Play Therapy - Cork

The MA in Play Therapy runs on a 2-year cycle. The next round of applications will be in 2024. Applications will open in February 2024 and interviews will be held in May 2024). The Course will begin in September 2024.



This programme is a postgraduate clinical training in Play Therapy. It aims to equip practitioners with the advanced knowledge and clinical capability that would match international standards of best practice within the Play Therapy profession. The key areas are personal therapy and personal development.

Applicants must hold a Level 8 Honours degree (H2.2) or higher, in one of the following areas: Counselling/ Psychotherapy, Early Years Education, Occupational Therapy, Primary Education, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Care, Social Work, Special Needs Education or a cognate discipline.



Applicants must be 25 years of age or older on 1st January of year of application; and have at least two years post qualifying experience of working with children. Applicants will be required to submit two references with their online application process. Applicants will be shortlisted to attend for interview based on their online applications.



National Vetting Bureau: MTU uses the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) to help assess the suitability of all applicants on this programme. It is important to note that participation in or completion of this programme may be affected by subsequent disclosure/discovery.

M.A.: 90 ECTS

P.Grad.Dip.: 60 ECTS

3 years



The course lectures are delivered on a part time basis on Saturdays. However, 1 day a week is also required for placement (this must be during Social Work Office hours to facilitate child protection reporting). Students also have to consider time involved in Personal Therapy and academic study for course assignments. Students will be required to attend two block weekends – one in November and one in January.



Years 1 and 2 (60 credits) will include clinical training in Play Therapy. Students will study modules which will be experiential and theoretical. They will undertake placements in both years and will require external supervision from MTU approved supervisors. This supervision is not included in course fees and is outside class times.



On successful completion of the taught elements, students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, unless they proceed to Year 3.



Year 3 (30 credits) The MA in Play Therapy is awarded to candidates who successfully complete a module in research skills and a research dissertation.

EU Applicants: €6,900 (€2,300 per annum) Additional costing is outlined below.


Additional Costing


1. Clinical Supervision (from CIT approved supervisors) is not included in the course fees;


2. Personal Therapy - students are required to undertake approximately 50 sessions at their own expense


3. Setting up a playroom/rent a playroom also has to be considered.

The Course will begin in September 2024.