| Code | HDPSY |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years Full-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | HDip |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| EU Fees | €6,900 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Non-EU Fees | €18,500 |
| Closing Date | 2 March 2026 |
| Non-EU Closing Date | 2 March 2026 |
| Start Date | 7 September 2026 |
Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Psychology is a conversion course to psychology for students with degrees in subjects other than psychology or with psychology as a minor subject. Completion of the Higher Diploma in Psychology effectively converts your degree to the equivalent of an honours degree with psychology as the main subject.
It is designed for non-psychology graduates who wish to gain a qualification that makes them eligible to become Graduate Members of the relevant professional society, The Psychological Society of Ireland. This is a pre-requisite for accredited professional training in psychology.
Core areas taught on the programme include:
- Research Methods
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychological Therapies
*In addition to the above, successful applicants who have not completed the equivalent of year 1 of the BA in Applied Psychology will be expected to attend a brief course prior to commencing on the Higher Diploma in Psychology.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
The commitment in terms of hours would be 300 by day full time (spread over 24 teaching weeks).
Assessment
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules
Who teaches this course
Staff in the School of Applied Psychology, UCC
Why Choose This Course
The Higher Diploma in Psychology is a conversion course for graduates with degrees in disciplines other than psychology or for those who have taken psychology as a minor subject. Completion of the Higher Diploma in Psychology effectively converts your degree to the equivalent of an honours degree with psychology as the major subject.
Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Psychology are eligible to become members of a relevant professional society (The Psychological Society of Ireland - PSI or the British Psychological Society - BPS). Membership of these national psychological organisations is a prerequisite for most postgraduate training in psychology.
Skills and Careers Information
The Higher Diploma in Psychology is an entry-level qualification (equivalent to a degree). Completion of the programme entitles graduates to membership of the PSI or BPS a prerequisite for most postgraduate training or research programmes. Clear and comprehensive information on postgraduate opportunities and career development may be found on these national society websites at www.psychologicalsociety.ie/ or www.bps.org.uk.
Requirements
- Candidates should normally have at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).
- 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
- The Additional/Supplementary Statement Question MUST also be completed during the online application. Relevant previous experience of psychology should be included in this statement
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
The EU fee for this course is €6,900.
The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/2027
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, please note that booking fees and deposits are non-refundable in all cases.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
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Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
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Some shortlisted Applicants may be interviewed during selection.
Deferrals
Deferrals are not permitted on this programme.
The closing date for non-EU applications is 2 March 2026
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