Course Details

Course Code(s):
PS3021
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
Autumn 2025
Duration:
12 Weeks
Award:
University Certificate of Study
Qualification:
NFQ Level 8 Minor Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Professional/Flexible, Online
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Kevin O'Malley
Email: kevin.omalley@ul.ie
Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

The purpose of this MicroCred is to introduce students to the range of research methods employed in psychology and to develop students ability to work with quantitative data and statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS).

This micro-credential represents a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking this micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.

The programme (s) associated with this MicroCred is/are:

Please ensure you enter the Module Code above when applying for this module. Applications without this cannot be processed. You may apply for more than one module under the same application.

This practical class introduces the range of methods employed in psychology to students. The value of experiments, observational, survey and interviews and case studies work are considered using illustrative examples. Practical skills in these methods are developed through the use of selected examples. Students are also introduced to important IT skills such as library search skills and statistical analyses for coding of data via practical work.

This Micro Credential will be delivered online via a virtual learning environment (VLE) platform. Students will engage in laboratory based practical and research methods classes and learn to use statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS) in order to develop their expertise in conducting research in psychology.

We recommend that due to the nature of the software used in the practical components of this module all students must have access to a full-fledged computer (desktop or notebook). Tablets (iPads/android tablets) and netbook/chromebooks are not sufficient and will not be able to run a lot of the software which students will require. If you do not have access to a full-fledged computer, then it will be impossible to complete the module.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Identify a range of research study designs used in psychology.
  • Match statistical tests to research questions
  • Describe how to analyse basic descriptive in SPSS
  • Discuss the different analytical methods in psychology.
  • Display a professional to commitment to upholding research integrity
  • Acknowledge the research ethics are a core component of psychological research.
  • Manipulate the effects of an independent variable on a dependent variable
  • Construct a psychology experiment
  • Execute statistical analysis using SPSS.

Assessment

Students will be required to analyse and write up data reports in private study time. Emphasis will be on developing skills of collaboration (group practicals), articulate, proactive, responsible, knowledge and creativity (in report writing).

Mature learners, leaving certificate or higher and those interested in psychology or switching into a psychology career. Learners will need to have access to a computer/laptop as they will need to download SPSS software to work on the programme. Entry requirements are established to ensure the learner can engage with the course material and assessments, at a level suitable to their needs, and the academic requirements of the module. By applying to this micro-credential, you are confirming that you have reviewed and understand any such requirements, and that you meet the eligibility criteria for admission. Successful completion of this module does not automatically qualify you for entry into a further award. All programme applicants must meet the entry requirements listed if applying for a further award.

Entry requirements are established to ensure the learner can engage with the course material and assessments, at a level suitable to their needs, and the academic requirements of the module. By applying to this micro-credential, you are confirming that you have reviewed and understand any such requirements, and that you meet the eligibility criteria for admission.

Successful completion of this module does not automatically qualify you for entry into a further award. All programme applicants must meet the entry requirements listed if applying for a further award.

EU €600 Non-EU €1,200

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.