BA (Hons) in Psychology and Computing

University College Cork

The BA in 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...

provides high-level technical skills training that will be of benefit to psychologists of the future, who will find themselves working with data science, AI, physiological sensing, online behaviour, neuroscience and experimental psychophysics;
will enable students to develop a skill set that will be attractive to employers in information technology companies, increasingly bringing psychology research, values, and methods to the forefront in professions of user experience design, user interface design, ergonomics, data science and user research;
provides an advanced understanding of how the quality of people's interaction with technology affects how we access, understand and make use of modern systems and services, such as healthcare, financial services, civic participation, and education;
provides an advanced understanding of online social behaviour – its impact on health, well-being, discourse and decision-making;
encourages critical reflection on digitally-mediated experience, a common aspect of everyday lived experience in many parts of the world;
and develops understanding and sensibilities to create evidence- and skills-based routes in this world for themselves and others.

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.

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.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of this programme will offer employers a unique combination of technical software related skills, research skills, and psychological training. As a graduate of this degree, you will demonstrate:

Excellent research methods and statistics training
Ability to plan and run valid user studies
Knowledge of core topics in psychology; developmental, social, behavioural, cognitive, and biological
Expertise in ergonomics and human factors
Software development and Programming skills
Software engineering practices
Ability to design, develop and evaluate prototypes
Good understanding of data structures and algorithms
Ability to design, implement, and administer databases
Understanding of how software can best support and transform essential infrastructure such as health, education and finance.

Our Psychology and Computing graduates have clear pathways to further study and employment in three distinct areas:

Graduates who wish to pursue a career in the psychology profession can do so via further study in professionally accredited Master's programmes.