BSc PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH SCIENCE

Clearl

Thinking of putting this as my CAO first choice next year...what's it like? i like biology but amn't fussed on physics/chemisty but am interested in psychology etc. but overall, what's the course like with coursework, job prospects and people doing the course etc. thanks

gigawatt

two girls I know are doing it. afaik you have to do maths chemistry biology in 1st year like general science.

Mastroph

You do your psychology modules, maths and I think 2 subjects from Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. As far as I know there are no restrictions on this choice, except that you can't take them into second year.

Not 100% sure on that (I'm doing general science) but one of my friends is doing it in first year and he's doing 2 science subjects and maths.

As for workload, if you've done honours (or even pass for some) for the Leaving Cert in whatever subjects you're choosing then it shouldn't be too much, as a good chunk will be revising that. As I said, I'm studying science so I can't really speak for the psychology side, but I hope that's sufficient for the science aspect at least. Good luck in your exams!:)

kisaragi

Year 1 - 4 Science Subjects
Year 2 - 3 2nd year Science Subjects + 1st year psychology
Year 3 - All Psychology (same as 2nd year BA students)
Year 4 - All Psychology (same as 3rd year BA students)

Not sure what combinations are or are not possible in first and second year but the prospectus should tell you.

Course load - I can only speak for the psychology part but... First year psychology is pretty easy, it's only 1/3 of your total content. Second year is a big step up, but manageable. 3rd year is rather challenging but you've learned a lot (hopefully) by this stage and it's your chance to shine and choose the modules that interest you and are going to shape your career path.

Employment prospects - you're not a psychologist until you have a PhD in psychology, but you could get some research assistant work if you're good. Most people who want to stay on in psychology go on to further study (M.Sc/M.A or PhD). Depending on what areas you found interesting you can branch off into whatever kind of psychology you like Be aware that if you want to do clinical the competition is fierce - you might have to get 1sts all around, a PhD, some experience, and THEN apply to do clinical - it's really really tough to get into.

psycjay

Hi there, I'm in final year psychology through science and would highly recommend this option IF you are interested in science. In first year you do maths and any other general science subjects (I did biology, chemistry, and physics). In second year you keep two of your science subjects and study psychology along with the 1st year arts students. In third and fourth year it's pure psychology.

One thing I found with the science route is that while it does help you with certain aspects of psychology (stats mainly), it does not prepare you for the writing side of psychology. Despite psychology being listed as a science subject, it is taught and assessed as an arts subject, which means essays, essays, essays. In addition, the marking standard is very tough, just ask anybody doing the subject.

If you are not all that big into science, then perhaps you should consider the arts route, as the other subjects may complement psychology more (because you will be writing essays basically). It really isn't that difficult to get in to second year if you don't have the points to go direct, just work and do some study and you will fly through.

As far as career prospects, there are plenty but you have to think outside of the box. As mentioned there are large bottlenecks of people trying to get into clinical and counselling post grads, but there are other areas you can branch into, and courses in the UK which arn't as competitive. The degree on it's own is not sufficient to become a psychologist.

Best of luck with the LC and remember, take my advice with a pinch of salt. I am not you and am only speaking from my personal experience, i.e. I am biased.

Anyway, back to that essay I was doing!

Jay