Your education questions answered by Brian Mooney. This week: Why do a psychology degree?
Psychology is one of the most popular subjects at third level, but why do a psychology degree?
Psychology is the study of the mind and human behaviour. Over the last 100 years, a scientific account of psychology has developed, and it is the science of psychology that is taught in universities. This science has many facets, covering, for example, child development, social behaviour, personality, perception, learning and memory. It is distinct from psychiatry, which is the medical approach to psychological problems, and psychoanalysis, which is a distinctive approach to therapy. Psychology focuses on a scientific understanding of how the "normal" person functions and how this can sometimes lead to "abnormality" or psychological problems. This, in turn, generates science-based treatments for psychological problems that can be used effectively in therapy.
What is studied in a psychology degree?
All recognised degrees in psychology cover many of the main facets of modern psychology listed above, in the context of developing an understanding of how to approach human psychology in a scientific way. This means that it is desirable, but not usually essential, to have studied science to an advanced level in school.
If I do a psychology degree, will I be "a psychologist"?
No, or at least not straightaway. There are various types of professional psychologist, of which the clinical psychologist is the best known. All these professionals have a recognised degree in psychology, but they have also undertaken a considerable period of postgraduate training. Career prospects for professional psychologists are extremely good.
What is a "recognised degree" in psychology?
The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) recognises certain degrees offered at third level as being appropriate for students who wish to train as a professional psychologist. Recognition or accreditation is thus a "benchmark" of quality, and also provides potential access to further training opportunities. Courses currently accredited by the PSI are listed below:
UCD - BA (Hons) Psychology/ BSc (Hons) Psychology/
Higher Diploma in Psychology
University of Ulster BSc (Hons) Psychology with Magee College/ Organisational Science
TCD BA (Mod) Psychology
NUI Maynooth BA (Hons) Psychology
Dublin Business School BA (Hons) Psychology
American College Dublin BA (Hons) Psychology
UCC BA (Hons) Psychology/ BSc (Hons) Psychology/ Higher Diploma in Psychology
What other options are there for psychology graduates?
A psychology degree provides graduates with an extensive, flexible skill and knowledge base. These graduates often possess good research and writing skills and are good problem solvers. They find jobs in administrative support, social and health services, education, business, personnel, service industries, financial services, the biological sciences and computer programming.
The Psychological Society of Ireland is at CX House, 2A Corn Exchange Hose, Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2.
Brian Mooney is president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. You can e-mail him your questions to bmooney@irish-times.ie
