Program Overview

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Course Overview

The Doctor of Psychological Science (DPsychSc) in Clinical Psychology for Qualified Clinicians programme is designed for those who have a qualification in clinical psychology that pre-dated the introduction of doctoral-level training (i.e., professional diploma or master’s). The programme focuses on the development of clinical research skills and is assessed through a series of academic and research projects, including a research thesis.

Many qualified clinical psychologists (“qualified” is defined as eligible for full membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Clinical Psychology) completed their training in clinical psychology before it was a 3 year professional doctorate degree. The current Doctoral level training offered by the five training programmes in Ireland became the gold standard in the early 2000’s. Prior to that, qualified clinical psychologists had a Masters level training or a HDipPsych. The PSI also operated a professional training programme until 2005, which conferred the qualification of PSI Diploma in Clinical Psychology. This cohort of qualified clinical psychologists, who completed degrees at a level lower than doctoral level, is the intended audience for this programme.

The programme consists of three years of part-time study. The time commitment for class attendance is one day per week of lectures on research methods for approximately 12–14 weeks per year. Candidates will also be expected to dedicate the equivalent of 4–6 hours per week throughout the year in order to complete the work requirements of the course. In addition, candidates will attend occasional specialist workshops in research skills and statistics and meetings with their research supervisors.

The programme will focus entirely on the development and assessment of research skills and the completion of applied projects and a major research thesis. Learning research skills will be achieved in several different ways:

In lectures, students will learn to design studies using a range of different approaches and to critically evaluate these in group discussion. Students will lean both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

In designing service-based research projects, the student learns the practicalities of conducting research in a setting relevant to the professional practice of clinical psychology. In this context, the student is expected to progress their research project in collaboration with a service-based manager or mentor and the Programme Research Coordinator.

Students will also learn to carry out a systematic review or meta-analysis of an area relevant to clinical psychology practice, in order to enhance their work as an evidence-based practitioner.

The major research thesis facilitates the student's progression through all stages of the process of independent research, from an original idea through to final submission. Students select feasible ideas and submit a formal proposal on their planned study. The Programme Team and the Programme Research Coordinator will guide the student in further developing and refining their ideas. All stages of the research proposal enhance the skills of the independent researcher.

Statistical analysis consolidates the formal teaching, and students may learn new statistical approaches at this stage. Formal academic writing skills are developed through discussion of drafts of the thesis. All research work involves a consideration of ethical issues. Submitting an Ethics Approval application provides further practical learning. Students will be required to receive ethical approval for their studies from the NUI Galway REC and any local Research Ethics Committees (RECs) involved in the sample generation. Guidance on the REC submission process is provided by the research coordinator and experienced staff within the School of Psychology.

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Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Garda vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.

Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining why they wish to undertake the course and identifying potential areas of research interest (max. 2 pages). Garda vetting/police clearance may be required for this programme depending on the research projects undertaken. An interview may also form part of the selection process.

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Who Teaches this Course

Prof Brian McGuire BA, M.Clin.Psych, Dip.Crim, DipHSc, PhD View Profile

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Year 1 Assessment: Systematic Review/Meta-analysis

Year 2 Assessment: Quantitative or Qualitative Service-Based Research Project

Year 3 Assessment: Thesis and Journal article