School of Nursing and Human Sciences

Degree Information:

The MSc. in Psychotherapy is a four-year part-time programme at Level 9 NFQ (120 credits). Students may exit after two years with a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (60 credits). The programme comprises taught modules including the principles and practices of humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and systemic approaches. The MSc programme fosters an inquiry based attitude in psychotherapy theory, practice and research. The programme, based on an integrative approach, provides students with an opportunity to work psychotherapeutically with a diversity of clients with complex and multifaceted needs. The Masters and Doctorate in Psychotherapy are accredited by National
Association for Pastoral Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP) see
http://www.napcp.ie. We are also currently seeking accreditation from
other nationally recognised accrediting bodies.

Students will also be able to develop specialist expertise in particular fields of psychotherapy - including couples therapy and psychosexual therapeutic practice. It also includes supervision of research and clinical work to facilitate completion of a research theses and a professional practice portfolio. The MSc. programme is designed to equip students to undertake therapeutic practice with individuals and couples. The course is delivered in Dublin City University via block teaching (approximately three days per month) over the academic year September to May.

Aims and Objectives:

• To provide students with the opportunity to gain a breadth of knowledge and experience in different therapeutic modalities.
• To develop an in-depth knowledge of an Integrative approach to Psychotherapy.
• To stimulate students to become reflective practitioners who are sensitive to and led by the needs of the client.
• To equip students with the knowledge, common factor skills and core competencies to enable them to establish a good working alliance and practise safely and effectively as psychotherapists.
• To provide a stimulating inquiry based learning environment for conducting a practice based research study that forms the basis of their final thesis.
• To develop and enhance the capacity for a constructive critical awareness and analytical thinking informed by as well as applied to theory, practice and research.
• To stimulate students in disciplined experiential practice and personal inquiry to enhance the capacity to respond to clients at an implicit emotional and relational level.

Programme Structure:

This four year, part-time programme has been developed at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). It comprises taught modules, psychotherapeutic skills practice and independent learning activities. There is additional supervision of research and clinical work to help you complete your research thesis and clinical portfolio. The programme will be delivered at Dublin City University, via block teaching (i.e. three to four days per month) over the academic year, September to May.

Students may exit after two years with a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy.

Clinical Practice and Supervision: Students are required to undertake a number of clinical placements during years 2, 3 and 4 of the programme to achieve approximately 300 client contact hours. These clinical hours may be accrued through integrative psychotherapy practice with individuals and couples. Students will also engage in group and individual supervision.

Professional and Personal Development: Students will engage in a range of personal / professional development activities with their peers in addition to personal therapy to enhance reflective practice and personal and professional integration.

Research Study and Dissertation: Students will be facilitated to become competent practitioner researchers. and will complete research modules that require them to plan, conduct and report (via your dissertation) an independent piece of research that relates to psychotherapy, with the support of a research supervisor.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Comprehensive Psychotherapy Framework including sequential qualifications at Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate levels.
• Develop expertise in an integrative approach to Psychotherapy.
• Develop specialist knowledge in couples therapy and psychosexual therapeutic practice
• Access to clinical placements.
• Experienced lecturing team, many of whom are practising psychotherapists and clinical supervisors.

Career Prospects:

Opportunities will appear in counselling and psychotherapy practice within the Voluntary, Statutory and Private Sectors. Due to the programme's specialism, you will find specialist psychotherapeutic practice with individuals and couples. Alternatively, researchers in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research projects are always in demand.

Entry Requirements:

For admission to the M.Sc. in Psychotherapy, entrants will normally:

• Have a relevant undergraduate degree (for example, though not exhaustively, social science, psychology, nursing, community development, education etc.) or equivalent or have successfully completed the Access Programme
• Have one to two year's recent relevant professional experience (for example, voluntary counsellor/helpline worker, social work, teaching or nursing background)
• Be able to demonstrate personal readiness and suitability for psychotherapy training
• Successfully undertake a selection interview

Apply online through the Postgraduate Application Centre www.pac.ie. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday, 22nd March 2013.

The next intake will be September 2013.

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)