undergraduates studying in Scotland.
  
  Mature Students (Over the age of 23)
  Typically Universities reserve a number of places on their Psychology degree courses for mature students. Students have to apply to each University individually. This course will provide a foundation to the basic modules studied on the first year of a Psychology course and therefore should greatly assist a student's ability to gain access to a Psychology course. For example the BA Honours in Psychology at NUI Maynooth has twenty places with five reserved for mature entry. 

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate

Applicants should have achieved five passes at ordinary level (grade D or better), which must include English. Foundation Maths is acceptable.

• Leaving Certificate Applied

Applicants should submit details of achievements.

• Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)

Applicants without these entry requirements will be considered on the basis of age, experience and overall demonstrable ability.

• Other Requirements 

All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details.
 

Fees

There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, €200 PLC Government Levy (unless exempt), a Student Services fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.