BA / BSc in Social Sciences - Psychology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

The BA / BSc in Social Sciences – Psychology at the University of Limerick offers you a broad-based social sciences education with a strong foundation in psychological theory, research and practical skills. You’ll study how individuals think and behave within broader social and cultural contexts, gaining analytic, research and applied competencies that suit careers in research, community practice and social policy roles.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In your first year you’ll build a firm grounding in both social sciences and psychological science with introductory modules such as Psychology and Everyday Life and Social and Cultural Contexts, which develop your ability to understand human behaviour and social environments. You’ll also start learning key research methods and statistics that prepare you to collect and interpret data—essential skills for progressing in both disciplines.

Year 2

In the second year, your studies deepen through more focused modules covering social and developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, and social issues and structures. You’ll engage with theoretical and empirical work that explores how behaviour is influenced by both individual psychological processes and broader social forces, supported by analytical work in research methods.

Year 3

The third year typically allows you to explore specialist topics and integrate knowledge from both psychology and social sciences, with options such as cognitive psychology, social institutions and applied research seminars. You’ll also begin preparing for your final-year research project, applying your methodological skills to issues that bridge psychological and social perspectives.

Year 4

In your final year, you complete a major research project that demonstrates your ability to independently conduct a social science inquiry with a psychological emphasis. Advanced elective modules allow you to tailor your studies toward areas such as community psychology, social influences on behaviour and applied social research. This culminating experience integrates what you’ve learned across the programme.

Focus areas (in a string):

Social psychology, developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, social theory and institutions, research methods and statistics, applied social sciences, cognitive aspects of behaviour, social issues analysis.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Use psychological and sociological theory to analyse human behaviour, design and conduct research using quantitative and qualitative methods, interpret and communicate social and behavioural data, evaluate influences of social structures on individual and group behaviour, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world social challenges.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Limerick, the BA / BSc in Social Sciences – Psychology goes beyond classroom lectures to give you meaningful practical experience, real research involvement and professional development opportunities that bring your learning to life. You’ll engage in hands-on research activities, collaborative group projects and work placements that build your confidence in applying psychological and social science methods in authentic settings, while supported by UL’s strong research infrastructure and international partner networks: (ul.ie)

Experiential learning in this programme includes the following structured elements and facilities:

Co-operative Education (Co-op) Work Placement: UL’s Compulsory 6–8 month work placements are integral to the UL student experience, allowing you to work in organisations relevant to social sciences and psychology and apply your academic learning in professional contexts. These placements are formally accredited and build valuable workplace skills.
Group Research Projects & Laboratory Experience: Across your degree, you’ll participate in group research exercises and collaborative projects that mimic real scientific and social inquiry. These activities strengthen your teamwork, communication and analytical capabilities.
Psychology Voluntary Internship Programme in Research (VIP-R): UL’s Department of Psychology offers VIP-R research internships, where you can work alongside faculty on active research projects, collect data using digital tools such as Qualtrics and support study design — earning recognised research experience and boosting your CV.
Study Abroad & International Networks: Most UL psychology students have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad through UL’s international networks, enriching your perspective and complementing on-campus experiential work.
Access to Dedicated Social Sciences & Psychology Research Resources: You’ll benefit from UL’s academic libraries and research support systems, which support your independent research, data analysis, and engagement with contemporary social issues in psychology, sociology and related disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA / BSc in Social Sciences – Psychology at the University of Limerick leave with a strong interdisciplinary foundation that prepares them for roles such as research assistant, community support worker, social policy analyst and human resources associate due to their blend of psychological insight and social science understanding. Because the degree combines research-oriented learning with real-world applications and UL’s strong career support, you’ll be ready to step confidently into professional environments or further training:

Career Support & Services:

• UL Careers Service & Cooperative Education: UL’s careers team supports students with career planning, employer engagement, job listings and personalised guidance, complemented by UL’s Co-operative Education (Co-op) placements that give students valuable workplace experience before graduation.

• High Graduate Employment: The University of Limerick has very strong overall graduate employment outcomes, with surveys showing graduate employment rates typically above 90% across programmes, reflecting broad demand for UL graduates.

• Industry Partnerships & Networks: UL maintains connections with a wide range of organisations and partners through co-op placements and research collaborations, helping you build networks and access career opportunities across sectors including healthcare, education, social services and public policy.

Accreditation & Long-Term Value:

• Foundational Psychological Training: While this social sciences degree provides a broad base in psychology and related research methods, graduates often proceed into further psychology-focused postgraduate study (including conversion courses and professional masters) if they wish to pursue registered professional roles in psychology.

• Transferable Skills: The combination of critical thinking, research competence, communication skills and social analysis built into this programme gives you versatility to work in diverse fields from policy to community engagement and organisational roles.

Graduation Outcomes:

• Students graduate equipped to pursue roles in research institutions, community and social service organisations, education support services, policy and advocacy groups, human resources and public sector analytics.

• The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study paths that can lead to specialised careers in clinical psychology, social work, organisational behaviour, counselling and advanced research.