It was a double celebration for Applied Psychology graduates at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) as they marked their conferring alongside a major milestone for their degree programme.
A total of 36 students from the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology graduated at TUS’s Moylish Campus, becoming the first cohort from the Limerick programme to graduate with a degree accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). The accreditation was formally granted last month.
The four-year degree is delivered primarily at TUS’s Coonagh Campus in Limerick and welcomed its first students in 2022.
PSI accreditation is a recognised entry requirement for postgraduate professional training in psychology in Ireland, giving graduates who want to become professional psychologists an important pathway to further specialist training.
It also provides additional professional recognition for the degree and enhances opportunities for graduates nationally and internationally.
TUS now has PSI-accredited undergraduate psychology provision in both Limerick and Athlone, where its psychology degree has held accreditation for the past five years.
Dr Lisa O’Rourke Scott, Programme Lead, said:
“We are delighted to see our first cohort graduate and already begin to take the next steps in their careers. Graduates are progressing to postgraduate degrees in areas including Sport and Health Psychology and Community Psychology, while others are pursuing further training or careers in areas such as social work, mental health, human resources and community-based roles
“Securing PSI accreditation gives them an even stronger platform for the future. It is a fitting recognition of everything these students have achieved over the past four years and of the quality of the education they have received at TUS.”
Dr Maura Clancy, Dean of Faculty, Applied Science and Technology, said:
“We are delighted that the PSI has recognised the quality, innovation and applied focus of our programme. This accreditation is an important endorsement of the work that has gone into developing Applied Psychology at TUS and ensures our graduates have a qualification that meets the standards of Ireland’s professional body for psychology.
“This approval is a testament to the dedication of our academic team, the commitment of our students and the strong support structures across the institution.”
The accreditation follows a comprehensive review of the programme by the Psychological Society of Ireland, including a site visit earlier this year.
The PSI panel met with students from all years of the programme, the academic teaching team, representatives from administration and student support services and senior university management, including Chief Academic Officer Professor Raphaela Kane, Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Browne and Dean of Faculty Dr Maura Clancy.
The panel also reviewed the programme’s teaching and learning facilities at TUS’s Coonagh Campus.
In its report, the PSI panel commended the programme’s innovative and engaging design, highlighting the applied and contemporary nature of the curriculum. The panel also noted the high levels of student enthusiasm and engagement.
Additional Information
The Applied Psychology degree equips students with a strong foundation in psychological science and the study of human behaviour, alongside skills in the scientific method, research design, critical analysis, report writing and reflective practice.
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology was developed[LO2] by Programme Lead Dr Lisa O’Rourke Scott and Lecturer Karen Sugrue, with modules written by individual lecturers on the programme: Dr Frank Houghton, Jennifer Moran Stritch, Dr Patricia Cremen (now retired), Cathy Jones, Neal Whelan, Seoirse Bulfin and Carmel Bracken with modules written by individual lecturers on the programme: Dr Frank Houghton, Jennifer Moran Stritch, Dr Patricia Cremen (now retired), Cathy Jones, Neal Whelan, Seoirse Bulfin and Carmel Bracken