Doctor of Psychological Science (Clinical Psychology)

The Doctor of Psychological Science (DPsychSc) in Clinical Psychology is a taught doctoral programme that provides professional training in clinical psychology. The programme is provided in partnership with clinical psychology services in the Health Services Executive and other health service agencies.  The overall objective of the programme is to produce competent and capable clinical psychologists for the Irish health service, through the provision of high quality training in the clinical, academic and research elements of clinical psychology.

The programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland as a postgraduate professional training course in clinical psychology. The programme provides basic professional training in many areas of work, including adult clinical psychology, child and adolescent clinical psychology and intellectual disabilities.

This programme provides trainees with thorough and integrated training in academic, practical, and research aspects of clinical psychology, through academic teaching blocks, supervised clinical placements and supervised clinically relevant research projects.

Clinical competence is developed in six placements over the three years of the programme. The placements provide trainees with experience of clinical psychology practice under the supervision of experienced clinical psychologists. All trainees have placements in mental health settings working with both child and adult clients, and in-services for people with learning disability. Other placements include services for elderly people, rehabilitation services, services for people with acquired brain injury, services for people with addictions, and appropriate settings in general hospitals. The development of personal awareness and interpersonal sensitivity are fostered.