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BA (Hons) Applied Psychology - CK106

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
CAO Course Code: CK106
Duration: 3 years
Qualification: BA (Hons)
NFQ: Level 8

What is BA (Hons) Applied Psychology?

Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they react and interact. Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and thoughts, feelings, motivation and brain basis underlying such physical and mental activity.

The study of people has a long history, with early observers basing their analysis of human nature on everyday experience. In contrast, modern Psychology is the science of human behaviour and experience, and to study Psychology you have to learn scientific methods involving observation, measurement, hypothesis testing, experimentation, logical inference and the use of statistics to test the significance of research findings. Psychologists do not simply explain people's behaviour; they use their understanding to help people with difficulties and bring about change for the better.

The honours degree in Applied Psychology entitles students to student membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland while they are studying and to graduate membership when they have successfully completed their studies. This recognition in turn enables them to apply for membership of hte British Psychological Society and many European Psychological Societies and professional associations.

What will I be Studying?

Subjects
Year 1	Students take introductory modules in Research Methods, Experimental Design & Statistical Application, Biological & Cognitive Perspectives on Psychology, Developmental & Social Perspectives on Psychology, Science & Practice of Psychology, plus two subjects from the list below, with not more than one subject from each group. One of these subjects must be English, History, Sociology or Philosophy.
	Group 1: Computer Science; History
	Group 2: Archaeology; German; Latin; Mathematics; Mathematical Studies; Politics
	Group 3: French; Sociology; Studies in Music
	Group 4: Economics; English; Greek; An Leann Duchais; Religions and Global Diversity
	Group 5: Geography; Italian
	Group 6: Celtic Civilisation; Philosophy; Spanish
Year 2	Advanced Research Methods in Psychology; Professional Skills; Abnormal Psychology; Biological Bases of Behaviour; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Experimental Design and Statistical Applications; History & Philosophy of Psychology; Individual Differences; Social Psychology; Plus 5 credits from: English, History, Philosophy, Sociology
Year 3	Psychological Therapies; Applied Biological Psychology; Applied Developmental Psychology; Applied Social Health & Health Psychology; History & Philosohpical Foundations of Psychology; Social Psychology; Applied Cognitive Psychology; Research Module; 5 credits from: English, History, Philosopy or Sociology. Students are required to complete a supervised empirical research project, and a separate supervised dissertation on an area of the psychological literature.

Entry Requirements for BA (Hons) Applied Psychology

Irish School Leavers:

HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects from Irish, English, another language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Below are the Irish Leaving Certificate points that were required for the last four years.

	2008	2009	2010	2011
Points	505	505	500	500

Mature Students Requirements:

Mature students (over 23 by 1^st January of the year you hope to enter UCC) must complete the Mature Students' Admissions Pathway exam, and also make an application through the CAO. Mature candidates are also expected to show concrete evidence of commitment to psychology as a discipline. There are four places available for mature students on this programme. See the Mature Student Guide for more information on applying as a mature student

Postgrad. and Career Opportunities for BA (Hons) Applied Psychology

Postgraduate Opportunities

Many graduates go on to train as professional psychologists which requires a postgraduate degree, often a PhD or DPsy.

A variety of postgraduate programmes, including MPhils and PhDs, can be undertaken in UCC and beyond. Major areas of research interest in the School are centred around three core groups:

1. People & Technology - Human Computer Interaction; User Experience; Cognitive Aspects of Driving

2. Psychological Measurement - Psychometric Assessment & Measurement; ASsessment of Violent and Sexual Offenders; Sleeping & Waking Performance; Regulations & Control of Cognitive Function

3. Well-being & Social Engagement - Social Engagement; Positive Psychology & Wellbeing; Counselling & Health Psychology

Career Opportunities

Students may go on to train as professional Psychologists, which requires a postgraduate degree, often at doctoral level (PhD, DPsy). However, the majority of our graduates have used their training in a variety o jobs, including in the following areas:

Human Resource Management
Recruitment
Health & Safety Officers in industry
Public Relations, Advertising
Research Officers in a vareity of public and private organisations, e.g. Health Boards, manufacturing companies
Lecturing

Further Information on BA (Hons) Applied Psychology

Course Co-ordinator:
Course Co-ordinator Department: School of Applied Psychology
ph:+353 (0)21 490 4551/4552
e:maura.obrien@ucc.ie
w:http://www.ucc.ie/en/apsych/