Psychotherapy

Introduction
The Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych) is a level 10 NFQ (240 credit) programme, delivered as a four-year part-time programme.

Years one and two of the programme comprise taught modules that critically reflect on theories, practices and philosophies of psychotherapy, develop psychotherapy supervision knowledge/ practice and advance understanding of research methodologies and skills.Candidates may apply to exit the programme with an MA in Psychotherapeutic Studies on successful completion of years one and two of the Doctorate in Psychotherapy programme. Years three and four of the programme involve completion of a research project and thesis.

The objectives of the course are to enable candidates to acquire:

-The capacity to integrate an advanced understanding of the best available and emerging research evidence and subjective personal inquiry to develop theory and inform innovative practice developments, including the use of technology
-A unique and in depth portfolio of transferable competencies to advance the field of psychotherapy practice, supervision, education, training and research
-Skills to complete an original and innovative research study that makes a significant contribution to the field of psychotherapy, advances the boundaries of knowledge and locates candidates as an authority in their chosen area-field of interest
-The capacity to make, implement or challenge practice decisions based on a philosophical appreciation of psychotherapy, outcome research and subjective clinical experience in psychotherapy
-The ability to combine personal awareness, reflexivity and informed intuition with professional adeptness to respond effectively to the changing needs of a diverse spectrum of client groups in a range of political and cultural contexts
-An inquiry-based attitude and the capacity for critical awareness to coexist alongside non-critical awareness and open analytical thinking to practice that is founded on an integrative, flexible and robust theoretical framework
-The ability to exercise autonomy in practice initiatives in complex professional contexts, taking account of moral, ethical and legal issues
-Proficiency in discussing and disseminating the contributions of emerging theoretical principles and practice developments within the social, cultural and political academic, practitioner and educational communities

Note: for a small number of students NS623 may be offered as an alternative module to NS620 for those who have explicitly been approved by the Chair to do so. In all other instances NS620 is a core module to the programme.

Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, Doctor of Psychotherapy
This information is provisional & subject to change.

Part-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS616 Advanced Research Skills in Psychotherapy 1 25 Year long 0 100 1
NS617 PP-Advanced Psychotherapy Practice 20 Year long 0 100 1
NS618 Philosophy & Psychotherapy 15 Year long 0 100 1

Year 2 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS619 Advanced Research Skills in Psychotherapy 2 25 Year long 0 100 1
NS620 Theoretical&Conceptual Approach to Supervision 20 Year long 0 100 1

Year 2 Optional Modules,
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
NS621 Critical Issues in Psychotherapy 15 Year long 0 100 1
NS623 Clinical Supervision Theory and Practice 20 Year long 0 100 1

Year 3 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
DPSY3 Research Dissertation 0 Year long 0 100 1

Year 4 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
DPSY4 Research Dissertation 120 P 0 100 1

Year 5 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
DPSY05 Research Dissertation 120 P 0 100 1

Year 6 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
DPSY06 Research Dissertation 120 P 0 100 1

Year 7 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
DPSY07 Research Dissertation 120 P 100 1

Year 8 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
DPSY08 Research Dissertation 120 P 100 0 1

Requirements
The Doctorate in Psychotherapy is an advanced post-graduate psychotherapy programme aimed at senior psychotherapy practitioners who are interested in developing their psychotherapy practice, supervision and research skills and knowledge.

Applicants must:

hold a primary degree or equivalent in a relevant area, such as in the humanities, health or education;

hold a Masters in Psychotherapy or equivalent;

have a minimum of 2 years post-training psychotherapy practice experience working with a broad range of psychological problems;

be personally suitable to undertake an advanced taught programme (e.g. motivated, reflective);

demonstrate evidence that they can undertake a research project at doctoral level;

successfully undertake a selection interview.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above

Applicants who are applying on the basis of equivalence may be considered for admission to the course at the recommendation of the Programme Admissions Panel pending approval by the RPL Board (recognition of prior learning). Equivalence will be considered for one academic qualification only.

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

Closing date for EU applicants is 31st May 2024.
Closing date for non EU applicants is 31st May 2024.
Only applications that are completed by May 31st will be considered.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available via Application weblink above.

Academic transcripts for each and every year of study (with English translation where applicable) or RPL candidates must submit evidence of previous training, transcripts and accreditations
Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate, with certified English translations;

CV detailing prior academic achievements and psychotherapy practice experience relevant to their application;

Demonstration of research knowledge in the form of a written submission outlining previous research training, previous research undertaken, current area of interest for doctoral level research.

Personal statement outlining interest in undertaking doctorate level programme.

Contact details for one academic referee and one professional referee.

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.
Suitable applicants will be invited to undertake a selection interview.

Application Submission Date
Entry to the Doctorate in Psychotherapy is offered every second year and the next intake will be September 2024.

4 years part-time.

Entry to the Doctorate in Psychotherapy is offered every second year and the next intake will be September 2024.

Applications will open in late January 2024

Careers
As senior practitioners, you will have the capacity to make, implement or challenge practice decisions based on outcome research and subjective clinical experience. You will have a unique and in-depth portfolio of transferable competencies to advance the field of psychotherapy practice, education, training and research and the expertise, breadth and depth of specialist skills to initiate, self-direct and evaluate practice based research project. This skills set will make candidates desirable in advanced practice, research and teaching settings.