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ATU’s Psychology Programme Accredited
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is celebrating its Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology being accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is celebrating its Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology being accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).
The accreditation, valid for the period 2024-2026, paves the way for full accreditation following a review in 2026. This recognition comes just over a year after the programme’s launch and serves as a strong endorsement of the programme’s quality and a promising opportunity for current and future students.
Based in the university’s Mayo’s campus in Castlebar, the programme will help to address a pressing need for skilled psychologists in the region. Completion of a PSI accredited undergraduate degree is an important first step in any aspiring psychologist’s career. Students with a second-class honours from a PSI accredited degree are eligible to apply for postgraduate training in a range of specialisations in psychology.
Dr Justin Kerr, Vice President, ATU Mayo Campus and Head of School Health Science, Wellbeing & Society, highlighted the significance of this achievement for the future of the programme: “This recognition is a testament to the quality of our programme, our dedicated staff, and the hard work of our students. In the coming years, we will continue to work closely with the PSI. This ongoing work will enhance opportunities for our graduates, particularly when pursuing postgraduate study.”
ATU Lecturer, Dr Elaine McHugh, emphasised the strategic design of the programme to meet PSI standards: “The accreditation process is very comprehensive, involving a thorough review of the course curriculum and delivery, as well as an on-site review with our management, staff and students. We have designed the programme from the outset with the PSI’s rigorous standards in mind, ensuring a strong foundation for academic excellence. As a result, we are proud to offer an extremely comprehensive, single-honours psychology programme. Our students will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of psychological science and a robust, hands-on understanding of its applications, which prepares them to excel in their future endeavours.”
Small class sizes have enabled meaningful interaction between students and lecturers, fostering an environment conducive to hands-on learning and mentorship. The programme’s core lecturing team brings a wealth of expertise in both research and practice across diverse fields, including clinical psychology, addiction, cognition, child development, and disability.
To find out more about the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology visit: atu.ie/AU698
