Psychology - Conversion

Course Overview

The HDipPsychology (Conversion) is a one-year, full-time programme designed for students who have completed the BA in Psychological Studies at University of Galway, or its equivalent. By combining the HDipPsych (Conversion) with the BA with Psychological Studies, students will have covered the course content equivalent to that of University of Galway’s BSc in Psychology programme.



The HDipPsychology (Conversion) in combination with course content covered by the University of Galway Psychological Studies degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). As such, the course satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in Psychology. The programme thus qualifies graduates for entry to postgraduate professional programmes in Ireland and the United Kingdom.



Please note, if you have a psychology degree that is not a University of Galway Psychology degree and have an interest in taking this Higher Diploma, you need to consider whether or not (i) your existing degree has covered content exactly equivalent to the content covered by the Psychological Studies degree according to the PSI; and (ii) whether this content, or modules covering this content are recognised by the PSI. If neither of these conditions are met, it is recommended you consider the two-year HDipPsych (Full), also offered by the University of Galway. You should enquire with the PSI concerning recognition/accreditation of your existing degree or courses/modules.



Course Outline

Students on the HDipPsych (Conversion) programme undertake selected modules from the BSc Psychology second and third year programme.



The menu includes modules on the psychology of learning; perception, attention and performance; applied organisational psychology; psychological measurement (theory and practice); advanced research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and computer skills training (SPSS). Students take part in a series of experimental workshops throughout the academic year and, in addition, are required to complete an independent research project under supervision. Finally, a recent innovation allows students to choose their final module from a selection of available ones.



This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and thus satisfies the requirements specified by PSI for graduate status in psychology.

Candidates should have sat the entire suite of core Psychology courses available to BA (Psychological Studies) students at the University of Galway, or their direct equivalents.



Equivalence here refers to course content and, where applicants apply with candidate courses to those sat in the BA (Psychological Studies), an application will be made by the HDip Director to establish these courses as providing a basis for recognition of prior learning.



Such courses, i.e. those which have not been sat at University of Galway, will also need to be demonstrated by the applicant, at the time of application, to be recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland.



The HDip (conversion) in Psychology has a limited intake of 14 students per annum. Offers are made on the basis of application and grade point average for relevant psychology courses (i.e. those mentioned above)

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

This programme provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate courses of study and careers in a variety of areas. Completing this diploma will enable a graduate to gain access to further training to become a professional psychologist (e.g., a clinical, counselling or occupational psychologist) or to undertake a research degree in psychology (e.g., a PhD in Psychology).