Psychology 2

American poet Marianne Moore once noted that Psychology which explains everything explains nothing, and we are still in doubt. There’s no doubt that as an area of study it is intimidating in volume and fresh faces to the field may be frustrated to find that it can often be contradictory in its findings. However, it’s continued popularity as a chosen course or career is evidence that it is as intriguing as it may be confusing. It is widely recognised as an intellectually challenging academic discipline, which can accumulate diverse and valuable qualities for any student willing to dedicate time to it.

If you are such a student with a view to directing your energies down this path take comfort in the fact that there are open avenues available to those with no third level experience of the subject. Four universities in Ireland UCD, UCC, NUIG and TCD each offer a psychology conversion course: the Higher Diploma in Psychology, which effectively converts a primary degree to the equivalent of an honours degree with Psychology as the main subject. Assuming the successful completion of this course, students will then be eligible to become a Graduate Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (a pre-requisite for accredited professional training in Ireland). The diploma is awarded after two years of full time study (in UCC it is offered on a part-time basis lengthening the duration to four years of study).

A basic requirement for acceptance is that candidates possess a second-class honours degree at least, in any subject from a recognised course provider. Places for these programmes are usually extremely limited in each of the universities and in all cases shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview prior to obtaining entry into the diploma. Core modules might include areas such as Cognition & Culture, Life Span Psychology, Individual Differences and Research Methods. Scope for individual tastes is provided for with the inclusion of a list of optional modules to choose from such as: Bereavement, Attachment Theory and Clinical Psychology.

For those with commitments that would make the full time route impossible to consider there are other options. Firstly, the aforementioned course in UCC, or alternatively the private college Dublin Business School runs a three-year honours degree in Psychology on a part time and fulltime basis. The course is fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. In the case of distance learning options, be sure to ascertain that the course provider you choose is well established and recognised by this professional body.

However if your primary degree is already Psychology and you’re wondering what to do next be prepared for the wealth of postgraduate options available to you. The main areas of specialisations include Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Health Psychology and the choice of postgrads in Ireland is reflective of these. UL, UCD, NUIG and TCD offer three-year full time courses in Clinical Psychology, each of which prepare participants for careers in working with those suffering from mental health disorders. Typical course content would include Adult Clinical Psychology and Intellectual Disability. Possible career sectors for qualified clinical psychologists would be in the health service, the voluntary body sector, or the prison service. At least a 2:1 honours degree is required for entry along with, in some cases, a year’s experience working in a related field. Potential postgraduate candidates should note that the MA in Social & Organisational Psychology in UCD did not have intake in 2008 - however this may change in 2009.

If you are more drawn to using your qualifications in the business world then the Occupational and Organisational Psychology taught programme in UCC would be a good choice. Core modules of this course include Personnel Selection & Development, Training & Well-Being, Human Performance, etc. This course strives to educate graduates in areas such as conflict management and job analysis, while providing training in skills, methods and interventions used by occupational and organisational psychologists. These are qualities that can be an extremely valuable resource within an organisation, reflecting the transferable nature of skills developed in this, and indeed all, psychology postgraduate courses.

In TCD the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is a popular choice each year. The course content concentrates on counselling skills training; teaching graduates about current research findings and helping them to apply theoretical practices into their work, which begins with course approved placement options within the community, health service and private practice. Successful graduates often choose professions within the Health Service Executive (for example the National Counselling Service or the Refugee & Asylum Seekers Service) or in a voluntary agency or in third level student counselling services. A first class honours degree in psychology is essential for entry.

Although psychology is undoubtedly a fascinating area many students may be dispirited by the number of qualifications and length of time it takes to get started. These sacrifices, combined with the fact that most of these courses are extremely competitive with demanding requirements, mean that psychology students are often forced to consider employment in other sectors. However graduates find themselves extremely well skilled in looking for work in many industries as the research and training throughout the postgraduate course develops a great range of specialist skills. Areas such as counselling, education, human resources, media and research are just some of the fields where psychology graduates are always in great demand. The current economic climate means that professionals with knowledge and experience that can be used in such a diverse number of industries are a valuable commodity. Choosing to do a postgraduate course in psychology will be of great benefit to any path your career may take; after all everyone knows that anything worth having is worth working for.

Click here to search for Psychology courses in the National Education Database.