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Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This part-time two-year programme provides a rigorous supervised clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy contributing to a professional qualification to practice this therapeutic method with adults.

Since its inception in 1984, the programme has significantly contributed to the formation in clinical practice for many psychoanalytic practitioners and other clinicians who benefit from a psychoanalytic influence on their work. It is relevant for any mental health professional, including GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, counsellors, and nurses. The programme also accepts applications from candidates from other backgrounds who are suitable for the programme based on their own prior experience of psychoanalysis.

  • Provides a rigorously supervised clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy contributing to a professional qualification to practice
  • Requires engagement in one’s own psychoanalysis, the cornerstone of psychoanalytic practice
  • Provides weekly small group and individual clinical supervision
  • Provides a rigorous theoretical study of the principles underlying psychoanalytic practice
  • Includes participation at a weekly psychiatric case conference at St. Vincent's University Hospital which is a unique teaching forum bringing together psychiatric and psychoanalytic responses to mental illness
  • Includes dissertation for experience of research appropriate to the field
  • Can form part of a four-year continuous training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy

 

About This Course

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Stage 1, Year One Core Modules
 MDCS40380 Supervision of Clinical Practice Part I 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Stage 1, Year One Core Modules
 MDCS40390 Clinical Diagnostics and Research Part I 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Stage 1, Year 2 Core Modules
 MDCS40820 Supervision of Clinical Practice Part II 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Stage 1, Year 2 Core Modules
 MDCS40830 Clinical Diagnostics and Research Part II 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Stage 1, Year 2 Core Modules
 PSCO40220 Dissertation Year 2 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40400 Psychoanalysis in Context Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40410 The Symptom and the Dream Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40440 Human Sexuality and Sexuation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40450 Transference and the Interpretation of Desire Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40420 Psychoanalysis and Language Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40430 Child Psychoanalysis: Theory and Application Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40460 Ethics, Research Methods and Clinical Applications Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
The modules below are core at Stage 1 and must be completed over years 1 and 2. Modules will be delivered biennially.
In 2023/24, Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470. All other modules will be taken in 2024/25 and should not be selected at this time.
 MDCS40470 Psychosis Spring  5

The MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies is a two-year programme that can contribute to the education and training of psychoanalytic psychotherapists. On its own it will not fulfil requirements to apply for membership to psychotherapy professional bodies within the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) . The ICP professional bodies all require a minimum four-year period of training in a specific modality. These include the Association for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland (appi.ie) and the Irish Forum for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (www.ifpp.ie). With this in mind, a new four year part-time programme was developed, X993 Professional Masters in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.



For informal enquiries on the MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies and on the four-year Professional Masters in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, contact Dr. Gráinne Donohue grainne.donohue@ucd.ie


MSc Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies (X990) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 7700
nonEU    fee per year - € 13500

***Fees are subject to change

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


The course is of fundamental relevance for:




  • Mental Health Professionals

  • Doctors

  • Psychiatrists

  • Psychologists

  • Social workers

  • Therapists

  • Counsellors

  • Nurses



The programme has from its inception offered places to a range of individuals from other professional backgrounds, ranging from the arts and academia, through to teaching, business and the law.



The requirement for all applicants is evidence of a commitment to the applicant’s own psychoanalysis. This is best provided by already having started one’s psychoanalysis.



The course has produced hundreds of  graduates, the majority of whom continue to work in their primary professions using psychoanalytic principles to inform that work.



Many graduates have set up their own private practice, while remaining in personal therapy and supervision. Some become psychoanalysts who remain in personal analysis and additionally make a scholarly contribution to teaching, training and research.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X990
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies
Master of Science		 Part-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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