Doctor of Psychological Science
(Clinical Psychology)

The Doctor of Psychological Science (DPsychSc) in Clinical Psychology is a taught doctoral programme that provides professional training in clinical psychology. The programme involves full-time study for three calendar years, and is provided in partnership with clinical psychology services in the Health Services Executive and other health service agencies. A maximum of twelve places are offered each year.

Programme description

This programme provides trainees with thorough and integrated training in academic, practical, and research aspects of clinical psychology, through academic teaching blocks, supervised clinical placements and supervised clinically relevant research projects.

Programme aims and objectives

The programme subscribes to the scientist-practitioner model and aims to develop highly competent clinicians capable of practicing in a wide range of clinical and service settings. A key objective is that, on qualifying as clinical psychologists, students will have both the competence and confidence to undertake clinical research in professional settings and take a generally critical approach to their professional work.

ECTS weighting

Year 1—90 ECTS. Year 2—90 ECTS. Year 3—90 ECTS.

Programme fee, academic year 2009-10

Please consult the course secretary Alma Greally (Tel.: [091] 49 32 66) regarding current fee and funding arrangements.

Application

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code above right.

Minimum entry requirements

Candidates must hold a degree or postgraduate diploma in psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) as granting eligibility for graduate membership of PSI. The qualification must be at least upper second-class honours level (barring exceptional circumstances). Qualifications deemed equivalent by the Faculty of Arts may also be accepted.  At least one year of practical and/or research experience relevant to clinical psychology is also required.  Successful applicants are expected to have a means of transport to enable them to participate in all elements of the programme, including undertaking supervised clinical placements in health settings.

Selection criteria

Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of written application, taking account of academic qualifications and relevant experience. Short-listed applicants are called for interview for final selection.

Examination arrangements

Assessment is through mandatory coursework, and evaluation of clinical competence on supervised clinical placements. Mandatory course work requirements involve: three essays; four Reports of Clinical Activity (RCA); two Small Scale Research Projects (SSRP); one Report of Large Scale Research Project/Thesis (LSRP in Year Three. In addition to assessed coursework, trainees are required to satisfactorily complete six supervised clinical placements over the duration of the programme. All required placements must be passed in order for the candidate to be deemed to have passed overall.

The thesis is the subject of oral examination by the External and Internal Examiners at the end of the programme.

Professional Experience Programme

Clinical competence is developed in six placements over the three years of the programme. The placements provide trainees with experience of clinical psychology practice under the supervision of experienced clinical psychologists. All trainees have placements in mental health settings working with both child and adult clients, and in services for people with learning disability. Other placements include services for elderly people, rehabilitation services, services for people with acquired brain injury, services for people with addictions, and appropriate settings in general hospitals. The development of personal awareness and interpersonal sensitivity are fostered.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities exist for professionally qualified clinical psychologists in a wide variety of health, forensic and social care settings. Opportunities may also be found in educational services and institutions. 

Programme content (subject to change)

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