Psychotherapy

MSc in Psychotherapy
Introduction
The MSc programme fosters an inquiry-based attitude in psychotherapy theory, practice and research. This integrative psychotherapy programme provides students with an opportunity to work psychotherapeutically with a diversity of clients with complex and multifaceted needs.

Students will also be able to develop specialist expertise in particular fields of psychotherapy - including couples therapy, psychosexual therapeutic practice and working with trauma. It also includes supervision of research and clinical work to facilitate completion of a research thesis 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.

In year two of the programme students complete either NS587 or NS5078 based on evidence of previous research study.

This course will:
• provide students with the opportunity to gain a breadth of knowledge and experience in different therapeutic modalities.
• develop an in-depth knowledge of an Integrative approach to Psychotherapy.
• stimulate students to become reflective practitioners who are sensitive to and led by the needs of the client.
• 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.
• provide a stimulating inquiry based learning environment for conducting a practice based research study that forms the basis of their final thesis.
• develop and enhance the capacity for a constructive critical awareness and analytical thinking informed by as well as applied to theory, practice and research.
• 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 Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, Masters in Psychotherapy
This information is provisional & subject to change.

Part-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS5025 Humanistic Approaches:Theory & Practice 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
NS572 Psychodynamic Approaches Theory & Practice 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
NS582 Integrative Psychotherapy 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
NS584 Cognitive & Behavioural Approaches 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
NS589 Professional Practice Portfolio 1 10 Year long 0 100 1

Year 2 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS5017 Working with Adult Intimate Relationships 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
NS5018 Psychotherapy and Mental Health 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
NS5031 Professional Practice Portfolio 2 10 Year long 0 100 1
NS585 Systemic Approaches:Theory& Practice 5 Semester 1 0 100 1

Year 2 Optional Modules,
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS5078 Psychotherapy Research Inquiry 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
NS587 Research Inquiry 5 Semester 2 0 100 1

Year 3 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS5032 Research Approaches 5 Year long 0 100 1
NS5033 Professional Practice Portfolio 3 10 Year long 0 100 1
NS5036 Psychosexual Integrative Practice 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
Year 4 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS5034 Professional Practice Portfolio 4 10 Year long 0 100 1
NS5035 Research Dissertation 30 Year long 0 100 1

Requirements
For admission to the M.Sc. in Psychotherapy, entrants will normally:
• Have a relevant level 8 undergraduate degree (on the NFQ: National Framework of Qualifications; or its equivalent outside of Ireland; for example, in social care/work, psychology, nursing, education, etc.)
• Have a minimum of one year's recent relevant professional experience in a caring or helping role, which has included some training and supervision (for example, voluntary counsellor/helpline work, social care, nursing, special needs teaching or guidance counselling, psychology assistant or pastoral care experience)
• If an applicant does not have a relevant level 8 degree, it is possible to apply for consideration of other relevant qualifications, learning and experience through completing an additional Recognition of Prior Experience and Learning criteria (RPEL) application click here (it is not possible to compensate for not having the required professional experience). The RPEL application is submitted only after successful online application and interview for the MSc (contact the programme administrator for further information: lilija.prialgauskiene@dcu.ie).
• Be able to demonstrate personal readiness and suitability for psychotherapy training
• Successfully undertake a selection interview.

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

Closing date for EU applicants is 28th February 2024.
Closing date for non EU applicants is 28th February 2024.
All required documentation to support an application must be submitted by 28th February 2024.

Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie

All applicants must submit:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal. - link above.
• Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• Copy of passport
• Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate
• Personal statement outlining your reasons for applying to this course (approx. 500-750 words)
• Please upload a CV, outlining relevant academic qualifications and professional experience, under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.
• Two references using the required templates on this webpage (one academic ; one professional):
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

*International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

4 years part-time.

The programme commences in September 2024

Careers
There are career prospects for counsellors and psychotherapists within the Statutory, Education, Voluntary 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.