Systemic Psychotherapy Ind Couple, Families

ProfMasters Systemic Psychotherapy (Ind, Couple, Families)

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 180)



This four year part-time ProfMasters in Systemic Psychotherapy degree is delivered in UCD School of Medicine.



Established in the 1980s this Programme has developed both a national and international reputation as a centre of training excellence.



Our experienced faculty of teachers and trainers has ensured that the programme offerings at M.Sc. level invite student engagement right at the cutting edge of developments in systemic therapy. Alongside course faculty, a continuing flow of clinicians and teachers of international renown contribute to the education and training of Masters level students.



This course will appeal to those people who are interested in training as a Psychotherapist to a high level of knowledge and skill. Systemic Psychotherapists work with relationships in the context of families, couples and other groups. It is a creative, innovative and thought provoking model of Psychotherapy which places ethics at the heart of the work.



Course Description

This course is directed at a broad range of health and social care professionals who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in working as Systemic Psychotherapists with individuals, couples and families. Live supervision of Clinical Practice is central to this training supported by core subjects of Theory and Methodology, Research and Personal/Professional connections. The integration of Clinical Practice, Systemic Theories, Psychotherapy Research and Self reflection is key to this training.



Students on the programme will develop an understanding of systemic theory and methodology and its application in clinical practice. Students will practice their clinical skills in live supervision sessions and will have opportunities to develop their ability to reflect on personal and professional connections in the therapeutic context. Through the completion of a Dissertation, students will develop skills in Research methodology and practice.



The Professional Masters in Systemic Psychotherapy (Ind, Couple, Families) aims to progress students along a path leading towards responsible creative therapeutic practices as independent practitioners in both Health/Social Care and Private Practice settings. Through a mixture of skill development, theoretical education and enhanced capacity for self reflection, the course facilitates the growth and development of students as practitioners concerned with an extensive array of clinical presentations.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Options - A)4 of:

Students must take all of the following modules

PSCO40250 Personal Professional Development and Integration (PPDI) Y1 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 5

PSCO40260 Theories & Methods of Systemic Practice: Foundation 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 15

PSCO40270 Skills & Techniques of Systemic Practice: Foundation Autumn 5

PSCO40280 Skills & Techniques of Systemic Practice: Development Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - B)6 of:

Students must take all of the following modules

PSCO40290 Theories & Methods of Systemic Practice Y2 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

PSCO40300 Integration Y2 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 5

PSCO40320 Personal Professional Development and Integration (PPDI) Y2 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 5

PSCO40340 Live Supervision Y2 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 15

PSCO40310 Foundational Ethics in Systemic Practice Autumn 5

PSCO40330 Research Skills Y2 Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - C)6 of:

Students must take all of the following modules.

PSCO40590 Theories & Methods of Systemic Practice Y3 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

PSCO40600 Integration Y3 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 5

PSCO40610 Research Skills Y3 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

PSCO40620 Personal Professional Development and Integration (PPDI) Y3 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 5

PSCO40630 Retrospective Supervision Y3 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

PSCO40640 Live Supervision Y3 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 15



Stage 1 Options - D)4 of:

Students must take all of the following modules

PSCO40670 Retrospective Supervision Y4 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 15

PSCO40680 Research Dissertation Y4 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 25

PSCO40650 Theories & Methods of Systemic Practice Y4 Autumn 5

PSCO40660 Personal Professional Development and Integration (PPDI) Y4 Autumn 5

This graduate level programme is open to candidates who have three years graduate level training in the human sciences (medicine, psychology, social work, sociology, education, etc) or its equivalent. Applicants must have relevant experience of working in a responsible and caring role with people. During training they will be expected to work in a setting which provides opportunities for clinical practice.



Applicants must have:



A primary degree in the human sciences (medicine, psychology , social work , sociology, education etc.) or its equivalent.

Equivalence through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): Candidates applying through this route must demonstrate clearly that they have equivalence to an undergraduate degree in a field relevant to psychotherapy or have a combination of work and life experiences that add up to a similar competency.

Relevant experience in working with people in a responsible and caring role.

To be in a work setting or role which will provide candidates with opportunities to implement their learning such as work within the helping professions, counselling support services and /or project / community work.

Names and contact details of two referees who can assess a) your academic and b) professional abilities.

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.

Successful applicants will be required to consent to garda clearance being sought which is standard procedure for professionals engaged in direct work with young people and families.

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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

4 years part-time. Delivery: Blended

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

Areas in which Systemic Psychotherapists have previously secured employment or developed experience in independent practices include:

- Primary Care Settings

- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

- Adult Psychiatric Services

- Voluntary Agencies providing Couple and Family Therapy

- Family Resource Centres

- Family Court work

- Private Practice



Graduates from the programme have a qualification that is recognised within Europe, which facilitates employment mobility.



With regard to the anticipated deployment of Psychotherapists throughout the Health Services (Ref. Vision for Change 2006 Dept. of Health and Children) Psychotherapy graduates from this programme will have met all the requirements for employment as registered Psychotherapists