MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy

There are 8 modules of study to be completed during the programme:

Year 1

• Human Development (20 credits)
• Developing the Therapeutic Context and Process (20 credits)

Year 2

• Mental Health and Psychopathology (20 credits)
• Common Presenting Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy (20 credits)

Year 3

• Clinical Practice 1 (20 credits)
• Research Methods (10 credits)

Year 4

• Clinical Practice 2 (20 credits)
• Research Dissertation (50 credits)

The following are the four essential elements of counselling / psychotherapy training:

1. Personal Development

• Regular individual psychotherapy throughout training
• Fortnightly group psychotherapy during term
• Personal development workshops
• Personal journalling

2. Theoretical Learning

• Theory lectures / interactive seminars
• Independent study
• Student presentations
• Written assignments
• Research Dissertation

3. Skills Development

• Skills training seminars
• Supervised reciprocal skills practice

4. Supervised Clinical Practice

• One-to-one psychotherapy placement practice (years 3 & 4)
• Clinical supervision in groups (year 3)
• External one-to-one supervision (year 4)
• Clinical seminars
• Case studies

• Academic year from October to May
• Two training modules per academic year (attendance requirements vary according to modules)
• Weekly individual psychotherapy
• Group psychotherapy (fortnightly in term)
• Reciprocal Trainee Therapy (1 hour per week – years 1 & 2)
• Group supervision (year 3)
• External one-to-one supervision (year 4)
• Clinical practice placement (min. 200 hours of client work during years 3 & 4)

Assessment is continuous throughout the programme and includes the following:

• Twice-yearly self-evaluation statements
• Review meetings with Core Tutors
• Written assignments
• Academic presentations
• Practice Journals
• Clinical Supervision reports (years 3 & 4)
• Case studies (years 3 & 4)
• Research dissertation (year 4)

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria:

• have a relevant primary degree (in addition to this entry requirement candidates will also be expected to have an appropriate level of personal maturity and life experience).

            or

• Mature Student Option - the programme is open to applicants who do not have a primary degree but whose life / work / training / personal development experiences are deemed relevant to counselling and psychotherapy training.

The annual fee includes University registration, tuition costs, group supervision, review/feedback meetings and practice insurance cover.

Additional costs for individual and group psychotherapy and for external supervision in 4th Year will be negotiated by the student on a private basis.

Course fees are reviewed from time to time. Additional information regarding applications for the next programme and up-to-date information on course fees available to download here:

Additional Course Information 2024

Applications are invited from the beginning of January each year. Application Forms and additional information are available to download here:

Application Form 2024

Additional Course Information 2024

For further information please contact:

The Administrator,
Dublin Counselling & Therapy Centre,
41 Upper Gardiner Street,
Dublin 1.

Tel: 01 8788236

E-mail: info@dctc.ie

Our training staff are highly qualified professionals in the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy. All members of the DCTC training team are fully qualified, accredited and experienced psychotherapists.

» Click here to see our training staff.

All training is completed through in-person attendance at Dublin Counselling & Therapy Centre (DCTC), 41 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin D01 C788

DCTC maintains an extensive and up-to-date counselling & psychotherapy library for student use.

During the 3rd and 4th Years of training students are required to undertake a clinical placement. DCTC will assist all students in sourcing placement arrangements that are suitable to each student's personal circumstances and to the programme requirements.

Download Course Brochure for 2024 here:

MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy Brochure 2024