PLC Psychology - Pls Advise :)

SpongeBob7658

Hi All,

Anyone attended the Applied Psychology course in SCD (Dunlaoghaire Senior College)? If so, would you advise this course and is it a good stepping stone into University next year to study Psychology. I am also hoping to do the part time NUI Psychology Course in DunLaoghaire Further Education at the same time, but if they dont get enough people, the course wont go ahead. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. (I will be applying as a mature student)

Thanks, SB

92Grainne1992

Hi,

I'm just finished the FETAC level 5 in Applied Psychology. I went into it with no idea what to expect and I have to say, I didnt regret a second of it. You complete a load of modules including Criminology, Human Growth, Child Development, Behavioural Studies, as well as a module in very basic theories and theorists. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that the workload is VERY heavy, you've got two "projects" for each module you do, bar Communications and Work Experience. In those modules you have smaller, but equally as important assignments to do, such as CV writing, Skills Audits, Reflections on Work Experience and all the rest. Whatever you do, decide early on if you are committed to doing it, and do it well. I know it sounds simple to do continuous assessment the whole way through the year but in order to do well in them, you need to put a lot of work in. I finished it with eight distinctions but gave up my social life for it.

As for links with colleges, Senior College Dun Laoghaire have links with IADT, NCI and DBS, if you are interested in the Psychology side of things. You've also got the chance to apply to colleges like IT Tallaght, IT Blanchardstown and DIT if you would like to go down the Social care route. I'm awaiting my results and my CAO offers to go into social care. I think maybe the full time course and the part time might be a bit much and you should definitely go for SCD. You really get out of it what you put in, and hard work does pay off!

Hope I was of some use to you... xx

SpongeBob7658

Hi Grainne,

Thanks so much for taking the time out to respond. Really appreciate your help. I am seriously thinking of applying for this course. I desperately want to get into UCD next year. Can I ask are you a mature student also?

Thanks again,

SB

92Grainne1992

I'd say go for it! Just be warned the work load is enormous and don't take any 5% projects for granted, all those little marks add up in the grand scheme of things! Forgot to mention SCD also have links with Napier University in Edinburgh for a 4 year bachelors in psychology and a new link came through late this year with Swansea Metropolitan University, to go straight into second year of their psychology and counselling degree.

I'm only 20 so not a mature student yet, but I think a few of the mature students from the other classes had applied to go to UCD. Unfortunately I don't know how they got on! Good luck and I'd say go balls deep, you've been warned.

Xx

SpongeBob7658

Thanks Grainne,

Im convinced! Im applying today. Thanks so much for your advice.

Cheers,

SB xx