PCI Psychology Courses at Level 8 (NFQ)
Module Code: PSY101
Title:
Introduction to Psychology
Credits:
10
Module Code: PSY102
Title:
Biological & Neuropsychology
Credits:
10
Module Code: PSY103
Title:
Cognitive & Sport Psychology
Credits:
10
Module Code: PSY104
Title:
Social & Criminal Psychology
Credits:
10
Module Code: PSY105 (M)
Title:
Personality & Abnormal Psychology
Credits:
10
Module Code: PSY106 (M)
Title:
Health & Wellbeing Psychology
Credits:
10
Total Required Credits:
60
Certificate in Psychology
If six of these are taken together, it is intended that these individual modules provide the basis to a Level
8 Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology. Aiming at Level 8, the overarching learning outcomes for this
certificate would be:
Knowledge:
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Detailed specialised knowledge across the core areas of psychology.
An understanding of the theory, concepts, and methods pertaining to the field of
psychology.
Recognition of limitations of current knowledge.
Familiarity with sources of new knowledge and some cutting edge research across the
core areas of psychology.
Integration of concepts across the core areas of psychology.
Skills:
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Critically evaluate of a wide range of sources.
To act in variable and unfamiliar learning contexts.
To take responsibility for achieving personal and group outcomes.
To exercise judgement in planning, design, and supervisory functions related to tasks.
To take initiative to interact effectively in a learning group.
Module Code:
PSY101
Title:
Introduction to Psychology: A Unified Perspective
Credit Level:
10
Total Contact Hours:
Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)
Aims
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To familiarise students with the scientific basis to Psychology. To introduce key
concepts in biological, cognitive, social, developmental, personality, and abnormal
psychology. To give them an understanding of how the brain and mind work as a
unitary system. To familiarise students with what types of aptitudes are best suited
to studying Psychology, and what type of technological competencies are required.
To instruct students on the role and importance of research in psychology. To
familiarise students with the various research methodologies and statistical
approaches employed by psychologists and to give instruction on basic statistical
procedures. To make students aware of the various psychological professions, their
nature, and what type of qualifications and work/life experience they require. It is
intended that this course will provide a strong basis for degree level studies in
Psychology or Psychology related subjects.
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What is Psychology?
Studying Psychology in the Modern World
Psychology as a Science: History of Presupposition, Schools, and Approaches
Psychology from the Ground Up I: Biology to Cognition to Social.
Psychology from the Ground Up II: A Unitary System
Lifespan Development: From Infancy to Old-age
Psychological Research I: The Role of Research
Psychological Research II: Research Methods & Basic Statistics
Professional Issues I: Education, Career, Clinical
Professional Issues II: Coaching, Counselling, Forensic
Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Attitudes
On completion students will be able to:
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Illustrate the scientific nature of psychology with examples.
Define commonly used terms in each of the core psychology subjects: cognitive
psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and
personality psychology.
Outline and discuss at least two experiments or demonstrations in each of the
core subjects of cognitive psychology, biopsychology, social psychology,
developmental psychology, and personality psychology.
Discuss and contrast theories in each of the core subjects of cognitive
psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and
personality psychology.
Show an understanding of research design, the nature and appropriate
statistical analysis of data, psychometrics and measurement techniques, and
quantitative and qualitative methods.
Recognise limitations of Psychology as a science.
Skills
On completion students will be able to:
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Critically evaluate psychological research.
Approach the study of the mind from a scientific standpoint.
Carry out basic statistical analyses of data.
Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form.
Use learning resources and technology that are typically used in the
undergraduate and postgraduate study of Psychology.
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Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous
Assessment: 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of
contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.
o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous
Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.
o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.):
 Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available.
 Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction.
 15 days + = 0 marks.
o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5
Questions – Answer 2.
o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits
Assessment
Bibliography
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Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M. (2009).
Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International Edition). McGraw-Hill:
New York. 9780077118365
Toates, F. (2011). Biological Psychology (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall: London.
0273745751
Eysenck, M., & Keane, M. (2010). Cognitive Psychology: A student’s handbook (6th
Ed.) Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press. 1841695408
Hogg, M. & Vaughan, G. (2010). Social Psychology (6th Edition). Prentice Hall:
London. 0273741144
Gillibrand, R., Lam, V., & O’Donnell, V.L. (2011). Developmental Psychology. Prentice
Hall: London. 0273742620
Larsen, R. J. & Buss, D. M. (2009). Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge
About Human Nature. McGraw-Hill: New York. 0070164991
Kring, A., Davison, G.C., Neale, J.M., & Johnson, S. (2009) Abnormal Psychology
(International Student Version). John Wiley & Sons. 0470413344
Module Code:
PSY102
Title:
Biological & Neuropsychology
Credit Level:
10
Total Contact Hours:
Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)
Aims
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To introduce key concepts in biological and neuropsychology. To familiarise
students with the brain as the organ of the mind. To examine the biological bases of
behaviour. To introduce students to basic neurochemistry and neurophysiology of
nerve transmission. To explain the structure and organisation of the nervous
system. To identify and explain the cortical location of typical cognitive function and
those areas of the brain normally involved in abnormal behaviour. To introduce
students to biological aspects of learning, memory, motivation and emotion. To
provide evolutionary explanations of behaviour.
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Introducing Biological & Neuropsychology?
Introduction to Neurological Structure
The Nervous System
Cortical Structure & Function – Which areas do what?
The Biology of Hunger & Thirst
The Biology of Emotion
The Psychology of Learning I – Classical Conditioning
The Psychology of Learning II - Operant Conditioning
Brain Injury
The Evolution of Behaviour.
Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Attitudes
On completion students will be able to:
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Define commonly used terms in biological and neuropsychology.
Illustrate the scientific nature of contemporary psychology with examples from
research into biological and neuropsychology.
Describe at least five experiments or demonstrations in biopsychology.
Describe and contrast at least five theories in biopsychology
Describe cutting edge neuropsychological research with examples.
Recognise limitations of current knowledge in the field.
Understand the range of methodologies used in bio and neuropsychological
research.
Skills
On completion students will be able to:
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Critically evaluate psychological research.
Approach the study of the mind from a scientific standpoint.
Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist
and non-specialist audiences.
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Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous
Assessment : 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of
contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.
o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous
Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.
o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.):
 Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available.
 Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction.
 15 days + = 0 marks.
o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5
Questions – Answer 2.
o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits
Assessment
Bibliography
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Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M. (2009).
Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International Edition). McGraw-Hill:
New York. 9780077118365
Toates, F. (2011). Biological Psychology (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall: London.
0273745751
Ormond, J.E. (2008). Human Learning (5th Edition). Prentice Hall: London.
0137006020
Breedlove, S. M.Watson, N.V., Rosenzweig, M.R. (2010). Biological Psychology: An
Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience (6th Edition).
Sinauer Associates. 0878935630
Kalat, J.W. (2009). Biological Psychology. Wadsworth. 0495790818
Module Code:
PSY103
Title:
Cognitive & Sport Psychology
Status:
Mandatory
Credit Level:
10
Total Contact Hours:
Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)
Aims
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To introduce students to key concepts in traditional areas of cognition. To introduce
students to key concepts in high-level cognition such as language, awareness,
planning, selfhood, free-will, and cognitive control. To familiarise students with both
traditional and cutting edge approaches to Cognitive Psychology. To build on that
platform of knowledge and give students a cognitive/mechanistic/scientific
understanding of the factors that affect athletes’ training and competition. To
address the divisive issue of consciousness vs. automaticity in the context of sport
performance. To acquaint students with cutting edge psychological research and
theories concerning sport and exercise.
By bringing Cognitive and Sport Psychology together in the one course, we are
aiming to firstly, provide an applied context which can be used to more fully
elucidate the mechanisms of cognition. Sporting contexts are arguably the perfect
applied context from where to study cognitive psychology because they act as realworld laboratories. Secondly, we are aiming to gives those with an interest in the
field of Sport Psychology a comprehensive knowledge base from which they can
more fully understand athletes’ cognition.
Syllabus
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Perception
Representation & Memory
Attention & Automaticity
Problem Solving & Judgement Making
Consciousness
Sport Psychology: A Real World Laboratory for Cognitive Psychology
Skill Acquisition & Sport Performance
Motivation & Sport Performance
Mental Imagery, Mental Rehearsal, & Sport Performance
Self-Regulation, Self-Control, & Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Attitudes
On completion participants will be able to:
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Define commonly used terms in the subject areas of cognitive psychology and
cognitive science.
Discuss and contrast both traditional and contemporary theories in those same
areas.
Outline and discuss traditional and cutting edge experiments or demonstrations
in those same areas.
Define commonly used terms in the area of sport psychology.
Describe and explain psychological aspects to training and competition.
Understand the range of methodologies used in modern cognitive and sport
science research.
Recognise limitations of current knowledge in the fields of cognitive and sport
science.
Skills
On completion participants will be able to:
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Synthesise literature from the two key areas of cognitive and sport psychology.
Approach conceptual cognitive issues from an applied basis.
Approach applied cognitive issues from a scientific basis.
Critically evaluate traditional and cutting edge research into high and low level
cognitive abilities.
Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist
and non-specialist audiences.
Assessment
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Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous
Assessment: 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of
contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.
o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous
Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.
o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.):
 Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available.
 Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction.
 15 days + = 0 marks.
o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5
Questions – Answer 2.
o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits
Bibliography
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Eysenck, M., & Keane, M. (2010). Cognitive Psychology: A student’s handbook (6th
Ed.) Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press. 1841695408
Sternberg, R.J., (2011). Cognitive Psychology. Wadsworth. 1111345392
J.L. Bermudez (2011). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind.
Cambridge University Press. 0521708370
Moran, A.P. (2010). Sport and Exercise Psychology: A critical introduction. Rutledge:
London. 0415434319
Weinberg, R. & Gould, D. (2010). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
Human Kinetics Publishers: Illinois. 0736083235
Module Code:
PSY104
Title:
Social & Criminal Psychology
Credit Level:
10
Total Contact Hours:
Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)
Aims
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To review methods, theories and approaches to social psychology. To acquaint
students with traditional and cutting edge approaches to understanding why and
how people behave in groups and to ground this understanding in a mechanistic
notion of social cognition. To address issues of selfhood by examining what it is to
be an individual in a group dynamic. To look at the proposed causes of prosocial and
aggressive behaviour. To build on that platform of knowledge and give students a
legitimate psychological understanding of the social and personal factors that
influence criminal behaviour using key findings from both case studies and other
research methodologies. To familiarise students with the leading theories and
perspectives of criminal behaviour and its treatment.
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Introducing Social Psychology
The Social Self vs. The Personal Self
Social Cognition : Social Perception & Thinking
Conformity & Group Processes
Prosocial & Aggressive Behaviour
Introduction to Criminal Behaviour & Forensic Psychology
Theories of Criminal Behaviour: Nature vs. Nurture
The Psychology of Detection, & Prosecution: Profiling & Eye-Witness Testimony
The Psychology of Punishment & Rehabilitation
Motivational Interviewing with Criminal & Justice Populations
Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Attitudes
On completion participants will be able to:
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Define commonly used terms in social psychology.
Describe and contrast the major theories in social psychology.
Describe at least two experiments or demonstrations in each of the covered
areas of social psychology.
Understand the range of research methodology in social psychology and the
ethical issues involved.
Illustrate how social psychological theories and research are applied in different
real-world and professional contexts.
Define commonly used terms in criminal psychology.
Describe and contrast the major theories of criminal psychology.
Illustrate the weaknesses of criminal psychology.
Skills
On completion participants will be able to:
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Synthesise literature from the two key areas of social and criminal psychology.
Critically evaluate social psychological research.
Approach the study of both observable human behaviour and criminal
behaviour from a scientific standpoint.
Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist
and non-specialist audiences.
Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous
Assessment : 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of
contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.
o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous
Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.
o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.):
 Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available.
 Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction.
 15 days + = 0 marks.
o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5
Questions – Answer 2.
o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits
Bibliography
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Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2010). Social Psychology (6th Edition). Prentice
Hall: London. 0273741144
Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2010). Essentials of Social Psychology.
Prentice Hall: London. 0273734598
Augoustinos, M., Walker, I., & Donaghue, N. (2006). Social Cognition: An
Integrated Introduction. Sage. 076194219X
Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M.
(2009). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International
Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York. 9780077118365
Pakes, F. & Pakes, S. (2009). Criminal Psychology. Willan Publishing: Devon.
1843923645
Bull, R., Cooke. C, Hatcher, R., Woodhams, J, Bilby, C., Grant, T. (2009)
Criminal Psychology: A Beginner’s Guide. Oneworld Publications: Glasgow.
1851687076
Miller, W. & Rollinick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing for
Change. Guilford: NY. 1572305630
Module Code:
PSY105
Title:
Personality & Abnormal Psychology
Credit Level:
10
Total Contact Hours:
Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)
Aims
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To introduce students to the areas of individual differences in personality and
abnormal psychology. To introduce students to the history of research and
thinking on personality. To acquaint them with different models of personality.
To use a grounding in the area of personality to give students a more
comprehensive understanding of personality disorders and abnormal psychology
in general. To identify the nature, symptoms, and treatment of the major forms
of psychological disorders.
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What is Personality?
Psychodynamic Perspectives I
Psychodynamic Perspectives II
Phenomenological-Humanistic Perspectives I
Phenomenological-Humanistic Perspectives II
What are Psychological Disorders?
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia & Personality Disorders
Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Attitudes
On completion participants will be able to:
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Highlight and summarise the historical and current trends within the
personality literature.
Define commonly used terms in personality and abnormal psychology research.
Describe and contrast the major theories in social psychology.
Illustrate the nature and symptoms of at least four major psychological
disorders.
Illustrate some treatments of at least four major psychological disorders.
Understand the types of assessments used to identify psychological disorders.
Skills
On completion participants will be able to:
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Synthesise literature on key areas in Psychology.
Critically evaluate personality research.
Show sensitivity to the difficulty in distinguishing psychological disorders.
Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist
and non-specialist audiences.

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous
Assessment: 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of
contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.
o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous
Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.
o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.):
 Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available.
 Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction.
 15 days + = 0 marks.
o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5
Questions – Answer 2.
o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits
Assessment
Bibliography
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Larsen, R. J. & Buss, D. M. (2009). Personality Psychology: Domains of
Knowledge About Human Nature. McGraw-Hill: New York. 0070164991
Kring, A., Davison, G.C., Neale, J.M., & Johnson, S. (2009) Abnormal
Psychology (International Student Version). John Wiley & Sons.
0470413344
Toates, F. (2011). Biological Psychology (3rd Edition). Prentice Hall:
London. 0273745751
Ormond, J.E. (2008). Human Learning (5th Edition). Prentice Hall:
London. 0137006020
Breedlove, S. M.Watson, N.V., Rosenzweig, M.R. (2010). Biological
Psychology: An Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical
Neuroscience (6th Edition). Sinauer Associates. 0878935630
Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M.
(2009). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International
Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York. 9780077118365
Module Code:
PSY106
Title:
Health & Wellbeing Psychology
Credit Level:
10
Total Contact Hours:
Lecture: 12 Practical: 0 Tutorial: 12 Self-Study: 76 x 1hr(s)
Aims
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To give students an insight into the factors that influence health, well-being, and
illness. To familiarise students with those measures that can be taken to
promote health and prevent illness. To demonstrate to them how Psychology
has informed and helped perspectives on health by identifying psychologically
demanding and/or threatening situations.
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Biological vs. Psychological Health
Stress & Well-Being
Coping with Stress
Pain & Pain Management
Attitudes Towards Health & Healthy Behaviour
Psychoneuroimmunology
The Role of the Psychological Therapies in Health Psychology
Psychosomatics & Somatic Movement
Addiction & Its Implications for “Health Psychology”
The Role of Social Policy in Construing the Scope of Health Psychology
Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Attitudes
On completion participants will be able to:
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Define commonly used terms in health psychology.
Understand the range of psychological factors that influence well-being and
illness as well as the measures that can be taken to promote health and prevent
illness.
Describe and contrast the major perspectives in the areas of coping with stress,
pain management, and the treatment of addiction.
Describe key findings from at least two experiments or demonstrations in each
of the covered topics.
Understand the range of research methodology in health psychology and the
ethical issues involved.
Understand the relevance of social policy in shaping the focus of health
psychologists with particular relevance to addiction and its historical, current,
and future place within health psychology.
Skills
On completion participants will be able to:
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Critically evaluate health psychological research.
Meta-analyse the subject of Health Psychology and how it both affects and is
affected by wider forces.
Approach the study of psychological health from a scientific standpoint.
Communicate scientific information both orally and in written form to specialist
and non-specialist audiences.
Assessment

Total Marks 100: End of Course Written Examination 40 marks; Continuous
Assessment : 1 x 1,500 Word Essay 30 marks & Tutorial Performance (level of
contribution) 10 marks; Group Presentation (5 mins per student) 20 marks.
o Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous
Assessment: Essay, Tutorial performance; Group Presentation.
o Penalties (for late submission of course work etc.):
 Up to 7 days late = 5% deduction of the total marks available.
 Up to 14 days late = 10% deduction.
 15 days + = 0 marks.
o Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40%.
o End of Course Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper/ 5
Questions – Answer 2.
o Requirements for Supplemental Examination: Re-sits
Bibliography
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Morrison, V. & Bennett, P. (2009). An Introduction to Health Psychology.
Pearson: London. 0273718355
French, D., Vedhara, K., Kaptein, A.A., & Weinman, J. (2010). Health
Psychology. Wiley-Blackwell: London. 140519460X
Passer, M., Smith, R., Holt, N., Bremner, A., Sutherland, E., & Vliek, M.
(2009). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (International
Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York. 9780077118365
Miller, W. & Rollinick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing for
Change. Guilford: NY. 1572305630