What is it like to study Psychology at University?

I love angels

Hi Everyone,
I was just wondering what is it like to study Psychology at University? Is it easy or hard? What are you're experiences with studying Psychology? Is it easy to get a psychology job after your degree, especially in Dublin? What job do you have now?

Thank you,
Linda

TalkingTails

I did my undergraduate in Psychology in Maynooth and it was a very intensive degree. You need to have a strong interest in it to do well. A basic interest in the typical psychological topics such as serial killers, psychopaths etc won't carry you through because you don't even touch on them. The degree is largely statistics and biology of the brain, synapses etc. I was unaware of this going in but I found I enjoyed it. However, if you don't have in interest I'm these at all it can be very tedious to do well in the coursework. Final year is very intensive with a 2000-3000 word essay or practical due every 1-2 weeks while also doing your thesis (5-6000 words). I know I sound quite negative but If you have an interest in the brain; statistics; and learning many theories of learning, language, development, sleep processes, etc. then it is an extremely interesting degree. It also teaches you how to write to a very high standard and how to be analytical.

Regarding getting a job afterwards, it can take a very long time. You'll need to go on to study at Masters or Phd level specialising in research, educational, criminal, neurological, clinical etc. These programmes can be very competitive to get into and require a 2:1 or first in your degree. A lot of them also require a year or more volunteer experience, or paid (but this can be very hard to get without having a masters; a vicious circle). So it can be a long road career wise but as long as you know this going in and are willing to spend 3-7 years before getting a big pay packet it can be a very rewarding career.

Sorry of that all sounded a bit frank, but I wish I knew all of that before I began my psych degree. Also, Regarding my job now! I'm trying to make tracks in the business world! Hope that helps!

NeonCookies

Hi Linda,

I'd just like to agree with everything TalkingTails has said. People often have a romanticized notion of psychology studying serial killers etc. But in reality it's about statistics, critical thinking, theories etc. at least at undergrad level. Think of it as the 'science of behaviour' with science being the important word!

I did my degree in UCD and I really enjoyed it. In 2nd year you do labs with a report due every 2 weeks. In these you start learning about the basics of research, what factors you need to take into account, simple statistics etc. This all prepares you for doing your own research in 3rd year. If at this stage you have an interest in one area of Psychology, it's best to try to focus your thesis on this just to show your interest in the future. I made the mistake of focusing on Occupational Psychology, despite my interest being in Educational!

Again, as TalkingTails said the career path is long, confusing and not flush with cash until you fully qualify. You have to be committed, motivated and interested! It's such a useful degree though, that it will never be wasted. The skills you learn can be applied to a lot of jobs - research, critical thinking, good writing skills etc. So even if you discover your path lies outside of psychology, you'll be able to apply all of those skills. Right now I'm teaching English abroad, and will work towards Educational Psychology when I get home.

(Word of warning: Get used to guys in bars/ clubs using the chat up line "So, what am I thinking right now? " when you say you study psychology :rolleyes: )