BA Hons Psychology PSI accredited Part time

4 Years Part Time Bachelors Program

Dublin Business School

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Psychology (PSI accredited) part-time programme at Dublin Business School offers a flexible, evening-based honours degree that allows learners to study human behaviour, cognition, emotion and social processes alongside work or other commitments. This programme suits students who want to gain a recognised psychology qualification that combines scientific understanding with applied insight — preparing you for further professional progression or roles that draw on psychological knowledge.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In the first year you’ll begin building your understanding of psychology’s core domains with foundational units such as Psychological Foundations, Social Psychology 1, Biopsychology 1 and Developmental Psychology 1 — grounding you in the study of behaviour, biological bases of mind, and how individuals develop socially and psychologically. You’ll also start engaging with Research Technique and Analysis, learning how to observe, measure and reflect on human behaviour using basic scientific methods.

Year 2

Second year expands your knowledge in areas such as Cognitive Psychology 2, Developmental Psychology 2, Social Psychology 2 and Psychology in Action 1, allowing you to connect theoretical learning with real-world contexts and applied psychological tasks. You’ll also deepen your research capability through Ethical Research Methods and Design and Research Technique and Analysis 2, refining skills essential for subsequent independent studies.

Year 3

In the third year, you’ll encounter more specialised and integrative topics, such as Psychological Disorders and Behaviour Science, while further developing your applied understanding through Psychology in Action 2. Alongside these core units, you’ll also explore electives that might include Health Psychology, Work and Organisational Psychology or Criminal Psychology to tailor your focus to your interests and future ambitions.

Year 4

Your final year culminates in a Research Project, where you design and execute an independent investigation informed by your cumulative learning and research training. This capstone experience not only demonstrates your mastery of psychology’s methods and concepts but also prepares you for postgraduate study or applied roles that require evidence-based thinking.

Focus areas (in a string):

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

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Understand major psychological domains, conduct ethical research, analyse behavioural data, apply psychological theory to real-world contexts, communicate psychological insights effectively, and integrate scientific and applied approaches to human behaviour.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the BA (Hons) in Psychology (PSI Accredited) at Dublin Business School (DBS), your learning experience is deeply rooted in the "scientist-practitioner" model. This means that even as a part-time student, you aren't just reading about theories in the evening; you are actively engaging with the tools and techniques used by professional psychologists to measure, analyze, and understand the human mind. From your very first year, the program emphasizes a transition from passive learning to active discovery, ensuring you develop the technical proficiency required for both the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) standards and the modern workplace.

By bridging the gap between the classroom and the research lab, DBS provides you with a professional environment to hone your skills:

DBS Psychology Learning Lab: This is your primary hub for hands-on experimentation. You’ll use this space to move beyond textbooks, participating in "live" psychological tests and demonstrations that bring concepts like sensory perception and social influence to life.
Specialized Research Software: You will become proficient in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), the global industry standard for psychological data analysis. Mastering this tool is essential for your Stage 4 Research Project and is a highly transferable skill for roles in data science and market research.
The Experimental Psychology Suite: As part of your core modules, you will design and conduct your own experiments. You’ll have access to various measurement tools and computer-based platforms to gather empirical data, mimicking the workflow of a professional research institute.
Independent Research Project (Capstone): In your final year, you’ll work one-on-one with an academic supervisor to conduct an original piece of psychological research. This involves everything from ethical approval and participant recruitment to data modeling and final defense—a true "deep dive" into professional practice.
Comprehensive Digital Library: Even when you aren't on campus, you have 24/7 access to the DBS Online Library. This includes premium access to global databases like PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, and Emerald, ensuring you have the world's latest psychological journals at your fingertips.
Moodle & Zoom Integration: For our part-time learners, the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is vital. You’ll use these platforms not just for lectures, but for collaborative group workshops and peer-review sessions, ensuring that distance or timing never stands in the way of interactive learning.
The "Psychoanalytic Tradition" Focus: Unique to DBS, you will engage in experiential workshops that explore psychoanalytic perspectives, offering a qualitative depth to your training that is rarely found in more traditional, purely quantitative programs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Psychology (PSI Accredited) from Dublin Business School (DBS) opens doors to a profound understanding of human nature that is highly valued across both clinical and corporate landscapes. By completing this program, you aren't just earning a degree; you are securing the professional foundation needed to influence how we work, learn, and heal in modern society. Whether you envision yourself as a Clinical Psychologist, a Human Resources Executive, an Educational Consultant, or a User Experience (UX) Researcher, this degree provides the "Graduate Basis for Membership" that acts as your passport to the next level of your career:

DBS Careers Hub: Our dedicated careers team offers more than just a job board; they provide "Career Masterclasses" and 1-to-1 coaching specifically for Psychology students. They help you translate your complex research and analytical skills into a language that top-tier employers—from health services to tech giants—understand and value.
Employment Stats & Salary: Psychology graduates from DBS enter a robust job market, with many securing roles in social services, HR, and research shortly after graduation. While entry-level "non-practitioner" roles typically start between €32,000 and €36,000, those who progress to chartered status or specialized corporate roles (like I-O Psychology) often see salaries climb well above €55,000 as they gain experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: DBS maintains strong links with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and a wide network of local NGOs, hospitals, and corporate partners in Dublin. These relationships ensure our curriculum remains "employer-led" and that you are learning the specific competencies—like psychometric testing and ethical data handling—that today’s industry demands.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Because this program is PSI Accredited, it carries a high level of prestige and recognition. This accreditation is vital for your long-term career; it ensures that your undergraduate credits are internationally recognized and meet the stringent requirements for professional doctoral training in any psychological specialty.
Graduation Outcomes: Our graduates don't just leave with a diploma; they leave with a professional identity. Many go on to work in the HSE (Health Service Executive), An Garda Síochána (police service), or in global firms like Google and Deloitte, where their ability to analyze behavior and interpret data makes them indispensable assets.