Psychology - Conversion Course

The Higher Diploma in Psychology is a conversion course to psychology for students with degrees in subjects other than psychology or with psychology as a minor subject. Completion of the Higher Diploma in Psychology effectively converts your degree to the equivalent of an honours degree with psychology as the main subject.



It is designed for non-psychology graduates who wish to gain a qualification that makes them eligible to become Graduate Members of the relevant professional society, The Psychological Society of Ireland. This is a pre-requisite for accredited professional training in psychology.

Core areas taught on the programme include:

• Research Methods

• Cognitive Psychology

• Biological Psychology

• Social Psychology

• Developmental Psychology

• Individual Differences

• Abnormal Psychology

• Psychological Therapies



*In addition to the above, successful applicants who have not completed the equivalent of year 1 of the BA in Applied Psychology will be expected to attend a brief course prior to commencing on the Higher Diploma in Psychology.

Candidates should normally have at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).



It may be necessary to limit numbers, and candidates will have to satisfy a Selection Committee at interview. Previous study of psychology, although not a requirement is highly advantageous



The Additional/Supplementary Statement Question MUST also be completed during the online application. Relevant previous experience of psychology should be included in this statement.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date: 14 March 2025

Non-EU Closing Date: 14 March 2025

Assessment


Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules

2 years full-time.

Start Date 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

The Higher Diploma in Psychology is an entry-level qualification (equivalent to a degree). Completion of the programme entitles graduates to membership of the PSI or BPS a prerequisite for most postgraduate training or research programmes. Clear and comprehensive information on postgraduate opportunities and career development may be found on these national society websites at www.psychologicalsociety.ie/ or www.bps.org.uk.