Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Psychology

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
I am an
Study Abroad
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact UsContact Us

If you have a questioning attitude and good reasoning skills, you will really enjoy the world opened up by Psychology. Psychology has links to the natural sciences, the social sciences and the arts, so it is likely to appeal to a wide variety of people. The course has core modules that will introduce you to major theories and research methods, and you will also have a chance to choose option modules in specialist areas of psychology (e.g. counselling, clinical psychology and forensic psychology).

About This Course

If you have a questioning attitude and good reasoning skills, you will really enjoy the world opened up by Psychology. Psychology has links to the natural sciences, the social sciences and the arts, so it is likely to appeal to a wide variety of people. The course has core modules that will introduce you to major theories and research methods, and you will also have a chance to choose option modules in specialist areas of psychology (e.g. counselling, clinical psychology and forensic psychology).

First Year

Social Psychology • Brain & Behaviour • Psychology: Key Skills & Concepts • Introduction to Psychology • Introductory Research Methods • Perception & Cognition • Introduction to Applied Psychology • Elective module • + Optional modules

Second & Third Year

Behavioural Neuroscience • Child & Adolescent Development • Visual Cognition • Psychology Labs • Personality & Human Intelligence • Independent Research Project • Option modules within Psychology • Elective modules

Students spend up to 20 hours per week attending lectures and tutorials. In second year, you will conduct a series of laboratory practicals, while in third year, you will carry out an independent research project under the direction of one of the academic staff.

Assessment

A combination of end-of-trimester written examinations and continuous assessment is used to evaluate performance.

Students can apply to study abroad for a year in partner universities by extending the degree from 3 to 4 years leading to the award of BSc International degree. The School of Psychology has exchange agreements with: • Université Catholique de l’Ouest, France • Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, Spain • Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany • University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

The degree is recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland and, as such, provides the foundation for further graduate training in any field of psychology, as well as for a wide variety of careers, including:

• Clinical Psychology • Educational Psychology • Organisational Psychology • Forensic Psychology • Counselling Psychology • Health Psychology

There are also career opportunities in research alongside other social scientists, such as economists and sociologists.

Undergraduate Office,
UCD School of Psychology
e. psychology@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10060 Brain and Behaviour Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10080 Introduction to Social Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10130 Key Skills and Concepts in Psy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10050 Introduction to Psychology Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10040 Introduction to the Psychology of Perception and Cognition Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10090 Introduction to Applied Psychology Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PSY10100 Research Methods & Stats I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ARCH10160 The Human Past Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 CHEN10040 Intro. to Eng. Computing Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ECON10770 Introduction to Economics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 IS10010 Introduction to Communication & Media Studies Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL10160 Critical Thinking Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 POL10160 Foundations of Contemporary Politics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 POL10170 Foundations in Political Research Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 SOC10010 Foundations of Sociological Thought Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 SPOL10030 Understanding Social Problems and Policies Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL10040 Introduction to Ethics Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ARCH10150 Anthropology: an introduction Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ECON10010 Principles of Microeconomics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ECON10020 Principles of Macroeconomics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ECON10040 Economics and Sustainability Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 LAW10260 Criminal Procedure Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL10020 Introduction to the Problems of Philosophy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL10030 Introduction to Modern Philosophy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL10100 Existentialism and Humanism: An Introduction to Continental Philosophy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Select 15 credits of modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 POL10120 Foundations in Global Development Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PSY20020 Child & Adolescent Development Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PSY20050 Laboratory Practicals in Psychology I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PSY20150 Foundations of Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PSY20160 Research Methods & Stats II Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PSY20240 Language, Perception & Social Cognition Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PSY30110 Laboratory Practicals in Psychology II Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20100 Introduction to Disability Studies Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20130 Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20170 Clinical Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20180 The Science + Art of Therapy: From Freud to Zinn Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL10020 Introduction to the Problems of Philosophy Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL20640 Philosophy of Mind and AI Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL20710 Body, Mind, World Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20110 Introduction to Health Psychology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20220 Psychology of Ageing Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30080 Psychology and Crime Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30290 Applied Health Psychology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30320 Career development in psych Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30380 Youth Mental Health Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select a minimum of four of the following option modules. Although stage 2 students may take level 3 modules, they should reflect on the difficulty level of module content and assessment. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30440 How to Change Behaviour Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PSY30450 Research Project and Skills 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PSY30050 Behavioural Neuroscience Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PSY30340 Human Intelligence and Personality Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PSY30350 Research Methods & Stats III Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PSY30040 Lifespan Developmental Psychology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PSY30140 Advanced Social Psychology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20100 Introduction to Disability Studies Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20130 Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20170 Clinical Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20180 The Science + Art of Therapy: From Freud to Zinn Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30400 Cross-Cultural Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30410 Advanced Cognitive Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20110 Introduction to Health Psychology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20220 Psychology of Ageing Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30080 Psychology and Crime Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30290 Applied Health Psychology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30320 Career development in psych Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30380 Youth Mental Health Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30440 How to Change Behaviour Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PSY30450 Research Project and Skills 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PSY30050 Behavioural Neuroscience Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PSY30340 Human Intelligence and Personality Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PSY30350 Research Methods & Stats III Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PSY30040 Lifespan Developmental Psychology Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PSY30140 Advanced Social Psychology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20100 Introduction to Disability Studies Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20130 Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20170 Clinical Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20180 The Science + Art of Therapy: From Freud to Zinn Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30400 Cross-Cultural Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30410 Advanced Cognitive Psychology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PHIL20640 Philosophy of Mind and AI Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20110 Introduction to Health Psychology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY20220 Psychology of Ageing Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30080 Psychology and Crime Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30290 Applied Health Psychology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30320 Career development in psych Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30380 Youth Mental Health Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select a minimum of 1 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
 PSY30440 How to Change Behaviour Spring  5

SDG3 SDG4 SDG5 SDG 8 SDG 12 SDG 17

 

The UCD College of Social Sciences and Law is a broad and diverse, but connected community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We work together in a culture of collaboration to support each other to thrive and achieve our full potential, in service of broader societal goals. Through our undergraduate and graduate education, research and external engagement, we aim to ensure that our students, faculty and staff thrive and contribute to sustainable well-being on our campus, in Ireland and across the wider world. Our faculty are globally recognized experts in their fields, advancing knowledge through research, engaging with government, business and civil society to enhance our world, and using their knowledge to design and offer cutting-edge education within their disciplines and across the disciplines of Archaeology, Economics, Geography, Information & Communication Studies, Philosophy, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Social Policy Social Work & Social Justice, and Sociology. Our ambition is that our students will debate and engage with the greatest societal challenges of our time by becoming informed citizens who will play a leading role in shaping societies around the globe toward more sustainable futures.  

The Social Sciences degrees at UCD incorporate a diverse range of formal and informal learning opportunities for students, delivered by excellent researchers who are leading their fields globally, and embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their educational activities where appropriate.

BSc Psychology 

Psychological science has identified solutions to many of the challenges associated with progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they relate to improving the human condition. Psychology students develop the skills to equip them to affect more equitable outcomes across health, wellbeing, education, equality and building stronger institutions. Envisioning how to improve the lives of everyone everywhere requires an understanding of how human behaviour, policy, and environmental factors contribute to progress.

  • Good health and wellbeing (SDG 3) 
  • Quality Education (SDG 4)
  • Gender Equality (SDG 5) 
  • Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
  • Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
  • Partnerships for the Goals (SDG17)

In my endeavours to learn more about human behaviour and help people in the future, I chose to study psychology in UCD. With dozens of core and option modules, this course has a well-rounded approach to showing students all that psychology can offer. This degree emphasises research, but it explains other avenues such as clinical, counselling, and work & organisational psychology (which is my current passion and post-graduate pursuit). With the additions of the capstone research project, UCD’s structured elective modules, and the various academic & career supports throughout the campus, I have already benefited greatly from my choice.

Grace O’Donnell, Student

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

Recommendation:

In order to study this degree we strongly recommend that you have the equivalent of A Level C or IB HL 5 in mathematics.

Print this page

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Psychology:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt PCS2
Psychology
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Closed
showAudience-audienceInt PCS2
Psychology
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN720
Psychology
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page
Chat to StudentsContact UsEvent AlertsVisit UCD GlobalVisit MyUCDDownload BrochureView UCD Prospectus
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.