Course Summary
This programme builds upon candidates current psychotherapy knowledge,competencies and skills to enable the development of an inquiry-based attitude to practice and will inform the implementation of research projects that advance the boundaries of psychotherapy knowledge and locates participants as an authority in their chosen area or field of interest. Participants in the Doctorate programme will exit with the knowledge and ability to work as senior psychotherapists and researchers.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Requirements
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 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.
Application Details
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st May 2025.
Closing date for non EU applicants is 31st May 2025.
Only applications that are completed by May 31st will be considered.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available via Application weblink above.
Academic transcripts for each and every year of study (with English translation where applicable) or RPL candidates must submit evidence of previous training, transcripts and accreditations
Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate, with certified English translations;
CV detailing prior academic achievements and psychotherapy practice experience relevant to their application;
Demonstration of research knowledge in the form of a written submission outlining previous research training, previous research undertaken, current area of interest for doctoral level research.
Personal statement outlining interest in undertaking doctorate level programme.
Contact details for one academic referee and one professional referee.
If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Suitable applicants will be invited to undertake a selection interview.
Application Submission Date
Entry to the Doctorate in Psychotherapy is offered every second year and the next intake will be September 2025.
Entry to the Doctorate in Psychotherapy is offered every second year and the next intake will be September 2026.
Applications will open in late January 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee Part-time
€7,400 per annum in years 1 & 2; €3,500 per annum in years 3 and 4 (in line with postgraduate research fees for PhD)
Non EU Fee Part time
€15,000 per annum in years 1 & 2; €6,400 per annum in years 3 and 4 (in line with postgraduate research fees for PhD)
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
As senior practitioners, you will have the capacity to make, implement or challenge practice decisions based on outcome research and subjective clinical experience. You will have a unique and in-depth portfolio of transferable competencies to advance the field of psychotherapy practice, education, training and research and the expertise, breadth and depth of specialist skills to initiate, self-direct and evaluate practice based research project. This skills set will make candidates desirable in advanced practice, research and teaching settings.