Candidates should have sat the entire suite of core Psychology courses available to BA (Psychological Studies) students at the University of Galway, or their direct equivalents.

Equivalence here refers to course content and, where applicants apply with candidate courses to those sat in the BA (Psychological Studies), an application will be made by the HDip Director to establish these courses as providing a basis for recognition of prior learning.

Such courses, i.e. those which have not been sat at University of Galway, will also need to be demonstrated by the applicant, at the time of application, to be recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland.

The HDip (conversion) in Psychology has a limited intake of 14 students per annum. Offers are made on the basis of application and grade point average for relevant psychology courses (i.e. those mentioned above)

How to apply
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.

Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Online Application
Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

Next start date 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.

Psychology offers a wide range of career paths, reflecting the discipline’s broad relevance to human behaviour, mental health, and social functioning. Careers in psychology broadly divide into applied, clinical, academic, and research domains, though considerable overlap exists across these categories.

Clinical psychology?remains one of the most recognised fields, focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, private practice, and community settings, applying evidence-based therapies to help individuals manage emotional and psychological difficulties.

Counselling psychology?similarly addresses mental well-being but often focuses on less severe psychological issues, offering support for life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth.

Educational and school psychologists?specialise in learning, development, and educational systems, working within schools to assess learning difficulties, developmental disorders, and to support teachers and families.

In the corporate world,?occupational or organisational psychologists?apply psychological principles to workplace settings, addressing employee wellbeing, organisational culture, and performance optimisation. This branch is crucial in areas such as recruitment, leadership development, and change management.

Forensic psychologists?work at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, providing assessments for court cases, working with offenders, or advising on criminal investigations.

Beyond applied fields,?academic and research psychologists?contribute to advancing knowledge in cognitive, social, developmental, and neuropsychology through teaching and research. Many work in universities or research institutions, influencing public policy and scientific understanding.

Emerging areas such as?health psychology,?sports psychology, and?neuropsychology?reflect growing demand for psychological expertise in health, athletic performance, and brain functioning.

Overall, careers in psychology offer diverse opportunities to apply psychological theory to real-world challenges, with pathways requiring postgraduate qualifications, practical experience, and often professional registration to practise competently and ethically.