BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI accredited)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dublin Business School

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) in Psychology (PSI accredited) at Dublin Business School is an honours degree designed to give you a deep understanding of human behaviour, thought and experience through a blend of foundational theory, scientific research and applied psychological modules. This programme suits students who want to build both academic insight and practical competency in psychology, preparing them for roles in human services, research support, community work and further professional training.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In the first year you’ll establish the core building blocks of psychology with modules like Psychological Foundations, Foundations in Social Psychology, Biopsychology 1, Cognitive Psychology 1 and Developmental Psychology 1. These units introduce you to the major domains of psychology, helping you understand basic theories of behaviour, cognition, social interaction and biological bases of mind, while developing essential academic and research skills through Research Technique and Analysis.

Year 2

The second year deepens your psychological knowledge with advanced versions of key domains, such as Social Psychology 2, Cognitive Psychology 2 and Developmental Psychology 2, along with modules in Ethical Research Methods and Design and Psychology in Action 1. Here you’ll apply research methods to practical study designs and begin linking theory with real behavioural phenomena, strengthening your ability to interpret empirical data and understand complex psychological processes.

Year 3

In your final year you focus on specialist and integrative topics, including Psychological Disorders, Behaviour Science and an independent Research Project that synthesises your learning and research capability. This year also offers a range of elective modules — such as Health Psychology, Work and Organisational Psychology, Criminal Psychology and Performance Psychology — enabling you to tailor your studies to your interests and envisaged career path.

Focus areas (in a string):

Psychological Foundations, Social Psychology, Biopsychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Ethical Research Methods and Design, Psychological Disorders, Behaviour Science, Applied Psychology electives.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Understand and apply major psychological theories, design and conduct ethical research, critically evaluate psychological evidence, interpret human behaviour across contexts, integrate biological and social perspectives of mind, and communicate findings effectively in both academic and applied settings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI accredited) programme at Dublin Business School places a strong emphasis on developing practical understanding of human behaviour through hands-on learning, research-based projects and applied assessment methods. As you progress through the course, you will engage with real psychological research techniques, critical analysis and collaborative assignments that mirror professional practice, while also benefiting from DBS’s supportive academic environment and facilities in the heart of Dublin. This ensures you not only understand theory but also apply your knowledge in meaningful, experiential ways that prepare you for further study or careers involving people, data and behaviour:

Here’s how experiential learning plays out in this programme:

Applied Research Projects: Students complete project-based work including a Research Project in their final year, which involves designing and executing psychological research, analysing data, and presenting findings — giving you practical research experience that parallels professional and postgraduate expectations.
Continuous and Practical Assessments: Many modules include continuous assessment formats such as oral presentations, group work, posters, literature reviews and in-class tasks, ensuring you practise both teamwork and communication skills in real learning situations.
Hybrid Delivery & Collaborative Classes: The degree is delivered in a hybrid model (mix of in-class and online learning), which allows you to work on practical tasks, discussions and collaborative group activities with peers — a valuable preparation for both on-campus and workplace environments.
Hands-On Learning in Psychology Domains: Modules such as Psychology in Action 1 & 2, Experimental Psychology, and electives like Work and Organisational Psychology involve applied learning experiences that connect theoretical knowledge to real behavioural contexts.
Peer and Faculty Collaboration: Smaller class sizes and frequent tutorials allow for close interaction with lecturers and peers, making group activities, discussions and guided learning a central feature of your academic experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI-accredited) at Dublin Business School develop a strong scientific and applied foundation that supports careers such as psychology research assistant, assistant psychologist, mental health support worker and behavioural research officer. Because the programme meets Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) accreditation standards and emphasises research competence and ethical practice, graduates are well-positioned for both immediate employment in support roles and progression to advanced professional training.

Career Support & Employability:

• DBS Careers Hub: Dedicated careers guidance including CV and interview workshops, career coaching, employer talks and vacancy listings tailored to psychology and social-science pathways.

• Graduate Employment Context: While DBS does not publish programme-specific employment percentages, Irish psychology graduates typically enter support and research roles across health, education, community and organisational settings; employability is further strengthened by PSI accreditation and Dublin-based employer access.

• Industry & Sector Exposure: DBS’s central Dublin location and academic links support engagement with health services, NGOs, community organisations and research teams, providing networking opportunities and insight into applied psychology careers.

Accreditation & Long-Term Value:

• PSI Accreditation: Completion with the required standard makes graduates eligible for PSI Graduate Membership, a key academic prerequisite for entry into professional psychology training pathways in Ireland.

• Transferable Skills: Graduates leave with competencies in research methods, data analysis, ethical practice and evidence-based reasoning valued across health, education, research and organisational roles.

Graduation Outcomes:

• Graduates commonly move into assistant psychologist roles (under supervision), research assistant posts, mental health and community support positions, educational support roles, and behavioural research or analytics roles in public, private and third-sector organisations.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA (Hons) Psychology, graduates can progress to Level 9 postgraduate programmes such as MSc in Applied Psychology, MSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy (subject to entry criteria), MSc in Psychological Science, or MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology. Those aiming for regulated practice (e.g., clinical, counselling or educational psychology) typically continue to accredited Master’s and Doctoral training, building on PSI Graduate Membership to pursue professional registration pathways.