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PSY40640

Academic Year 2026/2027

Advanced Disability Studies (PSY40640)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor Christine Linehan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an advanced perspective on cross-cutting and topical issues in disability. Students are encouraged to reflect on models of disability, measurement of disability, intersectionality and disability, leadership within the disability sector and the lived experience of disability. This module is supported by guest lecturers with expertise by experience and profession.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will have acquired the following knowledge:
1. Ability to critically appraise theoretical, diagnostic and administrative definitions of disability.
2. Evaluate models of disability and their contribution in shaping supports for people with disabilities.
3. Understanding of specific physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental disability and ability to critically assess appropriate supports for individuals who have these disabilities.
4. Ability to use insights from the module to identify and reflect on the issues evident when supporting individuals with disability.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Proficient

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Proficient

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Proficient

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Proficient

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Proficient

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Specified Learning Activities

80
Autonomous Student Learning

140
Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, peer & group work, reflective learning, active learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Where taken as part of MSc in Disability students are required to comply with module requirements for this programme.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual essay to be detailed in class Week 14 Graded No
40
 Yes
Group Work Assignment: Project comprises a group presentation delivered to a panel of judges Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 Yes
Participation in Learning Activities: This assessment is based on each individual's in-class participation throughout the year. Week 14 Graded No
10
 Yes
Reflective Assignment: End of year reflection - more details will be provided in class. Week 14 Graded No
10
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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