Psychology courses in Ireland are some of the most in-demand and holistic programs offered in the country. Ireland hosts a number of universities that offer extremely competitive and high-quality programs in general psychology as well as highly specialized ones.
Ireland is rapidly becoming a center for high-quality education for international students, primarily due to it being the only English-speaking country among the eurozone countries. According to the Irish Universities Association, Ireland houses more than 32,000 international students currently, with the numbers only going up. Health and Welfare remain the most popular course of study among international admits.
Besides the United Kingdom, Ireland remains a prime destination for students looking to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country in Europe. The sophisticated education system coupled with the extremely friendly culture makes Ireland a compelling choice for international students.
Why Study Psychology Courses in Ireland?
Listed below are some of the most important reasons why you should consider studying psychology in Ireland.
- Excellent academic environment:
Ireland has an outstanding higher education system and psychology programs offered in the country are well known for their academic rigor and quality.
Home to some of the best schools of psychology in the world such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, etc., Ireland allows students to study innovative and rigorous psychology programs from some of the top psychologists in the world.
- Research Opportunities:
Irish universities are well known for their research-oriented curriculums and some of the universities have a long-standing tradition of exceptional research in the field of psychology. These universities will allow students to engage in cutting-edge research and gain hands-on experience in the field.
- Ample Job opportunities:
A psychology degree from Ireland can open up numerous career paths in fields such as education, research, healthcare, and so on.
- Global Recognition:
Irish degrees are recognized worldwide for excellence and rigor, with the Irish education system being ranked among the best in the world. An Irish psychology degree can lead to ample research and career opportunities all over the world.
Top Universities in Ireland Offering Psychology Degree Programs
Many universities in Ireland offer psychology degree programs, with most of them consistently ranking among the top Psychology departments in the world. Many of these universities offer many innovative and interdisciplinary programs in psychology, and the faculty members are some of the best in the world.
Here are some of the best universities in Ireland offering Psychology degree programs:
| University Name | Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject (Psychology) | Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| Trinity College, Dublin | 101 – 125 | 161 |
| Maynooth University | 126 – 150 | 401 – 500 |
| University College Cork | 176 – 200 | 301 – 350 |
| University College Dublin | 201 – 250 | 201 – 250 |
| University of Galway | 251 – 300 | 301 – 350 |
| University of Limerick | 251 – 300 | 601 – 800 |
Psychology Specializations Offered in Ireland
Psychology courses are often offered from an arts and humanities-oriented approach as well as from a more scientifically oriented approach – i.e., at the undergraduate level, one can choose between BA Psychology and BSc Psychology, similarly, at the graduate level, there are options of MA Psychology and MSc Psychology. Students can choose between these different programs according to their interests as well as career expectations.
Besides the discipline-centric choices, students can also choose to specialize in different areas of Psychology. Many top universities in Ireland offer Psychology specializations, which allow students to explore the subject with more focus and depth.
Some of the Psychology specializations offered in Ireland include:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Psychology
- Psychology and Computing
- Applied Psychology
Best Bachelor’s of Psychology Courses in Ireland
Many universities in Ireland offer competitive and high-quality undergraduate education in psychology. The tuition fee for an undergraduate degree typically ranges from 10,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR.
Listed below are some of the best bachelor’s programs in psychology in Ireland.
| University Name | Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (2023-24) |
| Trinity College, Dublin | BA Psychology | 21,080 EUR |
| Maynooth University
|
BA Psychology | 13,500 EUR |
| Bsc Psychology | 15,000 EUR | |
| University College Cork | BA (Hons) Applied Psychology |
16,700 EUR |
| BA (Hons) Psychology and Computing | ||
| University College Dublin | BSc Psychology |
21,520 EUR |
| BA Psychology | ||
| University of Galway | BSc Psychology | 17,640 EUR |
| University of Limerick | BSc Psychology | 17,200 EUR |
Best Master’s of Psychology Courses in Ireland
Master’s degrees in Ireland are known for their extensive curriculums and rigorous approach. The tuition fees generally range from 12,000 EUR to 25,000 EUR.
Here are some of the best masters programs in psychology programs in Ireland:
| University Name | Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (2023-24) |
| Trinity College, Dublin | MSc Applied Psychology | 21,920 EUR |
| MSc Applied Behavioral Analysis | 16,170 EUR | |
| MSc Global Mental Health | 21,790 EUR | |
| Maynooth University | MSc Psychology | 15,000 EUR |
| MSc Environmental Psychology | ||
| University College Cork | MA Applied Psychology |
18,800 EUR |
| Work and Organizational Psychology | ||
| University College Dublin | MSc Behavioural Neuroscience
Psychological Science |
23,690 EUR |
| University of Galway | MSc Health Psychology
MSc Consumer Psychology |
17,440 EUR |
| 17,360 EUR | ||
| University of Limerick | MA Psychology
MSc Psychological Science MSc Work and Organizational Psychology |
14,600 EUR
14,000 EUR 17,500 EUR |
Admission Requirements to Study Psychology in Ireland
Students wanting to pursue their higher education in Psychology in Ireland will have to meet certain eligibility criteria. These conditions could vary depending on your university of choice.
Nevertheless, listed below are some of the most common requirements for being accepted into a degree program in Ireland.
Bachelor’s degree requirements:
- Secondary school leaving certificate, such as an Irish leaving certificate, or an equivalent certification from the student’s country of origin.
- Good Academic record, with an emphasis on Mathematics and English.
- Proof of proficiency in the English language, such as a score of a minimum of 6.5 on a test like IELTS.
- Some universities might require a Statement of Purpose.
- Minimum two Academic References.
Master’s degree requirements:
- An honors degree in Psychology that is recognized by the psychological society in your country of origin.
- Strong academic record in your undergraduate studies with some universities requiring the academic performance equivalent to a second-class honors degree.
- Proof of proficiency in the English language, such as a score of a minimum of 6.5 on a test like IELTS.
- Some universities offering specialized degrees require specific requirements such as credits in social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, etc.
- Some universities require some relevant work experience in the field.
- Letter of Recommendations and Academic References.
Cost of Studying Psychology Courses in Ireland for International Students
The cost of studying psychology can vary depending on the institution and the level of study. However, in general for an undergraduate degree in psychology, the cost can range from 10,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR, whereas a graduate degree could range from 12,000 EUR to 25,000 EUR. It is also important to note that students hailing from non-EU countries are required to pay a much higher tuition fee than ones originating from EU countries. Additionally, there are costs associated with immigration, housing, transportation, and other living expenses. On average international students need anywhere between 10,000 EUR to 16,000 EUR per year for the cost of living in Ireland.
Many international students take up part-time jobs while studying to cover the majority of their expenses. There are ample financial aid and scholarships available for international students, allowing them to significantly reduce the cost of studying in Ireland.
Scholarships to Study Psychology Courses in Ireland
There are several scholarship options for international students aspiring to study psychology in Ireland. Many of these programs are based on excellent academic records and are often awarded in limited numbers. These programs differ depending on the organization providing them, and they usually cover a significant portion of the tuition fees as well as provide a stipend for living expenses.
There are mainly two types of scholarships offered for international students – governmental scholarships and scholarships offered by different universities.
Some of the most prominent scholarship programs for studying psychology in Ireland are listed below:
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship: This is one of the most prestigious and generous scholarship programs available for Non-EU students. Available for master’s students, the recipients are awarded a full waiver of their entire tuition fees as well a stipend of 10,000 EUR for one year of study. It is awarded to 60 Eligible candidates in a year.
University College Dublin Scholarships: University College Dublin offers 100 percent as well as 50 percent scholarships, in terms of reduction of tuition fees to a limited number of excellent international students.
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships: Trinity College offers Global excellence scholarships at all levels of study. Undergraduate students receive a reduction of 5,000 EUR in tuition fees for the first of study. Postgraduate students on the other hand receive a reduction of 2,000 EUR to 5,000 EUR in their tuition fees.
Future Prospects as a Psychology Graduate in Ireland
As a psychology graduate in Ireland, you will have ample career opportunities in front of you. Many universities offering psychology courses have very career-oriented programs that prepare students for quick employability.
Some of the most common career paths for psychology graduates include
Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists work with individuals who have mental disorders, and help them by providing therapy and support.
Educational Psychology: Educational psychologists work in educational institutions such as schools, colleges, etc, and primarily aid students with learning issues, behavioral problems, etc.
Occupational Psychology: Occupational psychologists work within organizations to manage the well-being of employees.
Research and Academia: Many psychology graduates pursue research and academic careers, working in universities and research institutions to advance psychological study and research.
Other Fields: Graduates in psychology can find suitable careers in fields such as human resources, advertising, marketing, management, consulting, and so on.
Conclusion
Ireland is an excellent destination for international students to pursue their higher education in psychology. It hosts some of the best institutions for psychology that offer various specialized degrees in the field such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, etc. The sheer amount of career and research prospects after acquiring a psychology degree from Ireland makes the courses incredibly valuable for the money spent. Overall, these factors along with the friendly and welcoming culture of Ireland make it an excellent choice for international students wanting to pursue psychology. For more information, contact Gyanberry.