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Psychotherapy Studies

HDip (NFQ Level 8)

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

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This one year, two-trimester Higher Diploma programme provides an introduction to the major modalities of psychotherapy, to psychoanalysis and to psychiatric/mental health practice. With the Irish State in the process of State Registration, there is growing recognition of the value of psychotherapy as a clinical intervention which invites a person to work on the questions that unsettle, depress or mentally disturb them. Academic qualification at postgraduate level is becoming an integral part of a professional career pathin psychotherapy and a knowledge of the different modalities of psychotherapy is strongly recommended.

 This course is taught by very experienced practitioner- teachers and:

-Provides a solid introduction to different modalities in psychotherapy

-Can prepare students for clinical training in psychotherapy

-Provides an academic foundation in the theoretical and clinical literature in the field

-Provides very solid foundation for clinical training in psychotherapy

-Serves as an effective basis for making a decision regarding the modality of psychotherapy one may choose to train in. [UCD Psychotherapy offers four clinical training MSc programmes]

About This Course

Students will achieve an understanding of the complex theories and concepts that underlie the main modalities of psychotherapy, of psychoanalysis and of current psychiatric practice. As well as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, child art psychotherapy, group analytic psychotherapy, systemic family psychotherapy are covered in detail. Students learn about psychotherapy based on theories of development, humanistic psychotherapy on the integrative model, dramatherapy, cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and other current forms of psychotherapy practice. is the exemplar, the cognitive therapies, the integrative therapies and family and group therapies. Graduates of the Higher Diploma can make an informed decision on a modality of psychotherapy in which to train and may be interested in applying for one of the four clinical training MSc programmes offered by UCD Psychotherapy.

It is taught by practitioners in the field and is suited not only to trainees or practitioners in disciplines within the mental healtharena but also to applicants from non-cognate areas who may be considering embarking on a clinical training in psychotherapy.

Graduates of this course can make an informed decision on a modality of psychotherapy in which to train and may be interested in applying for one of the four clinical training MSc programmes offered by UCD Psychotherapy.

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 Core Modules
PSCO30010 Thesis Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  20
Stage 1 Core Modules
MDCS30010 Theoretical Overview of the Psychotherapies Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MDCS30020 The Therapeutic Relationship in Psychotherapy Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PSCO30020 Research & Clinical Applications 1 Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
MDCS30030 Psychotherapies I: Transference based Therapies and Integrative/interpersonal Therapies Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MDCS30040 Psychotherapies II: Cognitive/Behavioural Therapies, Group & Family Psychotherapies Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PSCO30030 Research & Clinical Applications 2 Spring  10

HDip Psychotherapy Studies (XA22) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 6710

***Fees are subject to change

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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


Graduates with Level 8 (NFQ) BA or BSc, or equivalent Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), are eligible to apply for the Higher Diploma. The Higher Diploma can provide a very important knowledge of psychotherapy practices for anyone with a role in social care, teaching or mental health services. This course will also be of great interest to those with a curiosity about the field of psychotherapy. This course has also been recommended for psychiatrists involved in leadership of Multi-Disciplinary Teams; and for managers in the health and social care services No previous study of psychotherapy or cognate fields such as health social care or psychology is required.


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

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XA22
Psychotherapy Studies
Higher Diploma

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page