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.

Semester 1

PS220 Psychology of Learning 5.0

PS325 Research Project 1 5.0

PS405 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology 5.0

PS413 Qualitative Research Methods 5.0

PS415 Perception, Attention & Performance 5.0

PS420 Psychological Measurement: Theory and Practice 5.0



Semester 2

Semester 2



CODE COURSE ECTS

PS2100 Experimental Psychology Workshop 10.0

PS3104 Professional Skills in Psychology 5.0

PS327 Research Project 2 10.0



With an elective programme in semester 2 that might include the following:



CODE COURSE ECTS

PS341 Introduction to Collaborative Enquiry & Applied Systems Science 5.0

PS3114 Introduction to Collaborative Enquiry & Applied Systems Science 5.0

PS345 Applied Developmental Psychology 5.0

PS418 Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience 5.0

PS3106 Language and Cognition: A Contextual Behavioural Approach 5.0

PS4100 Technology and Health 5.0

PS336 Psychology, Society and Human Values 5.0

LW365 Criminology 5.0

Candidates should have sat the entire suite of core Psychology courses available to BA (Psychological Studies) students at the University of Galway, or their direct equivalents.



Equivalence here refers to course content and, where applicants apply with candidate courses to those sat in the BA (Psychological Studies), an application will be made by the HDip Director to establish these courses as providing a basis for recognition of prior learning.



Such courses, i.e. those which have not been sat at University of Galway, will also need to be demonstrated by the applicant, at the time of application, to be recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland.



The HDip (conversion) in Psychology has a limited intake of 14 students per annum. Offers are made on the basis of application and grade point average for relevant psychology courses (i.e. those mentioned above)

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2026

Psychology offers a wide range of career paths, reflecting the discipline’s broad relevance to human behaviour, mental health, and social functioning. Careers in psychology broadly divide into applied, clinical, academic, and research domains, though considerable overlap exists across these categories.



Clinical psychology remains one of the most recognised fields, focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, private practice, and community settings, applying evidence-based therapies to help individuals manage emotional and psychological difficulties.



Counselling psychology similarly addresses mental well-being but often focuses on less severe psychological issues, offering support for life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth.



Educational and school psychologists specialise in learning, development, and educational systems, working within schools to assess learning difficulties, developmental disorders, and to support teachers and families.



In the corporate world, occupational or organisational psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace settings, addressing employee wellbeing, organisational culture, and performance optimisation. This branch is crucial in areas such as recruitment, leadership development, and change management.



Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, providing assessments for court cases, working with offenders, or advising on criminal investigations.



Beyond applied fields, academic and research psychologists contribute to advancing knowledge in cognitive, social, developmental, and neuropsychology through teaching and research. Many work in universities or research institutions, influencing public policy and scientific understanding.



Emerging areas such as health psychology, sports psychology, and neuropsychology reflect growing demand for psychological expertise in health, athletic performance, and brain functioning.



Overall, careers in psychology offer diverse opportunities to apply psychological theory to real-world challenges, with pathways requiring postgraduate qualifications, practical experience, and often professional registration to practise competently and ethically.