Psychology - Conversion

Course Overview

The HDipPsychology (Conversion) is a one-year, full-time programme designed for students who have completed the BA in Psychological Studies at University of Galway, or its equivalent. By combining the HDipPsych (Conversion) with the BA with Psychological Studies, students will have covered the course content equivalent to that of University of Galway’s BSc in Psychology programme.



The HDipPsychology (Conversion) in combination with course content covered by the University of Galway Psychological Studies degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). As such, the course satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in Psychology. The programme thus qualifies graduates for entry to postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland and the United Kingdom.



Please note, if you have a psychology degree that is not a University of Galway Psychology degree and have an interest in taking this Higher Diploma, you need to consider whether or not (i) your existing degree has covered content exactly equivalent to the content covered by the Psychological Studies degree according to the PSI; and (ii) whether this content, or modules covering this content are recognised by the PSI. If neither of these conditions are met, it is recommended you consider the two-year HDipPsych (Full), also offered by the University of Galway. You should enquire with the PSI concerning recognition/accreditation of your existing degree or courses/modules.



Course Outline

Students on the HDipPsych (Conversion) programme undertake selected modules from the BSc Psychology second and third year programme.



The menu includes modules on the psychology of learning; perception, attention and performance; applied organisational psychology; psychological measurement (theory and practice); advanced research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and computer skills training (SPSS). Students take part in a series of experimental workshops throughout the academic year and, in addition, are required to complete an independent research project under supervision. Finally, a recent innovation allows students to choose their final module from a selection of available ones.



This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and thus satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in psychology.

Places will be allocated on the order of results awarded at the first sitting of the final year of Psychological Studies at University of Galway or an equivalent course (see above). If your background is not from the University of Galway, please provide evidence of PSI recognition of course equivalents. Students must achieve honours in both their degree subjects, except in the case of pass-level mathematical subjects where a ‘commendation’ level is required.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Please note, if you have a psychology degree that is not a University of Galway Psychology degree and have an interest in taking this Higher Diploma, you need to consider whether or not (i) your existing degree has covered content exactly equivalent to the content covered by the Psychological Studies degree according to the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI); and (ii) whether this content, or modules covering this content are recognised by the PSI. If neither of these conditions are met, it is recommended you consider the two-year HDipPsych (Full), also offered by the University of Galway. You should enquire with the PSI concerning recognition/accreditation of your existing degree or courses/modules.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year full-time.

Next start date: September 2024.



Closing Date: 7th June 2024.

Career Opportunities

This programme provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate courses of study and careers in a variety of areas. Completing this diploma will enable a graduate to gain access to further training to become a professional psychologist (e.g., a clinical, counselling or occupational psychologist) or to undertake a research degree in psychology (e.g., a PhD in Psychology).