Education and Psychology Mary Immaculate College

Overview

Curse Overview

This Education and Psychology program at University of Limerick, programme is particularly suitable for, although not confined to, students who may wish to undertake a postgraduate specialisation subsequently in the field of Educational Psychology. Nonetheless, programme graduates have the option of undertaking postgraduate studies in any field of Psychology and/or Education. Notably, the complimentary nature of Education and Psychology degrees within the programme adds to the quality of the programme and the excellence of its students and graduates. 

The Education component of the programme equips participants with the competence to teach all levels within the primary school context (4-12 year olds). Given the structure of primary school provision, the teacher is required to have a mastery and competence in all curricular areas of the primary school. Students engage in on-campus study in the areas of foundation studies, professional studies and the subject disciplines, alongside School Placement. The programme is carefully planned with a strong focus on the relationship between theory and practice. Reflecting the College's well-established reputation for excellence in teacher education, the Education component of the programme enables students to examine their role as a learner, a teacher, a researcher and a leader.

 Psychology is studied throughout the four years of the programme. As part of the final year, students are required to undertake an undergraduate dissertation in Psychology. This independent research project typically involves an applied piece of research in Psychology, where students collect and analyse original empirical data. 

Career Opportunities

From an education viewpoint, previous pathways adopted by programme graduates include teaching positions in primary and special schools. Graduates have also pursued postgraduate studies in education, resulting in leadership roles within schools and education bodies such as the Professional Development Service for Teachers and the National Council for Special Education Support Service.

In relation to Psychology, graduates have engaged in a range of postgraduate studies at Certificate, Diploma, Master's and Doctoral/PhD levels. Fields of study include Educational and Child Psychology, Health Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Neuropsychology, to name but a few. This has led to a range of roles for graduates in professional practice, research, education and academia. Some graduates have also pursued complimentary fields of study, such as Play Therapy.