Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Elayne Ahern

I was interested in the BSc. Psychology course because of the choice of electives offered to study in the first year. This allows you to explore how psychology can be applied to other disciplines such as sociology, biology, and criminal justice.

Psychology can also be easily applied to our own everyday experiences which make it so interesting to study. What I enjoy most is how I can walk away after a lecture and have a changed outlook on the world, or how people behave, and interact.

I spent my Erasmus study abroad semester at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands. Academically, Erasmus opens so many doors to you to explore your chosen field from all possible angles. I am studying courses like clinical psychology and neuropsychology which look to identify, diagnose, and treat mental disorders such as dyslexia or ADHD. The cultural value of Erasmus is something that you will forever remember- the people, the sights, the travelling - you will never be short of a story to tell (or a place to stay in any continent!)

Going to university is an academic milestone but also a new social experience, and there is much life outside the lecture hall with countless clubs and societies to get involved in. As Ireland’s leading university for international exchange, UL also has an excellent Co-op work placement programme and the highest graduate employment rate in the country.

Aoife Moloney

This course is excellent at giving you a good insight into all the different areas of psychology, including working in mental health, examining social issues like racism, conducting research and so much more! It really is fascinating to learn about all the different types of work you can do in psychology, and it’s helpful in trying to decide where you want to go in your career.

Another great feature of the course at UL is that in first year, you have some freedom to choose the subjects you study. Everybody has to do three core psychology modules, but aside from that you can choose from a range of subjects like biology, sociology, language and culture. It’s a really nice way of easing yourself into your studies and getting some insight into what other subjects are like too!

The co-op and Erasmus semesters were a huge selling point for me, as even before I left school I knew I wanted to travel and explore as much as I possibly could. I studied for six months at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, on an Erasmus placement. Copenhagen is such an amazing and beautiful city, and I loved every minute of my time there. As soon as I arrived, I made loads of friends from all over the world. Now I will always have a place to stay if I visit Brazil, France, Germany and even as far as Australia! Cycling is a big thing in Denmark too, and although I hadn’t owned a bike since I was ten, I was soon speeding around like a true Dane! In terms of studying, I was able to choose exactly which subjects I wanted to study, including a module on Danish Culture, which involved weekly trips to castles and museums and even the cinema! Overall, it was an incredible six months and I would recommend it to anyone!

I completed my Co-op placement at the University of Westminster in London, where I worked as a research assistant on a number of different projects. This gave me experience in conducting research and being involved in some large-scale and important research projects. It was such a fantastic experience, and taught me how everything I was learning in UL actually applied to the real world. Aside from all this, the experience of living in London for seven months was amazing in itself. You can learn so much by living in different cities, and UL really is the best university for promoting travel and exploration.

Aoife is currently studying for a Masters in Applied Psychology (Mental Health and Psychological Therapies) at the University of Ulster

Caoimhe Moloney  

My name is Caoimhe Moloney, a BSc Psychology student. The field of Psychology is incredibly diverse and to facilitate this, the University of Limerick offers a wide range of modules covering topics such as social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and many more. Thanks to the diverse range of modules offered by the University, I've had the opportunity to delve into these different areas and discover what I'm truly passionate about.  

The psychology programme in UL provides a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the confines of the lecture halls. As a student, I had the privilege of participating in practical, hands-on learning opportunities, such as the placement programs that are made possible by the University. During my co-operative placement, I was afforded the opportunity to work directly within the University's psychology department, where I gained invaluable insights into the practical applications and research methodologies that are used within the field. It was an incredible learning opportunity to be immersed in an environment where I could observe and learn from professionals who are passionate about their work. 

This experience was further complemented by UL’s practical approach to teaching research methods, providing weekly lab sessions where students can receive one-to-on assistance from knowledgeable lecturers. Through this approach the program provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to research methods, starting from the basics and gradually building to more advanced topics, allowing me to gain a strong foundation in research methodology and preparing me to carry out my own research project in my final year.   

Overall, my experience of the psychology program has been extremely rewarding, and I believe that the University of Limerick is the perfect place to study this fascinating field. With state-of-the-art facilities, a supportive community, making it the perfect environment for learning and personal growth. Also not forgetting UL's campus is one of the most scenic in Ireland that is both beautiful and picturesque, making it the perfect place for walking with friends and catching some fresh air between classes.