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).
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This course is available through the following application route(s)
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
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.
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.
| 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
SOC10010 | Theorising Society: Foundations of Sociological Thought | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three modules from the following options. Additional options can be selected in place of electives. |
PHIL10020 | Mind, Language and Meaning | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 a minimum of three 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 |
PSY20250 | Careers in and with psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
PSY30110 | Laboratory Practicals in Psychology II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 | Mind, Language and Meaning | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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 2 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select a minimum of three 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. |
PSY30470 | Mindfulness for Life | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30050 | Behavioural Neuroscience | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30340 | Human Intelligence and Personality | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30410 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30480 | Research Data & Analysis 3 | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30500 | Research Project Design | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30040 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30140 | Advanced Social Psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
PSY30490 | Research Project Dissertation | Spring | 10 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20100 | Introduction to Disability Studies | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20130 | Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20170 | Clinical Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30400 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
ECON30500 | Field Experiments Social Sci | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PHIL20640 | Philosophy of Mind and AI | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20110 | Introduction to Health Psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20180 | The Science + Art of Therapy: From Freud to Zinn | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20220 | Psychology of Ageing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20250 | Careers in and with psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30080 | Psychology and Crime | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30380 | Youth Mental Health | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30440 | How to Change Behaviour | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30470 | Mindfulness for Life | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30050 | Behavioural Neuroscience | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30340 | Human Intelligence and Personality | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30410 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30480 | Research Data & Analysis 3 | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30500 | Research Project Design | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30040 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30140 | Advanced Social Psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PSY30490 | Research Project Dissertation | Spring | 10 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20100 | Introduction to Disability Studies | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20130 | Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20170 | Clinical Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30400 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
ECON30500 | Field Experiments Social Sci | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PHIL20640 | Philosophy of Mind and AI | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20110 | Introduction to Health Psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20180 | The Science + Art of Therapy: From Freud to Zinn | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20220 | Psychology of Ageing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY20250 | Careers in and with psychology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30080 | Psychology and Crime | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30380 | Youth Mental Health | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30440 | How to Change Behaviour | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: You may choose one or more of the following option modules in lieu of elective credits if you wish. |
PSY30470 | Mindfulness for Life | Spring | 5 |
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.
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.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Psychology:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | PCS2 Psychology Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN720 Psychology Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Application through CAO |
* you can change options at the top of the page