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Child Art Psychotherapy Studies

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

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

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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

  • Provides a rigorous clinical training in the Vasarhelyi Method of Child Art Psychotherapy

  • Provides a strong foundation in the areas of child mental health, psychological development, and the fundamental theories and principles underlying psychotherapy

  • Includes an 18-month clinical placement in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service clinic (CAMHS)

  • Provides clinical supervision of students’ Child Art Psychotherapy practice in both individual and small group settings

  • Developed for professionals who wish to specialise in using images in a psychotherapeutic context, helping children and adolescents to articulate  their thoughts and emotions through the use of art materials

  • Includes the production of Masters level research with a focus on developing research methodology appropriate to the field

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 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.
MDCS41680 Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Models 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.
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. 



 


MSc Child Art Psychotherapy Studies (X987) Part Time
nonEU    fee per year - € 13900

***Fees are subject to change

https://www.ucd.ie/graduateadmissions/admissions/feesfunding/

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

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:





  • Psychotherapists




  • Psychiatrists




  • Psychologists




  • Art therapists




  • Artists interested in applying their formation to a therapeutic context




  • Counsellors




  • Social Care Workers




  • Social Workers




  • Nurses





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





  • A third level degree or equivalent is required.




  • Experience of working with children and adolescents within mental health or educational settings is an advantage.




  • Applicants are short-listed on the basis of their previous professional experience and the short-listed candidates are interviewed to assess their suitability.




  • Successful applicants will be required to consent to garda clearance being sought which is standard procedure for professionals engaged in direct work with young people.




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

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X987
Child Art Psychotherapy Studies
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt X987
Child Art Psychotherapy Studies
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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