Counselling and Psychotherapy COURSES

Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology (PSI accredited)

Overview

Awarding Body: Higher Education & Training Awards Council (HETAC)
Accreditation: Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
Award Level: Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
Title of Award: Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Duration: Full-Time: 2 Years
Part-time: 2 Years
Suited to: Non-Psychology Graduates

Key Features of the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology

  • Designed for non psychology graduates and those seeking to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology
  • The programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) - the professional body for Psychologists in Ireland
  • The Higher Diploma in Arts in  Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • The course is of particular interest to those who wish to enhance their current work practices e.g. Health and social care professionals, teachers, HR Managers, Voluntary and Community sector workers and many more
  • It is also of interest to those who would like to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of Psychology
  • The course represents the first necessary step to becoming a professional Psychologist
  • Successful graduates may apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise

Introduction

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is for graduates who wish to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology but who don't hold an honours degree in psychology. The course enables students to study key areas of psychology in a thriving research environment and, through a supervised research dissertation, explore practical issues of interest and relevance to a range of theoretical and occupational fields. Students will develop a firm knowledge base in psychology and gain experience of the research process that will build upon the skills and knowledge that they have already acquired in earlier studies. The psychology degree represents the necessary first step to becoming a professional psychologist. Upon successful completion of the degree, depending upon the final grade, graduates will be eligible to apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise. The Higher Diploma in Arts in  Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:

  • A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution, or
  • An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

Programme Content

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology programme has the following content.

Year 1
  • History & Schools of Psychology 
  • Data Analysis and Computing I 
  • Introduction to Social Psychology 
  • Cognitive Psychology I 
  • Developmental Psychology 
  • Data Analysis and Computing II 
  • Behavioural Analysis 
  • Research Design in Psychology
Year 2
  •  Abnormal Psychology 
  • Personality & Individual Differences 
  • Biopsychology 
  • Cognitive Psychology II 
  • Health Psychology
  • Applied Psychology 
  • Organisational  Psychology 
  • Research Project

Assessment Methods

Throughout the course some modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and examinations, or by continuous assessment alone. 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. Examinations are typically held in January and  late April/May.

Structure

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology extends over 2 academic years of full-time study, and 2 academic years of part-time study. In year 1, students undertake the study of 8 mandatory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core areas and disciplines and to provide a platform for more advanced study at year 2. In year 2, students undertake a further 7 mandatory subjects that build on the year 1 foundation and further develop students understanding of applied areas and key subjects of Psychology. Furthermore, students also undertake a mandatory research project under the guidance of a supervisor. On a part-time basis students will attend classes two evenings per week from 6.15pm-9.30pm and may opt to study a maximum of 4 modules per semester. 

Advice and confirmation of module selection will be made available to students before course commencement. The programme will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, study skills workshops, practical laboratory work and field study work.


Career Opportunities

Graduates may progress to postgraduate training or professional training within psychology. In addition, students will be equipped with the specialised knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue successful, responsible, and useful careers in a number of areas of employment relating to Psychology.

Fees

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career.

Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Fee Structure at DBS

The course fees for Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology are €4,500 per annum for both full and part-time studies.  This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations. Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000. Fees are typically payable in three installments. 50% of the annual fee is due upon acceptance of the programme and prior to course commencement in September with the balance payable in two installments at the end of November and the end of December. You can download our DBS fee information sheet for more information or contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Next Steps

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology.  As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation: 
  • Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation. 
  • Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport) 
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae 
  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English 
  • Academic/Business References - Ideally one Academic & one Business 
Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:
  • A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport 
  • The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation 

International Students/ Non EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation: 
  • Academic documents   
  • Academic transcripts  
  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)  
  • A Curriculum Vitae  
  • References from your employer/school/college  
  • A statement of purpose 
  • A copy of your passport 
Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned. 

Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:
  • A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution, or 
  • An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

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Now accepting applications for Autumn 2013

We are now accepting applications for all programmes commencing September 2013. Apply online or contact our admissions team for more information by calling 01 417 7500 Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.15pm or email admissions@dbs.ie

MEET OUR STUDENTS

“I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge that studying for the Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Psychology presented, and it has provided a fantastic opportunity for me to advance in a new career direction. My lecturers understanding and support during my studies have been unparalleled by any other college that I have attended in the past.”

Laura Morrin

Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology

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