Psychology - Conversion Course

Overview

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is accredited by The Psychological Society of Ireland, the professional body for psychology in Ireland. As such, it seeks to promote the science and profession of psychology in Ireland and beyond. PSI membership now stands at over 2000 members, and includes practitioners, educators and researchers, professionals and postgraduate students, as well as undergraduate degree holders.



In order to be eligible for PSI Graduate Membership, students must pass the independent research psychology project, and gain at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50 per cent for conversion programmes).



Overview

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is for graduates who wish to pursue a professional career or postgraduate study in psychology but who don't hold an honours degree in psychology.



The course enables students to study key areas of psychology in a thriving research environment and, through a supervised research dissertation, explore practical issues of interest and relevance to a range of theoretical and occupational fields. Students will develop a firm knowledge base in psychology and gain experience of the research process that will build upon the skills and knowledge that they have already acquired in earlier studies. The Higher Diploma represents the necessary first step to becoming a professional psychologist. Upon successful completion of the Higher Diploma, depending upon the final grade, graduates will be eligible to apply to enter postgraduate training courses in their chosen specialisation and ultimately gain employment in their area of expertise.



Psychology Conversion Course

Our Higher Diploma in Psychology gives graduates of unrelated degrees the opportunity to study an intensive course in the discipline, this then offers the opportunity to progress in a course that results in being a qualified psychologist.

The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology programme has the following content:

Year 1

• History and Schools in Psychology

• Research Technique and Analysis

• Foundations in Developmental and Social Psychology

• Ethical Research Methods and Design

• Cognitive Psychology

• Behaviour Analysis



Year 2

• Personality and Individual Differences

• Psychological Disorders

• Human Performance

• Health Psychology

• Biopsychology

• Advanced Developmental and Social Psychology

• Research Project

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:



A primary honours degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution, or equivalent qualification.



An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

Throughout the course some modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and examinations, or by continuous assessment alone. Continuous assessment will vary in style and purpose from module to module, depending upon the nature of the subject material and the teaching and learning objectives of the module. Assessments may include essays, multiple-choice questionnaire, short-answer in-class exam, oral presentation, group work and poster presentations. Examinations are typically held in January and late April/ early May.

2 Years



Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.

Next intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional body for psychology in Ireland. DBS was the first college outside the university sector to receive accreditation from the Psychological Society of Ireland.



Graduates may progress to postgraduate training or professional training within psychology. In addition, students will be equipped with the specialised knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue successful, responsible, and useful careers in a number of areas of employment relating to Psychology.



The Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology is an internationally recognised programme that allows application for graduate membership of relevant psychological societies including the British Psychological Society (BPS). In order to be eligible for PSI Graduate Membership, students must pass the independent research psychology project, and gain at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50 per cent for conversion programmes).