This course is available through the following application route(s)
Students of the course develop an understanding of the fundamental theories and principles of psychotherapy, and are taught the Vasarhelyi Method of Child Art Psychotherapy. Individual and small group supervision are integral aspects of the course, as are personal psychotherapy, group process, and an 18-month clinical placement in a CAMHS setting.
For further information about this method and about the theoretical background of the Vasarhelyi method, please watch this short video clip and see the following papers:
Course Features
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year. |
MDCS41680 | Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Models | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year. |
MDCS42640 | Vasarhelyi Mtd&TrainExp Part 1 | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year. |
MDCS42670 | Research Skills | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year. |
MDCS42680 | Mental Health: young people | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year. |
MDCS42560 | CAP Clinical Placement 1 | Year-long (12 months) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One Core Modules Please select all six modules for year one of your programme. Year 2 modules should be selected next year. |
MDCS42600 | Supervision of Clin Practice 1 | Year-long (12 months) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again. |
MDCS41690 | Psychotherapeutic Models | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again. |
MDCS42650 | Vasarhelyi Mtd&TrainExp Part 2 | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again. |
MDCS40240 | Development of Pictorial Thinking | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again. |
MDCS42570 | CAP Clinical Placement 2 | Year-long (12 months) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again. |
MDCS42610 | Supervision of Clin Practice 2 | Year-long (12 months) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core Modules Please select all six modules for year two of your programme. You do not need to select the modules you did in year one again. |
MDCS42660 | CAP Minor Dissertation | Year-long (12 months) | 10 |
The MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy Studies is a two year, part-time taught programme offered by the School of Medicine, University College Dublin. This two-year MSc programme alone will not satisfy the minimum 4-year training requirement of the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACAP: acap.ie). Those interested in a four-year programme that satisfy requirements to apply to ACAP can consider the Professional Masters in Child Art Psychotherapy, the first two years of which are the MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy. The MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy Studies may appeal to those already in possession of another psychotherapy / clinical practice qualification who wish to expand their skills in working with children or young people.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
This course is crucially relevant to anybody whose work with children and young people has a therapeutic objective. It will be relevant therefore for:
Those who are working with children and young people in difficulty will find this course invigorating. It will make an invaluable contribution to their career and to their commitment to work with vulnerable children and young people. It is also inspiring for those who are working with children with long-term physical illnesses.
Am I eligible for this course?
Eligibility criteria
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Child Art Psychotherapy Studies:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X987 Child Art Psychotherapy Studies Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |