Dublin City University

Psychotherapy

Introduction
The MSc in Psychotherapy is a four-year part-time programme at Level 9 NFQ (120 credits). Students may exit after two years with a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (60 credits). The programme comprises taught modules including the principles and practices of humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and systemic approaches. The M.Sc programme fosters an inquiry based attitude in psychotherapy theory, practice and research. The programme, based on an integrative approach, provides students with an opportunity to work psychotherapeutically with a diversity of clients with complex and multifaceted needs. The MSc in Psychotherapy is accredited by the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) www.iacp.ie and by National Association for Pastoral Counselling and Psychotherapy (http://www.napcp.ie.)

Students will also be able to develop specialist expertise in particular fields of psychotherapy - including couples therapy, psychosexual therapeutic practice and working with trauma. It also includes supervision of research and clinical work to facilitate completion of a research thesis and a professional practice portfolio. The M.Sc programme is designed to equip students to undertake therapeutic practice with individuals and couples. The course is delivered in Dublin City University via block teaching (approximately three days per month) over the academic year September to May.

In year two of the programme students complete either NS587 or NS5078 based on evidence of previous research study.

Programme
To provide students with the opportunity to gain a breadth of knowledge and experience in different therapeutic modalities.

To develop an in-depth knowledge of an Integrative approach to Psychotherapy.

To stimulate students to become reflective practitioners who are sensitive to and led by the needs of the client.

To equip students with the knowledge, common factor skills and core competencies to enable them to establish a good working alliance and practise safely and effectively as psychotherapists.

To provide a stimulating inquiry based learning environment for conducting a practice based research study that forms the basis of their final thesis.

To develop and enhance the capacity for a constructive critical awareness and analytical thinking informed by as well as applied to theory, practice and research.

To stimulate students in disciplined experiential practice and personal inquiry to enhance the capacity to respond to clients at an implicit emotional and relational level.

Why DCU
Comprehensive Psychotherapy Framework including sequential qualifications at Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate levels.

Develop expertise in an integrative approach to Psychotherapy.

Develop specialist knowledge in couples therapy and psychosexual therapeutic practice

Access to clinical placements.

Experienced lecturing team comprising experienced and accredited psychotherapists and clinical supervisors.

Entry requirements

Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the M.Sc. in Psychotherapy, entrants will normally:

•Have a relevant level 8 undergraduate degree (on the NFQ: National Framework of Qualifications; or its equivalent outside of Ireland; for example, in social care/work, psychology, nursing, education, etc.)

•Have a minimum of one year's recent relevant professional experience in a caring or helping role, which has included some training and supervision (for example, voluntary counsellor/helpline work, social care, nursing, special needs teaching or guidance counselling, psychology assistant or pastoral care experience)

•Be able to demonstrate personal readiness and suitability for psychotherapy training

•Successfully undertake a selection interview

All Applications

All applicants must submit:

•Certified academic transcripts for all years of study at college or university in original language*

•Copy of passport

•Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate

•Personal statement outlining your reasons for applying to this course (approx. 500-750 words)

•CV outlining relevant academic qualifications and professional experience

•Two references using the required templates on this webpage (one academic ; one personal/professional):

International Applicants
In addition to the above, non-native English speakers must also submit;
•Certified English translations of academic transcripts and parchment / degree certificate

*International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Duration

4 years part-time.

Careers or further progression

Careers
There are career prospects for counsellors and psychotherapists within the Statutory, Education, Voluntary and Private sectors. Due to the programme's specialism, you will find specialist psychotherapeutic practice with individuals and couples. Alternatively, researchers in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research projects are always in demand.