Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Applied Psychology

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the national professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland. Completion of this four-year degree at the Athlone campus enables graduates to apply for entry into postgraduate psychology programmes. Only PSI-accredited undergraduate degrees allow progression to professional postgraduate training in areas such as Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology. The programme also confers eligibility for graduate membership of both the Psychological Society of Ireland and the British Psychological Society, allowing access to postgraduate courses that require BPS accreditation. Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour, examining how people think, feel, act and interact with others. This programme develops key skills in research, problem-solving, critical thinking, analysis, communication and professional development, making it suitable for those interested in understanding human behaviour in applied contexts. As an applied psychology degree, the programme embeds practical learning throughout the curriculum. It includes a semester-long work placement in the third year, alongside a strong emphasis on small-group workshops such as counselling skills sessions, applied psychology experimental laboratories and inferential statistics labs. Assessment is designed to balance applied continuous assessment with final examinations, ensuring the development of both theoretical understanding and practical competence. The degree is relevant for those seeking a long-term career in psychology and also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate study within psychology or related social science disciplines. A distinctive feature of the programme is its applied work placement element. The Department of Social Science at TUS has established relationships with a wide range of health and social service providers, including Early Years Care and Education, Social Care, Mental Health Services, Intellectual Disability services, Youth Work, services for Older People and Community Development organisations. During the third year, students undertake a supervised semester-long placement in a psychology-informed environment, gaining valuable real-world experience. Placements are supported by a dedicated Work Placement Coordinator and have included organisations such as Regari Recovery College, Brothers of Charity, Juniper Tree Autism Services, TUS research units, TUS student counselling services and Ability West. As an alternative to work placement, a limited number of students may choose to study abroad for a semester at the University of Valencia in Spain. This Erasmus option allows students to continue their Applied Psychology studies through English while experiencing a different culture and learning Spanish during the second and third years in preparation. The programme is supported by a dedicated Applied Psychology Erasmus Coordinator and the TUS International Office, ensuring a well-supported international study experience.