Psychotherapy Studies

This one year, two-trimester Higher Diploma programme provides an introduction to the major modalities of psychotherapy, to psychoanalysis and to psychiatric/mental health practice. With the Irish State in the process of State Registration, there is growing recognition of the value of psychotherapy as a clinical intervention which invites a person to work on the questions that unsettle, depress or mentally disturb them. Academic qualification at postgraduate level is becoming an integral part of a professional career path in psychotherapy and a knowledge of the different modalities of psychotherapy is strongly recommended.



This course is taught by very experienced practitioner- teachers and:

• Provides a solid introduction to different modalities in psychotherapy

• Can prepare students for clinical training in psychotherapy

• Provides an academic foundation in the theoretical and clinical literature in the field

• Provides very solid foundation for clinical training in psychotherapy

• Serves as an effective basis for making a decision regarding the modality of psychotherapy one may choose to train in. [UCD Psychotherapy offers four clinical training MSc programmes]



What Will I Learn?

Students will achieve an understanding of the complex theories and concepts that underlie the main modalities of psychotherapy, of psychoanalysis and of current psychiatric practice. As well as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, child art psychotherapy, group analytic psychotherapy, systemic family psychotherapy are covered in detail. Students learn about psychotherapy based on theories of development, humanistic psychotherapy on the integrative model, dramatherapy, cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and other current forms of psychotherapy practice. is the exemplar, the cognitive therapies, the integrative therapies and family and group therapies. Graduates of the Higher Diploma can make an informed decision on a modality of psychotherapy in which to train and may be interested in applying for one of the four clinical training MSc programmes offered by UCD Psychotherapy.



It is taught by practitioners in the field and is suited not only to trainees or practitioners in disciplines within the mental health arena but also to applicants from non-cognate areas who may be considering embarking on a clinical training in psychotherapy.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

PSCO30010 Thesis Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 20

MDCS30010 Theoretical Overview of the Psychotherapies Autumn 5

MDCS30020 The Therapeutic Relationship in Psychotherapy Autumn 5

PSCO30020 Research & Clinical Applications 1 Autumn 10

MDCS30030 Psychotherapies I: Transference based Therapies and Integrative/interpersonal Therapies Spring 5

MDCS30040 Psychotherapies II: Cognitive/Behavioural Therapies, Group & Family Psychotherapies Spring 5

PSCO30030 Research & Clinical Applications 2 Spring 10

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1 year part-time. Delivery: On Campus.

XA22: Higher Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates of this course can make an informed decision on a modality of psychotherapy in which to train and may be interested in applying for one of the four clinical training MSc programmes offered by UCD Psychotherapy.