Doctor of Psychological Science

Contents:

1. Research requirements and coursework
2. Professional Practice
3. Career Opportunities
4. Admission and Selection
5. Applying for Clinical Psychology Training
6. Doctor of Psychological Science (D.Psych.SC.) In Clinical Psychology for Qualified Clinicians ("Top-Up" Doctorate)

Research Requirements and coursework

Assessment is through mandatory coursework, and evaluation of clinical competence on supervised clinical placements. Mandatory coursework requirements involve: three essays; four Reports of Clinical Activity; two Small Service-Related Research Projects (a Systematic Review may be substituted in place of the second SSRP); one Major Research Project (comprising a Major Research Thesis and a Journal Article). In addition to assessed coursework, trainees are required to satisfactorily complete four supervised clinical placements over the duration of the programme. All required placements must be passed in order for the candidate to be deemed to have passed overall.

The thesis is the subject of oral examination by the External and Internal Examiners at the end of the programme.

Professional Practice

Clinical competence is developed over four placements spanning 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.

Career Opportunities

Excellent career opportunities exist for professionally qualified clinical psychologists in a wide variety of health, forensic and social care settings. Opportunities may also be found in educational services and institutions.

Admission And Selection

Candidates for the DPsychSc (Clinical) programme are selected through a competitive process in line with normal University admission procedures and in close collaboration with key stakeholders within the HSE and various voluntary body agencies.

Applicants must have the equivalent of an honours degree in psychology recognised by The Psychological Society of Ireland that confers eligibility for Graduate Membership of The Psychological Society of Ireland. The qualification must be at least upper second-class honours level. Qualifications deemed equivalent by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies  may also be accepted. Successful applicants are likely to have a combination of strong academic ability, relevant clinical or health related experience, and personal suitability for a career in clinical psychology. At least one year of practical and/or research experience relevant to clinical psychology is generally required.  Successful applicants are expected to have a means of transport to enable them to participate in all elements of the programme, including undertaking supervised clinical placements in health settings.

Please take note that clinical placements are secured by the programme throughout the HSE and through affiliated agencies and social care providers (e.g. Brothers of Charity Services). There is no guarantee that placements will be provided within convenient commuting distance to NUI Galway and there is no obligation on the programme to secure placements close to where you live. If you cannot commit to some uncertainty with regard to placement location then this programme may not be the best option for you.

The Programme selects candidates on open competition principles. Candidates are required to submit an application form through PAC. It is very important that applicants complete all required sections and provided all necessary documentation. Failure to do so may invalidate your application. Shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in the selection process which features a group exercise, two interviews comprising a two person personal development interview, and a larger panel interview. Academic and clinical references are carefully considered and applicants may also be required to complete a written exercise. The selection procedures may vary from year to year.

The Programme hosts an annual Open Evening for intending applicants where queries regarding the Programme and the selection process can be directed to the Programme Staff in attendance. Details of the Open Evening are advertised on this webpage and in an annual advertisement in The Irish Psychologist.

Aplying for Clinical Psychology Training

The following is for general guidance only. NUI Galway cannot be held responsible for any externally maintained content or sources.

How to get on a clinical psychology training course. The Psychologist (1998)
Hints and tips for applying to clinical courses. The University of Glasgow‌
http://clinicalpsychologyireland.blogspot.com/2009/07/online-resources.html
http://www.psihq.ie/
http://www.bps.org.uk/
http://www.psychapp.co.uk/
http://groups.google.com/group/AP_Ireland
http://www.psyclick.org.uk/
http://www.clinpsy.org.uk/
http://hdl.handle.net/10147/118070

Information for 2018 Intake

Applications for the above programme should be submitted through PAC where further information is available to prospective applicants. The Programme Code is GYA37. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday the 12^th January 2018.

Please be advised that interviews for the next intake of the DPsychSc (Clinical) Programme have been provisionally scheduled to take place during 27^th & 28^th March 2018. You are advised to check periodically for updates and possible changes to these dates.

There will be an Open Evening for prospective applicants from 6.30pm on 15^th November 2017 at the School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Doctor of Psychological Science (D.Psych.SC.) In Clinical Psychology For Qualified Clinicians (“Top-Up” Doctorate)

Please find further information on this new Programme for Qualified Clinicians by downloading the information pack here:

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology for Qualified Clinicians‌