Overview

Psychology is one of the most exciting and interesting subjects available in third level education. It is the study of human behaviour in all its forms normal and abnormal, natural and learned, productive and destructive. It is a modern and progressive area of study, which with a 150-year history, is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and development in Ireland and internationally. In modern times, professional psychologists work in almost every sphere of daily life. They contribute to the design of our classrooms and what takes place in them. They teach industry the best ways to select and motivate employees. They provide crucial insight into the background of social problems such as suicide, addiction and child abuse. They help coaches train athletes, help the police to investigate crime, help managers to reduce stress in the workplace and help the health services to design effective health promotion campaigns (for example, anti-smoking, and safe driving campaigns).
Aims and Objectives
The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) accredits the BA (Hons) Psychology degree taught in DBS. PSI is the professional body for psychology in Ireland. As such it seeks to promote the science and profession of psychology in Ireland and beyond. The psychology degree represents the necessary first step to becoming a professional psychologist. The BA (Hons) Psychology is designed to provide an understanding of human thought and behaviours through the application of psychology to a wide range of areas. These areas range from the understanding of the nature and causes of mental illness to investigating the decision making processes used by us in real life situations. Our degree is informed continually by research, both past and present, and is taught by staff who are also practitioners in various psychology fields. Uniquely the Psychology degree in DBS introduces students to the main concepts and text which the tradition of psychoanalysis offers to the field of psychology.
The objectives of the BA (Hons) Psychology degree are as follows:
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To provide a forum of open space learning where students can develop , deepen and expand their theoretical knowledge of Psychology
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To equip students with the knowledge and skills required allowing progression in further specialist and applied areas of psychology
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To facilitate an understanding of the main domains of the scientific and empirical study of psychology
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To develop a critical appreciation of the contribution psychology has made to understanding behaviour and experience
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To allow students to engage in advanced theoretical debates relevant to the understanding of contemporary issues in society
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To provide students with eligibility for Graduate Basis for Registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland
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To offer the opportunity for progression to postgraduate level within the many fields of psychology and related specialisms
PSI Accredited

The BA (Hons) in Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, the professional body for psychology in Ireland. As such, it seeks to promote the science and profession of psychology in Ireland and beyond. PSI membership now stands at over 3,000 members, and includes practitioners, educators and researchers, professionals and postgraduate students, as well as undergraduate subscribers.
Delivery
This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.
Student Testimonial
"I always wanted to study psychology so took the plunge finally. The application process was very easy, the staff were very helpful and intimate classes allow for more tutor attention.
I absolutely adored it...I enjoyed the tutors & small classes; it made me fall in love with psychology. My favourite subject was Developmental Psychology.
I would reccommend DBS to other students; it's very accessible and the staff are always on hand to help - very quick email replies to any queries.
I have recently been promoted...I believe my skills developed me into a better manager hence why I got the job promotion. My future plans are likely to work with the Gaurds and in the prisons with criminology / forensic psychology."
Ruby Whyte
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology