3rd Annual BSc [Hons] Applied Psychology Thesis Talks Seminar

The seminar provided 4th year BSc [Hons] Applied Psychology students with an opportunity to learn from recent graduates’ final year research projects, careers, and postgraduate studies. It was organised and chaired by Sinéad Meade, Lecturer in Applied Psychology.

There was a lively atmosphere at the seminar which was packed to capacity. Four recent Applied Psychology graduates gave very informative and engaging talks on their final year research projects. First, Regina Rochford, spoke about ‘The relationship between self-esteem and academic motivation and gender differences among undergraduates’. Second, Conor Morgan gave a talk on ‘Investigating the Relationships Between Dispositional Flow, Conscientiousness, and Self-efficacy in Contemporary Performing Musicians’. Third, Hanna Oska talked about ‘An Investigation of Hobby Engagement on Life Satisfaction and Happiness’. Finally, Conor Cronin gave a talk on ‘Investigating the Impact of Narrative Engagement on Moral Decision-Making in Video Games’.

Afterwards, recent graduates Holly Urwin, Hannah Gruebsch, and Louise Barry joined a very engaging Q&A session which was chaired by current fourth year students, Elliott Jeffrey and Eoin Anslow. The graduates shared very valuable tips and advice about doing the final year research project, work and volunteering, and preparing applications for postgraduate study as well as scholarships. They spoke very highly of the support they received from staff on the Applied Psychology team, as well as other important resources at IADT including the Applied Psychology Testing Lab, Library, Student Services, and the Careers Centre. Currently, the graduates are engaged in a diverse range of study, volunteering, and work including master’s courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychological Science, Communication and Media, volunteering at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, and Special Needs Assistant work with primary school children.

Current fourth year students had a lot of positive feedback on the seminar. Morgan Lynch found the event “really helpful” while Chloe Hughes felt “it was beneficial to see the various research designs used in the research projects”.

Paulina Rekasiute commented that “it was an incredible opportunity for us to hear from recent graduates about their experience of the time period we are currently in. Their personal stories, advice, and recommendations are extremely valuable. Sometimes, the concept of graduating and getting your degree feels so distant and overwhelming – but hearing others talk about how they dealt with it, and what they are doing with their lives now, was indescribably comforting and reassuring”. For Alicia Stanley, the seminar “gave me a clear idea of the resources available to support us throughout the year. I left feeling more prepared and confident about my future, both academically and professionally”.