Humanities (Psychology Major)

The DCU Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Psychology Major) is a Level 8 honours degree programme, which provides students with a focused, tailored programme of education in Psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and as such is concerned with why we do what we do, feel what we feel, and think what we think. Psychologists use rigorous scientific methods to further our understanding in a wide range of topics, as Psychology is a broad discipline. Psychological knowledge has many applications in a variety of settings such as industry, education, the law, as well as medical and forensic settings. This programme offers students great flexibility in that they can vary the number of modules they register for in a given year to match the other responsibilities in their life. Given that registering for a module means committing to the workload associated with that module this flexibility allows a student to only take on the work they can accommodate in a given year. When deciding how much work to take on students should consider the time needed to: study learning materials; actively participate in online classes; and the time they need to set aside to interact with tutors and other students in the online discussion forums. Students on this programme also have a good degree of flexibility in terms of time, place, and pace of studying as they do not have to attend campus-based classes on a regular basis. The programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), which ensures that the programme meets the highest standards for undergraduate, pre-professional education and training in Psychology.

Course Structure:

On this programme you will study nine Psychology modules, which cover the core areas of Psychology: Social and Organisational Psychology; Developmental and Educational Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Biopsychology; Individual Differences and, very importantly; Psychological Methods for Conducting Scientific Research. As part of this programme, you will also have the opportunity to complete, under supervision, an independent research project in Psychology. In addition to the Psychology modules, you will study either three sociology modules or three philosophy modules that complement your psychological studies. The programme has two elective pathways whereby students may choose to study three sociology modules or three philosophy modules in addition to the nine psychology modules.

To complete the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Psychology Major) a student needs to successfully complete twelve modules.

Students may elect to exit with a Diploma in Humanities (Psychology Major) on successful completion of eight modules if they do not wish to progress to the full degree qualification. It should be noted that this diploma is not a route to graduate membership of a psychological society, and therefore is not a route into the field of psychology in and of itself.

Please note that the programme is under constant review and there may be changes to the structure, content and presentation of the programme in future years.

Each module is awarded 15 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credit points. These points are accumulated towards your award of degree. 180 ECTS credit points are required for the BA in Humanities (Psychology Major) and 120 ECTS credit points are required for the Diploma in Humanities (Psychology Major).

Psychology

The Psychology modules equip students who wish to specialise in Psychology with a foundation in the key concepts, language, and approach of the discipline and an appreciation of the nature of evidence and theory. Psychology is a progressive and modern field of study examining behaviour and mental processes, and as such is concerned with why we do what we do, feel what we feel and think what we think. Psychologists use rigorous scientific methods to further our understanding in a wide range of topics, as Psychology is a broad discipline. Psychological knowledge has many applications in a variety of settings such as industry, education, the law, as well as medical and forensic settings.

The module information that can be accessed through the link below is provided in order that students may gain a reasonable impression of module content. This information is also provided specifically so that students may use it to inform any exemption applications they may make. However, modules are regularly updated and therefore the content of these modules may change.

Sociology

The sociology modules provide students with the techniques and skills to analyse contemporary Irish and European society, in particular the issues and problems associated with some of its major social institutions. Students will be encouraged to adopt a critical approach to explanations of contemporary social issues offered by sociologists arguing from different sociological perspectives.

The module information that can be accessed through the link below is provided in order that students may gain a reasonable impression of module content. This information is also provided specifically so that students may use it to inform any exemption applications they may make. However, modules are regularly updated and therefore the content of these modules may change.

The four available sociology modules, the foundation level module and three intermediate level modules are:

• SC100: What is Sociology?
• SC200: Sociology of the Lifecourse
• Soc3A: Power, Social Order; Crime Deviance, Work and Employment
• Soc4: Social Inequality and Intergroup Relations

Philosophy

The philosophy subject stream engages a 2500 year tradition of philosophising, extending from 500 BC Greece right up to contemporary philosophers' influences on ethics and politics, culture and media. Students are also taught to reflect personally on the issues and to think critically and independently. Students will encounter the work of major philosophers in seeking to answer such existential questions as 'what is truth?', 'what is happiness and how can we find it?' and 'how should one live?' Additionally, modules will look at more specialised questions such as 'what is the nature of art?', 'how should we organise our politics and society?' and 'what can philosophy tell us about religious belief and unbelief?'

The four available philosophy modules, the foundation level module and three intermediate level modules are:

•  PH100: What is Philosophy?

•  PH200: What can I know? Philosophy of Knowledge.

•  Phil3: Philosophy of Values: Ethics and Aesthetics

•  PH220: Philosophy of Education: Teaching, Theory and Practice

The module information that can be accessed through the link below is provided in order that students may gain a reasonable impression of module content. This information is also provided specifically so that students may use it to inform any exemption applications they may make. However, modules are regularly updated and therefore the content of these modules may change.

How Long does it take to Complete the Course?

It is possible to complete the degree in a minimum of four years, however, this would be a 'full-time' studying commitment. The Diploma in Humanities (Psychology Major) can be completed in a minimum of three years with a similar commitment. The greater the number of modules successfully completed each year, the quicker you obtain your degree. In the first year of study a student can only select the three foundation modules. After the foundation modules have been completed a student can select from one to four modules per year. The number of modules you undertake each year will depend on your individual circumstances. The Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Psychology Major) must be completed within a maximum eight year registration period.

Module Selection:

While this programme's modular structure provides you with the flexibility to choose how many modules you commit to studying in any one academic year, there are rules relating to module registration that you must be familiar with in order that you can make a fully informed decision about which modules you wish to take. For example, some modules must be completed before others can be selected, and other modules cannot be taken in combination.

Mathematics Recommendation:

Please note that the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Psychology Major)  programme involves a number of modules that focus on Psychology research methods, which require a competence in mathematics roughly equivalent to pass Leaving Certificate level. While a Leaving Certificate mathematics qualification is not mandatory, students without recent exposure to mathematics should consider updating their skills by enrolling in a Leaving Certificate mathematics course or by studying Leaving Certificate mathematics textbooks.

Because of the way the programme is structured, you do not have to defer commencement of the programme while you develop your competence in mathematics. You could update your skills in parallel with other modules not requiring competence in this area, specifically PY100: Psychology Foundation and SC100: What is Sociology? or PH100: What is Philosophy?

Technology and Online Skills Requirements:

Your learning experience as a DCU Connected student is enhanced through the use of learning technology and rich digital media. We understand that students will have varying degrees of technical experience and ability when they begin their studies. Due to the key role technology will play in your studies you should be ready to engage with relevant technologies to a minimum level when you begin your studies. That is, you should be familiar with using email, browsing the Internet, downloading files, and using the word processing package Microsoft Word. When you begin your studies you will then further develop your skills with using technology in your studies. Becoming more confident in the use of technology, as you study, will then help you succeed as an online learner.