New honours degree course launched at Mayo ATU
Atlantic Technical University (ATU) Mayo has held a networking event for practitioners in the field of psychology in order to foster partnerships between staff in the ATU Department of Health Science, Wellbeing & Society and organisations in the region.
The gathering also celebrated the launch of the new Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology which will commence delivery from the Mayo campus in September.
The event was attended by representatives from Western Care, Heath Service Executive (HSE), the National Educational Psychological Service, staff and students and public representative Senator Lisa Chambers.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Justin Kerr, Head of School and Vice President of ATU Mayo, said: “The new honours degree programme offers further opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in this field."
Dr. Sean Foy, lecturer in psychology at ATU Mayo, and clinical psychologist, explained how the programme was developed in response to a national and local need for graduates with knowledge of psychology.
“In conjunction with this, it is a priority to embed the programme into the community and listen to the needs of practitioners and organisations working on the ground”.
Dr. Elaine McHugh, programme chair, outlined the core curriculum components including biological, developmental, social, individual differences and cognitive psychology, as well as research methods and ethics.
“Graduates will have a range of valuable skills such as scientific analysis, critical thinking, an ethical approach to working with people, and communication skills.”
A key feature of the programme is its applied nature.
In the third year of the programme, students will complete a practice placement two days a week.
During the placement, students will maintain strong contacts with the university by continuing to study other modules on campus.
“We see this as vital in putting theory into practice and to demonstrate psychology in action.”
For further information on the course please email elaine.mchugh@atu.ie and/or sean.foy@atu.ie, or visit the programme page at https://www.gmit.ie/bachelor-of-science-honours-in-psychology.
* Pictured at the launch were Dr Justin Kerr, ATU Mayo, Ruth Carney, Davitt College, Barbara Ronayne, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB, Claire Brennan, Brainwave psychology, Kathleen Browne, Conach Educational Psychology, Dr Caitríona Martyn, National Educational Psychological Service, Dr. Elaine Mc Hugh, ATU Mayo, and Dr Sean Foy, ATU Mayo. Photo: Ugnius Brazdziunas, Amayo