Between 15 and 20 students are admitted to the Higher Diploma in Psychology each year.

Applicants to the Higher Diploma in Psychology programme must be graduates with an honours degree (typically a 2.1 or higher), or final year students on an honours degree programme in any discipline. Offers to applicants who are not yet graduates will be contingent on degree results. The programme welcomes applications from mature students. The selection process for the Higher Diploma in Psychology will take account of: 1) undergraduate record and, where relevant, postgraduate record; (2) certified modules or courses in psychology; (3) experience of psychology through work or voluntary activities; (4) employment record; (5) references; (6) applicant's personal statement on the application form.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Teaching in Irish Universities is normally through the medium of English. All applicants are therefore required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language. Applicants whose first language is not English, and who are not presenting the subject English in a school-leaving examination which is at least of pass Leaving Certificate standard (e.g. GCSE grade C) must meet the minimum English Language Requirements in relation to TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) specified at the following website: https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/

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Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

A number of places on the Higher Diploma in Psychology are offered each year to international applicants. Applications for this programme typically open in October and close in mid-March. International applicants may contact [email protected] in the first instance to indicate their interest in applying for the Higher Diploma in Psychology. International applicants may apply for the Higher Diploma in Psychology through the UCD Online Applications homepage.

W014 Higher Diploma Psychology
Higher Diploma Full-Time
Commencing September 2026

W202 Higher Diploma Psychology
Higher Diploma Part-Time
Commencing September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.