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You are here Courses > Postgraduate > D.Couns. Psychology

Doctorate in Counselling Psychology

This intensive full-time course provides professional training in Counselling Psychology and is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. Admission is on a yearly basis for approximately 12 to 14 students.
  • Course Director:
    • Dr. Ladislav Timulak
  • Contact Details:
  • Course Office Contact Details:
  • International Student Course Queries:
    • Erin Paullin (Global Officer, School of Psychology)
    • Telephone: +353-1-896-1015
    • Email: erin.paullin@tcd.ie
  • Course Duration
    • 3 years, full-time
  • Closing date for Applications:
    • 31 January 2024.

Course Overview

This intensive course provides a professional training in counselling psychology for a yearly in-take of up to approximately 12 to 14 students. The three main objectives of the course are (1) to allow students to obtain a level of postgraduate academic and research performance appropriate for the award of a doctoral qualification, (2) to progress this academic and research performance with the practice of counselling psychology, and (3) to acquire professional knowledge and skills. The course emphasizes the scientist-practitioner model and research-informed practice. The scientist-practitioner model is fostered through research classes and work on the research dissertation. Students are informed on a variety of research strategies (including e.g. experimental, quasi-experimental as well as descriptive and qualitative, phenomenological, hermeneutic, discourse analytic and grounded theory approaches) and learn to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies.

Further information on the course outline can be found in the course outline handbook below.

Course Content and Structure

Taught classes as well as counselling skills training, supervision and reflective practice modules emphasises the application of current psychological knowledge informed by empirical research in the work of the counselling psychologist. The students are facilitated to be aware of current research findings and to incorporate them into their clinical practice. In the first year the course offers academic and practical skills training in counselling psychology and related research. After the first few weeks of concentrated, full time coursework and personal development work, 2 full days per week are spent on placement and 2-3 days in classes. The D.Couns.Psych. offers a wide range of course approved placement options in community, health, mental health, education and private practice settings, as well as welcoming new student recommended sites, particularly for those students residing outside the greater Dublin area. At least 3 different placements are required during the 3 years of the course. The second year involves further training in counselling theories and practice, and students conduct a research dissertation related to counselling psychology, initiated during the summer before entering second year.

Personal development work, including individual therapy, is required throughout the 3 years. The third year includes small group supervision, reflective practice, and advanced counselling and psychotherapy theory and its application. However, the main focus will be on research. Courses are taught and supervision provided by both core staff and other practitioners from varied theoretical orientations. Humanistic theory underlies the course. Psychodynamic and systemic perspectives are also emphasised, and training in cognitive behavioural approaches is provided. Practical placements continue through the summer and always follow the placement site’s calendar, not that of College. Guidelines for all aspects of the course are provided. All components of the course must be passed, i.e. practical, academic; research, and personal development, as well as members of the Court of Examiners recommending the student as suitable to receiving the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology degree.

Graduates of this course are skilled to conduct mental health assessments and therapy with individuals, couples and groups across the lifespan. Typically, they start to specialise during their studies and further develop their skills after the course. They are employed by Health Service Executive, e.g. the National Counselling Service, Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service, Autism Services; Voluntary agencies; Hospitals; Third level student counselling services; Private practice and multiple other locations.

Course Outline

Please see the course information handbook for more information on the course. Course outline handbooks are subject to review each year in line with college policy.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold at least second class honors degree upper division (2.1) in Psychology or Dip.Psych with relevant professional experience when they start the course. International applicants with equivalent qualifications are most welcome to apply. Applicants with good written and spoken English (due to the nature of this profession) from other EU and non-EU countries are very welcome to apply.

How to Apply

To apply to this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the bottom of the page. Please note that all documents must be supplied and conditions of offer met by July 31st or any offer made will expire.

Course Fees (2023/24)

  • A list of current course fees is available in the Course Fees section of the Academic Registry website.

Eligible candidates for 2023 intake should be aware that the course is currently in negotiations around some of these places potentially being funded/sponsored positions (e.g., through Health Service Executive), with eligibility and contract conditions akin to the model applied to other psychology trainees already sponsored by the HSE. Further information on this can be provided at interview stage to the shortlisted candidates.

Students are required to undertake individual counselling throughout the 3 years with a personal therapist who meets with course criteria for approval. Individual Counselling costs are in addition to tuition fees and are the responsibility of the student.

IMPORTANT: Fees may increase annually.

Please consult information about eligibility for admission as an EU/Non-EU student and note that EU applicants must satisfy specific requirements to be deemed eligible for EU fee status.

Local Access

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