Psychology

Almost everything we think, feel or do falls under the umbrella term of Psychology. To study Psychology is to enter a world where our thoughts, feelings and behaviour are explored from many perspectives. If you are interested in the answer to the following questions…

• Why do we get depressed?
• Can you tell if another person is lying?
• Why do people fall in and out of love?
• Do physically attractive people have more fun?
• Is happiness good for your health?
• Do social networking sites encourage self-obsession?
• What makes some people charismatic?
• Why do stalkers harass their victims?
• What motivates serial killers?
• Can aggression and violence be controlled?
• Is social media addictive?

...then you will enjoy the first year modules in Introductory Psychology and Social Psychology. These modules should enhance understanding of your own attitudes and behaviours in addition to those of other people.

Psychology finds reason in why we think the way we think, feel the way we feel, and do the things we do. If we understand this, we can not only improve ourselves, but we can understand why others think, feel, and behave the way they do. As such, graduates in psychology develop a wealth of skills useful in any aspect of their personal or professional lives that require interaction with other people.

Our Psychology programme is accredited and therefore, studying Psychology as a major at MIC provides students with the basis for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

At MIC, students studying Psychology have access to dedicated facilities including a dedicated computer lab, testing rooms, one-way observation facilities and an eye-tracking lab.

In first year, two modules provide students with the foundations for studying Psychology as a major, one in each semester. The Introduction to Psychology module (semester 1) provides students with an overview of many of the main areas of Psychology. Students will gain insight into many topics in Psychology including the biological basis of behaviour, the multiple layers of human development, and the different perspectives that underpin theories of human cognition, personality and individual differences. Students will acquire basic skills in the scientific methods and the ethical research practices employed by psychologists in the study of human behaviour.

In semester 2, students undertake a more in-depth look at social psychology, which is the study of the behaviour of individuals in groups. This fascinating area covers topics such as the self-concept, social identity, and the influences that individuals exert on each other as group members. The module looks at social relationships, both within a group, and between groups, and explores the impact of group dynamics on group performance in a variety of real life settings. The two Year One psychology modules illustrate theoretical concepts and their applications with multiple examples drawn from everyday life and aim to make year 1 psychology interesting, dynamic and accessible. Students who meet the special second year entry requirements can go on to major in Psychology and will study, not only existing knowledge of the processes and factors that influence human and other animals’ behaviour, but also the techniques that psychologists use to probe that behaviour, from unconscious thoughts to the most explicit of actions. The course covers a wide range of areas including social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology.

Graduates find work in a wide range of careers, including:

• Social or community service management
• International business
• Human resources
• Training and development
• Education
• Marketing
• Management
• Health Service and charities
• Psychologist (postgraduate qualification required)

• Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology
• MA/PhD Research