NUI Maynooth Psychology Level 7 Certificate

I love angels

Hi Everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone has studied this course in either Maynooth or in one of your local VEC's. What did you think of this course? Was it hard? It seems like a good course and there's topics on it that would be in a Degree. How much harder is Level 7 Psychology compared to level 5 Psychology? I am doing a level 5 Psychology at the moment.

Thank you

DagdaIreland

Hi Angels - I studied this last year through Dun Laoghaire college and really enjoyed it. It was a very mixed group in terms of ages, backgrounds, reasons for doing the course and educational experience. The course covered almost all the basic areas of psychology and some history/schools of psychology, but by necessity it has to be brief - I think it is enough to give you a flavour and decide if you want to know more. Our teacher encouraged us to do a bit of independent reading into topics that we found particularly relevant or interesting - an essay and research proposal are part of the assessment in any case.
In terms of difficulty - some people did struggle with some of the concepts and topics (Freud springs to mind) but it isn't really beyond anyone and I would say that an additional hour or two a week on top of the class would allow anyone to keep up.
At first I was sceptical as to whether I would find Psychology too wishy-washy/airy-fairy/touchy-feely for my tastes, but this course has encouraged me to go on and do more (I'm now doing the H.Dip in DBS) and I really enjoyed it and found it worthwhile - the small class atmosphere encourages discussion and debate and our teacher (Mary Foley) was very enthusiastic and helpful.
Hope that helps,
D

Dr Sunshine

Hi OP,

I did this course last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, it is a very general course and as Dagda says will give you an overall flavour of psychology.

There is a fair bit of work involved in the research proposal but you will have access to online resources.

You're already doing FETAC5 psychology. Can I ask what is your long term aim? You might be better off applying for a degree course if you hope to become a psychologist as this Level 7 course does not give you any exemptions as far as I am aware.

DagdaIreland

Yes Dr Sunshine is dead right - I hadn't copped that you were already studying the level 5 course..
The NUI Maynooth one doesn't really offer anything above this other than dipping a toe into a vaguely college-level experience and more difficult assessment - I agree that you'd probably be better to apply directly for a degree-level course if you want to take it further.. (based purely on my own experience, others may differ)
I checked around a few places at the time, and they didn't seem willing to offer credit for the NUI course (witht the possible exception of the Open University) towards a module of another course.

Mito

Hi, I am contemplating doing a degree course with the Open University (OU) in either Psychology or Counselling. I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with these courses via the OU and what has been the outcome as regards quality of course & qualification aswell as how useful (how rated) such a degree has been or is likely to be in attaining employment. Thanking you.