Clinical Psychology

Entry requirements

Applicants must, at the time of application, hold a primary honours degree with an award of 2H1 in Psychology or postgraduate diploma in Psychology (as recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland, (PSI)as conferring eligibility for graduate membership of the Society., Applicants who have a 2.2 Degree in Psychology and a recognised postgraduate qualification in Psychology at Masters level or higher may be considered for interview. Applicants with a primary degree from outside Ireland or the UK must supply proof of recognition of their degree by the PSI at the time of their application. The degree must be at least at upper second-class honours level.

Applicants who have a 2.2 Degree in Psychology (National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) and a recognised postgraduate qualification in Psychology at Masters level or higher may be considered for interview. Practical and/or research experience relevant to clinical psychology is also required. A joint selection process between the University of Limerick and NUI Galway will take place and will be on the basis of competitive short-listing and interview of applicants. Whilst this will be a joint selection process, applicants must apply separately to each course for which they wish to be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This is a full time three year professional course, leading to a Doctoral qualification in clinical psychology. Graduates are qualified to work as Clinical Psychologists. The programme is designed around the Accreditation Guidelines of the Psychological Society of Ireland for postgraduate courses in Clinical Psychology.

There are four key strands around which course delivery is organised: (1) Academic Competence; (2) Clinical Competence; (3) Research Competence; (4) Personal Development.

The programme is primarily based on the principles of life-span developmental psychology as applied in the clinical setting. There is a strong emphasis on empirically based theoretical orientations including psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioural theories. Programme delivery is through active learning workshops based on adult learning principles including experiential learning, skills practice and reflective practice.

• To provide a programme that is academically rigorous to the highest standards of its international counterparts, that accords with the principles of best practice in professional education of clinical psychologists and that meets standards laid down by The Psychological Society of Ireland
• To enable students to develop clinical practitioner skills through appropriate, supervised clinical placements in which clinical and research skills can be applied in a real world setting.
• To engage students in academic and service-based research.
• To promote student ability and commitment to practice within a strong ethical framework.
• To provide the community with competent professional clinical psychologists to work in the health service.