Course Summary
The MSc programme is an integrative psychotherapy training programme, focused on working with adult clients (individuals and couples), and comprising taught modules in the theory and practice of humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and systemic approaches.
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
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)
If an applicant does not have a relevant level 8 degree, it is possible to apply for consideration of other relevant qualifications, learning and experience through completing an additional Recognition of Prior Experience and Learning criteria (RPEL) application click here (it is not possible to compensate for not having the required professional experience). The RPEL application is submitted only after successful online application and interview for the MSc (contact the programme administrator for further information: [email protected]).
Be able to demonstrate personal readiness and suitability for psychotherapy training
Successfully undertake a selection interview.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
Closing date for EU applicants is 28th February 2026.
Closing date for non EU applicants is 28th February 2026.
All required documentation to support an application must be submitted by 28th February 2026.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
All applicants must submit:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal. - link above.
Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
Copy of passport
Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate
Personal statement outlining your reasons for applying to this course (approx. 500-750 words)
Please upload a CV, outlining relevant academic qualifications and professional experience, under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.
Two references using the required templates on this webpage (one academic ; one professional):
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
*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. For further information on international applications click here.
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
The programme commences in September 2026
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
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.