BA Psychology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Maynooth University

Program Overview

Choosing the BA Psychology (MH106) at Maynooth University offers you a front-row seat at one of Ireland’s most vibrant and research-active psychology departments. This degree is tailor-made for students who want to balance the scientific study of the mind with the breadth of a liberal arts education, allowing you to graduate with a PSI-accredited qualification that is recognized globally for its excellence.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 In your first year, you will be introduced to the foundational pillars of the discipline while choosing two other subjects from the Arts faculty to broaden your perspective. You’ll start with Introduction to Psychology I & II, which covers biological and social psychology, alongside Introduction to Practical Experimental Psychology where you’ll learn the hands-on basics of the scientific method.

Year 2 Your second year is a deep dive into the core scientific domains of psychology, where the curriculum becomes more specialized and intensive. You will explore the mechanics of the brain in Brain and Behaviour, the intricacies of human thought in Cognitive Psychology, and master the data-driven side of the field in Statistical Approaches for Psychology.

Year 3 In your final year, you will transition into the role of a junior scientist by leading your own Independent Research Project under faculty supervision. You’ll complement this with advanced modules like Mental Health, Criminal Psychology, and Contemporary Issues and Debates in Psychology, ensuring you are ready for both the workplace and postgraduate training.

Focus areas: Neuroscience, behaviour & cognition; mental health, community & positive psychology; rehabilitation, disability & health psychology; and organizational systems.

Learning outcomes: Mastery of core psychological domains (biological, social, cognitive, developmental); advanced proficiency in research design and statistical modeling; ethical critical thinking; and professional scientific communication skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This program is fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), granting graduates eligibility for Graduate Membership—the essential prerequisite for professional postgraduate training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the BA Psychology (MH106) at Maynooth University, your education goes far beyond reading textbooks; it is a hands-on journey into the scientific study of human nature. From your very first semester, you aren't just a student—you are a junior researcher, gaining practical skills in our state-of-the-art labs located in the John Hume Building. We believe that to truly understand the mind, you need to measure it, map it, and analyze it using the same high-level tools and digital software that professional psychologists use every day in clinical and research settings.

You will sharpen your professional and research abilities through Maynooth's dedicated facilities and industry-standard resources:

State-of-the-Art Psychology Laboratories: You will have access to a suite of specialized spaces including the Experimental Psychology Lab, social and developmental labs with CCTV and one-way mirrors, and sound-attenuated, electrically shielded cubicles for precision testing.
Specialized Neuro-Imaging & Measurement: In advanced modules and your final year project, you may work with Electroencephalography (EEG) for brain-wave recording, Electrocardiography (ECG) for heart-rate monitoring, and Eye-Tracking technology to study human attention.
Industry-Standard Analysis Software: You will become proficient in SPSS Statistics and Minitab for quantitative data, as well as Qualtrics for professional survey design and NVivo for qualitative research.
The Psychological Test Library: Our department houses a specialized physical and digital library containing over 5,000 psychological tests (via APA PsychTests), giving you access to the same diagnostic and assessment tools used by clinical and educational psychologists.
Research Internships (Experiential Learning Module): You can apply for a specialized Research Internship module (PS291) where you work directly with faculty on active research projects, gaining experience in everything from Garda Vetting procedures to advanced data collection.
John Paul II Library & Data Resources: Beyond standard texts, you have access to the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) and the Irish Social Science Data Archive (ISSDA) for high-level spatial and quantitative data analysis.
Group Laboratory Projects: Your Year 1 and 2 modules include Introduction to Practical Experimental Psychology, where you work in collaborative teams to design, run, and present your own original laboratory experiments.
University Research Institutes: Students often engage with the Assisting Living & Learning (ALL) Institute or the Centre for Mental Health and Community Research, bridging the gap between academic study and real-world policy and health systems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA Psychology (MH106) from Maynooth University opens a gateway to a massive variety of professional paths, as our curriculum is designed to make you a versatile expert in human behavior. Because of the program’s scientific rigor and accredited status, you’ll find our alumni excelling in roles such as Assistant Psychologist, Human Resources Consultant, Market Researcher, or Educational Support Specialist:

University Services for Employment: The Maynooth University Career Development Centre is your primary partner for professional success, offering specialized tools like Careers Connect for exclusive job listings and CareerSet, an AI-powered platform for perfecting your CV. You can also benefit from the Alumni Mentoring Programme, which pairs you with former Maynooth psychology students now working in senior industry roles.
Employment Stats and Salary: Our graduates have an outstanding track record, with a 93% placement rate into employment or further study shortly after graduation. While entry-level salaries in the social and healthcare sectors typically start around €33,000, the average salary for Maynooth graduates across all sectors is approximately €49,176, reflecting the high demand for the analytical skills you will develop.
University–Industry Partnerships: Maynooth maintains deep connections with major employers such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Deloitte, and Pfizer, as well as tech giants like Google and Microsoft. These links are fostered through career fairs, guest lectures, and research collaborations within our Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI).
Long-term Accreditation Value: This degree is fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). This is a critical credential; it ensures your degree meets the international standards required for Graduate Membership, which is the mandatory first step if you wish to eventually practice as a Chartered Psychologist in Ireland or the UK.
Graduation Outcomes: Our graduates are recognized for their "Maynooth Edge"—a combination of critical thinking and data literacy. You will find our alumni leading teams in the Department of Education, driving innovation in AIB, and contributing to vital research in global health and community wellbeing.

Further Academic Progression: Your BA is the perfect springboard for advanced specialization. Many of our graduates choose to progress into our own highly-regarded MSc in Environmental Psychology or the MSc in Psychology (Conversion). For those with a clinical or educational ambition, this degree provides the academic foundation necessary to apply for professional Doctoral programmes (D.Psych) in Clinical, Counselling, or Educational Psychology. Alternatively, you can move into research-focused paths such as a Structured PhD, joining our world-class labs in neuroscience, health, and social behavior.