The BSc in Psychology gives students opportunities for learning in multiple sub-domains of psychological science, along with an understanding of how this science is applied to real-world problems, as well as fostering the development of critical thinking, writing and practical skills. 

In first year  students are introduced to the core foundational areas of psychology including cognitive personality, developmental, biological and social psychology as well as research methods. 

In second year the programme advances student knowledge in the core areas of psychology and students also receive a module on professional skills that apart from teaching such skills generically also helps to prepare them for Year 3 placement. 

Third year allows students the opportunity of either work experience, study abroad or a research internship. Those taking a year abroad have the opportunity to study psychology via a range of theoretical and practical modules in a different country and culture. Those taking the option of either work placement or research internship can study additional basic and applied areas of psychology including via a range of electives and can gain either practical experience in the application of psychology in the context of an organizational placement or experience as a research intern in the context of a research team within the school. 

In final year students receive training in modules in applied areas of psychology such as behavioural analysis and health psychology as well as in other domains via the provision of a suite of elective modules. Final year includes substantive practical training and several modules target practical skills. The most important such module is the Research Project, wherein students are required to plan, conduct, and write up an independent piece of research under the supervision of a member of academic staff.  

Year 1 

• Cognitive Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Research Methods
• Social Psychology
• Psychology of Learning
• Developmental Psychology
• Biology and Behaviour

Year 2 

• Developmental Psychology
• Experimental Psychology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Biological Psychology
• Psychology of Learning
• Social Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Perception, Attention and Performance
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Memory and Cognition
• Professional Skills in Psychology

Year 3 

• Study Abroad
• Work Placement
• Research Placement
• Core and Elective Modules (assuming placement)

Year 4 

• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology
• Psychological Measurement: Theory and Practice
• Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
• Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Health Psychology
• Forensic and Clinical Psychology
• Research Project
• Neuropsychology
• Positive Psychology
• Human Sexuality
• Language & Cognition
• Technology and Health

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• The opportunity of a full year of study abroad or a work or research placement, all of which allow for valuable life and career experience.
• A suite of post-introductory modules allowing exposure to multiple applied domains of psychology and including critical skills training.
• Staff research expertise across several fields of psychology including health psychology, behaviour analysis, forensic psychology and cognitive psychology. 
  
• Dedicated and shared laboratory and practical facilities to support student and staff research. 

Completing the BSc (Psychology) will enable a graduate to gain access to further training to become a professional psychologist or to undertake a research degree in psychology (e.g., a PhD in Psychology). The degree qualifies graduates for entry to specialist postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland, the UK, the USA and elsewhere. 

Psychology prepares students for a diversity of interdisciplinary fields, including neuroscience, sports science, health promotion and education. Graduates have gone on to do further training to become professional psychologists (e.g., a clinical or occupational psychologist) and work in a variety of settings. For example, in the health services, they treat mental health issues; in educational settings, they identify learning needs; and in industry, they work on recruitment and retention. Researchers in the field of psychology also work as lecturers in third-level colleges or other research settings. Many graduates also find their psychology degree helps them in non-psychology professions, such as banking, the media, information technology and management and the criminal justice system.

One of the options in Year 3 is to spend the year studying abroad, through the Erasmus programme. This provides students the opportunity to study psychology via a range of theoretical and practical modules in a different country and culture. 

We have forged links with European universities including Munich, Padova, Maastricht and Salzburg. Students have the option (subject to academic performance and availability of places) to study for part of their psychology degree abroad through the Erasmus programme. There may also be some opportunities to study in North America or Hong Kong, but these exchange places are allocated on a competitive basis.

Why This Year Will Change Your Life 

By the end of your year abroad, you’ll have: 

• Studied psychology in a different university and country and thereby gotten new perspectives on familiar topics and themes as well as exploring new ones.
• Gained a deeper understanding of different cultures—and seen the world from a new perspective.
• Gained life skills - from navigating a new city to making international friends.
• Discovered more about yourself - and how your own culture fits into the bigger picture. 
• This year is all about adventure, independence, and setting yourself up for an exciting global career. Are you ready?  

One of the options in Year 3 is work placement, in which students gain work experience in a host organisation over a period roughly corresponding to the 12 week term of Semester 2. This option also includes the possibility of a brief internship working with a research team within the School of Psychology. The placement process is designed to equip students with the employability skills (networking, CV and interview skills) and experience (relevant work experience in chosen field) that will enable them to succeed in pursuing a meaningful career as graduates.

The learning outcomes of this programme include a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues relevant to the practice of psychology; competence in writing and communication skills; knowledge of social and community settings in which psychology is applied; research skills relevant to the application of psychology. 

Accrediting Body 

The course satisfies the requirements for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and the British Psychological Society (BPS).  

Graduate Opportunities  

Graduates can gain access to further training to become a professional psychologist or to undertake a research degree in psychology (e.g., a PhD in Psychology). The degree qualifies graduates for entry to specialist postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland, the UK, the USA and elsewhere. 

• Dr Mike Hogan
• Dr Ian Stewart
• Dr Kate Dawson
• Dr Caroline Heary
• Dr Chris Noone
• Dr Jenny Groarke
• Dr Tom Burke
• Prof Brian Hughes
• Dr Padraig MacNeela
• Dr Helena Lydon
• Dr Aoife McTiernan
• Dr Ciara Gunning
• Dr Mark Elliott
• Dr Mairead Foody
• Dr John Bogue
• Prof Brian McGuire
• Dr Gerry Molloy
• Jane Conway
• Prof Jane Walsh
• Prof Molly Byrne
• Annmarie Groarke
• Dr Kiran Sarma
• Prof Anne O’Connor
• Dr Denis O’Hora
• Prof Geraldine Leader
• Dr Ciara Egan
• Dr Oonagh Meade
• Dr Sinead Sheehan 

The BSc in Psychology is designed to develop students’ knowledge within multiple sub-domains of psychological science, together with an understanding of how this science is applied to real-world problems, as well as fostering the development of critical thinking, writing and practical skills. The learning experience is dynamic, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare students for future careers. 

How Will I Learn? 

Interactive classes, including both large group (lectures) and small group (seminars and tutorials). 

Modules on core theory as well as the application of that theory in a variety of key domains; these include multiple elective modules in Years 3 and 4 to allow students control over the final shape of their degree. 

Project supervision; in their final year students learn to plan, conduct and write up an independent piece of research under the supervision of a member of faculty. 

Training in practical skills including academic (and public) presentation, both orally and by means of an academic or research poster; acquisition of communication and interpersonal skills through engaging in teamwork; training in interview techniques, and the administration of psychometric tests; training in project and time management skills as well as ethical and professional standards across modules and in particular in the context of the research project. 

Erasmus and placement options in Year 3 

Technology enhanced learning - online tools (e.g., the university’s virtual learning environment), a wide range of up-to-date software for academic and research purposes, a range of laboratories and equipment available to support student and staff research.

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, in-class tests, and other exercises.  
2. Examinations - Written examinations take place before Christmas and in May.
3. Project Work - In their final year plan, students are required to conduct and write up an independent piece of research under the supervision of a member of faculty
4. Year Abroad / Placement - Year 3 is assessed entirely on a pass/fail basis. 

Course queries: 
ian.stewart@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Ian Stewart,  
Lecturer in Psychology,  
School of Psychology 
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 

E: ian.stewart@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: Are there any progression restrictions if I choose Psychology as one of my subjects?  
A: Students of the BA (Joint-Honours) Programme who successfully complete Psychology at First Arts may proceed to Second Arts with the subject Psychological Studies and one other of the subjects completed at First Arts. Places are limited to 100 on academic merit in Psychology from the 1st Sittings in Semester 1 and 2 and you must have passed your other three academic subjects (40% or above) to be considered.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places 

• Mature Students 

• Access and Foundation programmes 

• HEAR Scheme 

• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students 

• International Baccalaureate students  

• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€2,598	€3,000	€19,000	€140	€3,140	€5,738	€19,140

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.