BA (Hons) Psychology and Computing

The BA Psychology and Computing is a degree in which psychological research, theory, and knowledge is applied to a context of increasing importance to the modern world – the design, development, evaluation, and critical engagement with the technology and systems that increasingly surround us. It is a degree that...... 

The programme draws on core computing and psychology modules and contains a strand of shared modules that explore the intersection between these disciplines and its application to improving lives socially, culturally, and economically. The combination of core Psychology and Computing modules, along with several design-related modules, makes for a unique undergraduate experience. Students are exposed to an interdisciplinary way of thinking and working from day 1 of the degree programme.

The course has recently gained accreditation by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Accreditation means that graduates from this programme will now able to join the PSI as a graduate member, as long as they achieve a second class honours or above in their final degree classification. Graduates of CK121 will be eligible for entry to any Psychology MA programmes across Ireland that stipulate “graduate membership of PSI” as a requirement, without the need for taking any graduate conversion programme first. Essentially, the course facilitates a similar education and career path for graduates as a standard Psychology or Applied Psychology degree. Accreditation also ensures improved recognition of the qualification internationally.

"Logitech is a design driven company, as a result UX and UI design is of critical importance. Courses that cover the theory and practice of topics such as user research, usability, visual and interaction design are an important foundation for people aiming to work in this field."

Aidan Kehoe, Principal UX Designer, Logitech Ireland

"Psychology and Computing is the synthesis of design and development combining to bring innovative product concepts to life in an effort to push the boundaries of user interface design, software development and human understanding. Enriching computing and user experience design with a deep understanding of complex human states and interactions is the future of both computing and user experience development and research."  

Jay Brewer, Vice President - Experience Design and User Experience, Rapid7

Technology is becoming increasingly involved in every aspect of our lives, from driving to sleeping, from education to our relationships. In order to ensure that these developments have positive impacts on our lives, we need people with expertise in both human behaviour and technology design. People with skills in Psychology and Computing have a unique insight into the needs and abilities of technology users, and the skills to design, develop and evaluate technology in areas such as education, e-health, mental health, interaction with A.I., and supports for people with disabilities. People with qualified in both Psychology and Computing are well placed to answer questions such as;

• How can we give precise directions to Automated Cars?
• How do we design video games that teach useful skills?
• How do we ensure that healthcare systems support and respect the individual needs of patients?
• How do we measure whether our social media usage supports or hinders our social relationships?
• How do we know if a mental health app is useful?
• How do we ensure that AI systems reflect the values of their users?

Most advances in the design of technology interfaces in the past 50 years – from car dashboards, to airplane cockpits, from computer operating systems, to games controllers, are brought about through the collaboration of psychologists, designers and computer scientists. All of the worlds’ biggest technology companies have large departments staffed with people who are expert in research methods, in perception and cognition, and who carry out studies in order to understand whether their designs are usable and useful. Every day, as you use your smartphones and your social media accounts, you are benefitting from the work of people researching the meeting points of psychology and computing.

• First degree programme of its kind in Ireland and amongst the first internationally
• Fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland for graduate membership of the PSI (necessary for entry in the Psychology MA programmes and professions)
• Skills and experience attained will result in high graduate demand
• Opportunity to undertake work placement in 3rd year
• Option for graduates to specialise in Psychology or Computer Science via a conversion course
• Final year project will involve technology prototype design and evaluation, will be people focused, and will be led by staff from both Applied Psychology and Computer Science.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Students will have the opportunity of undertaking an optional work placement in year three in industry and other organisations. The objective is to provide students with learning opportunities in relevant work settings in which they are expected to develop skills as well as demonstrate integration of theory and practice from the course.