SETU hosted the Psychological Society of Ireland’s (PSI) Early Graduate Group Conference 2024 at its Kilkenny Road campus in Carlow on 14 September.
Navigating a career in psychology
The conference, entitled 'Psychology's Horizons: Navigating the Expansive Field of Psychology', is an annual event and focused this year on the theme of exploring the broad career routes and experiences available to graduates.
The conference featured engaging keynote speakers, insightful panel discussions, and hands-on workshops led by esteemed figures in the psychology community.
At the conference, Dr Odhrán Mc Carthy, President of PSI, delivered a keynote speech on Psychology and Sustainability. He commented, “It is encouraging to be speaking at South East Technological University, where the University’s commitment to sustainability and the climate permeates its strategic plan for 2023-2028. SETU’s Climate Action Plan is a testament to the drive higher education in Ireland has to ensure we have a more positive future.” He continued, “Because psychologists have a key role in promoting and advocating for the many environments we live and work in, we must strive to embody these traits throughout our careers.” See SETU Climate Action Plan here.
Psychology studies at SETU
At SETU, psychology is at the heart of many of the University’s long-standing courses of study, including the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Practice, and the Master of Arts in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, offered at SETU’s campus in Carlow.
At SETU’s Waterford campus, students can opt for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, accredited by PSI, an interdisciplinary, three-year degree offering students the opportunity to follow a major course in psychology alongside a minor study in an associate humanities discipline.
Dr Dean McDonnell, Lecturer of Psychology at SETU and PSI International Liaison Officer, commented on the significance of PSI’s conference taking place at SETU. He said, “Psychology as a discipline is growing and evolving, and across SETU, a large number of our programmes centre psychology as a core module. We are seeing more psychology graduates applying to our programmes because they are looking to set themselves apart in terms of their training, and to learn different skills from cognisant fields of practice.”
Dr McDonnell continued, “I’m delighted to see PSI’s Early Graduate Group Conference taking place at SETU, further linking the south east with the national body for psychology in Ireland. Some of our own PhD candidates exploring broad areas such as Early Childhood and Digital Media, and Community-based Interventions for Children with Autism, have also showcased their research, demonstrating the wealth of research activity taking place at the University.”
Research Showcase
The Early Graduate Group Conference was also an opportunity for psychology graduates to showcase their research through oral and poster presentations. By presenting their work at the event, participants received expert feedback and insight from a diverse group of experts representing various sub-disciplines within psychology. Additionally, those at the early stages of their careers benefitted from fostering connections and networking with fellow professionals.
Strengthening its research capacity across disciplines is a key part of SETU’s strategic goals as outlined in the University’s strategic plan 2023-2028, ‘Connecting for Impact’. SETU aims to significantly expand its research base, outputs and impact, enabled through increased research funding, research students, and staff with the overall objective of translating its research into meaningful impact for the region and beyond.
This morning marks the second psychology conference to have taken place in SETU, the first being the Annual Student conference held on the Waterford campus back in 2022.
For more information, visit www.psychologicalsociety.ie
To learn more about SETU’s strategic plan 2023-2024, ‘Connecting for Impact’, click here.
