Diploma in Psychology
View Spring 2012 timetable here Psychology is one of the most exciting and interesting subjects to study at third level. It is the study of human behaviour in all its forms, normal and abnormal, nature and learned, productive and destructive. It is a modern and progressive area of study and, despite having a 150-year history, is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and development in Ireland and internationally. Programme Aims and Objectives The Diploma in Psychology allows students to complete three core modules within the BA (Hons) Psychology degree in DBS School of Arts and explore their own learning in a manner that allows them to exit, if they wish, after a year of study with a diploma or continue as a part-time psychology student (to progress to the degree programme students must meet minimum entry requirements for part-time students). Across the programme, three key areas of psychology are studied: Introduction to Psychology, the History and Schools of Psychology, and Social Psychology. Psychology is clearly wide-ranging, and this variety is represented in the programme. Students take modules in theoretical and applied aspects of psychology. The objective is to inspire an appreciation of empirical methods of research into human behaviour. Programme Structure The Diploma in Psychology favours a student centred learning approach under which lecturers introduce students to subject areas and act as guides and facilitators to students in their study of the subject. Within each module there will be plenty of scope for traditional lectures, seminars, practical and tutorial sessions. The emphasis will be at all times on interaction and participation. These lectures, seminars, practical and tutorial sessions will provide an opportunity for a necessary variety of learner-focused activities and will also provide a further opportunity to support and develop learner engagement with the programme.
Programme Content Introduction to Psychology The Introduction to Psychology module is intended to introduce first time students to the variety of subjects covered within the area of psychology. An important part of this module is learning about the scientific method which will explain some of the methods used to carry out research in psychology as well as much of the terminology that is used in the subject.
The History and Schools of Psychology The aim of this module is to give a critical account of the history of the discipline of psychology as well as some insight into its status today. In addition, students will explore the contributions of each of the major perspectives within the discipline of Psychology – Psychoanalysis; Behaviourism; Humanistic; Cognitive; Biological and Evolutionary.
Social Psychology This module will examine the basic principles and themes within Social Psychology as well as recent research, trends and findings. Students will explore the contributions made by Social Psychology to the understanding of the individual, the interpersonal processes and group processes. Students will be encouraged to engage with the literature concerned with Social Psychology and examine the issues. Assessment To be awarded the Diploma in Psychology, students will be required to complete continuous assessment for all three subjects and two end of year examinations. Continuous assessment will vary in style and purpose from module to module, depending upon the nature of the subject material and the teaching and learning objectives of the module. Assessments may include essays, multiple-choice questionnaire, short answer in-class exam, oral presentation, group work, and poster presentations. End of year examinations are typically held in late April/early May. Career Progression Opportunities Students will also be able to apply the skills they have learned during the course to a variety of areas including careers in the public sector, especially social services, caring professions, legal areas or those in the policing or nursing vocations. Others in the management and business fields will also find the components of the course extremely valuable. Further Study Options On successful completion of this programme and all related assessment, students may choose to progress onto the BA (Hons) Psychology evening degree at DBS School of Arts and receive an exemption from the three modules at degree level (minimum entry requirements apply). Student Profile Typically, participants on the programme can be divided into two categories. Some students have a general interest in the area of the psychology and consequently wish to pursue this interest by entering and completing the Diploma in Psychology. Other students undertake the diploma as an introduction to studying in the field of the psychology and then, having successfully completed the diploma (and having met minimum entry requirements for modular students), proceed to study on the BA (Hons) Psychology in DBS School of Arts.
"A great introduction to the world of psychology, I found the Diploma in Psychology to be an extremely interesting programme which opened a whole new world for me. The lecturers were very supportive and I am now looking forward to progressing to a degree in Psychology." Christine Tannam
Diploma in Psychology
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