This course is available through the following application route(s)
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.
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 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 (Spr-Sum) | 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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 2025/26, all Year 1 and Year 2 students must select MDCS40440, MDCS40450, MDCS40460 and MDCS40470.All other modules were either already completed by students in 2024/2025 or will be taken in 2026/2027 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
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
The course is of fundamental relevance for:
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.
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X990 Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Studies Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |