Psychotherapy

The Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych) is a Level 10 NFQ (240 credit) programme, delivered part-time over four years. The programme builds on candidates' current psychotherapy knowledge, competencies and skills to enable the development of an inquiry-based attitude to practice. Years one and two comprise taught modules that critically reflect on theories, practices and philosophies of psychotherapy, develop knowledge and practice of psychotherapy supervision, 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. Years three and four involve completion of a research project and thesis.



Programme Structure

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



The capacity to integrate an advanced understanding of established 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 to practice and the capacity for critical awareness and open analytical thinking 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 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

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 degree 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.

4 years part-time.

Next intake in September 2026

Careers

Graduates of the Doctorate in Psychotherapy have a unique and in-depth portfolio of transferable competencies to advance the field of psychotherapy practice, education, training and research. They have the capacity to make, implement and challenge practice decisions based on outcome research and clinical expertise, to conduct research that advances the boundaries of psychotherapy knowledge, and to contribute to the development of psychotherapy as an authority in their chosen area. This skill set makes candidates desirable in advanced psychotherapy practice, supervision, research and teaching settings.