Program Overview

Clinical Psychology - Doctorate Programme

Brief Description

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick is a three-year, full-time programme designed to educate graduate psychologists to become competent practitioners within the Irish health services. The programme integrates academic knowledge, clinical practice, and research, preparing students for a career in diverse healthcare settings.

Programme Content

• Complete full-time over three years.
• Blended delivery - combines on–campus learning with extensive clinical practice, applied research, and professional development activities.
• Modules are taught during the autumn and spring semesters, allowing students to integrate their learning through clinical placements.
• Includes supervised professional practice, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and real-world expertise.
• Benefit from dedicated support for Personal and Professional Development, along with advanced training in clinical research, culminating in a doctoral research thesis at the end of Year 3.
• Graduate with a Level 10 Doctorate qualification in Clinical Psychology.

Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology: Explore psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents.
• Research Methods: Develop skills in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in clinical psychology.

Spring Semester

• Adult Clinical Psychology: Teach diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for working with adults in clinical settings.
• Lifespan Disability Theory: Examine psychological approaches to working with individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

Year 2

Autumn Semester

• Working with Older Adults: Focus on mental health challenges and psychological interventions for older populations.
• Clinical Neuropsychology: Develop expertise in the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological conditions.

Spring Semester

• Personal Development 1: Enhance reflective practice, supervision, and professional ethics training.
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Projects: Support students in conducting independent research that contributes to clinical psychology knowledge.

Year 3

Autumn Semester

• Specialist/Elective Placement: Gain experience in a specialised area of clinical psychology in a healthcare setting.
• Doctoral Research Dissertation: Undertake an advanced research project aligned with professional practice.

Spring Semester

• Advanced Clinical Practice: Apply clinical skills in complex case management and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Leadership in Clinical Settings: Develop leadership and supervision skills for clinical practice and service development.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in Psychology or a postgraduate diploma in Psychology, recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) as conferring eligibility for graduate membership.
• Applicants with a 2:2 bachelor's degree in Psychology will be considered if they have been awarded a recognised postgraduate qualification in Psychology at Master's level (NFQ Level 9) or higher.
• If the primary degree in psychology is from outside Ireland or the UK, applicants must supply proof of recognition of their degree by the PSI at the time of application.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the EU by the closing date for applications and show official evidence to support this.
• Typically, applicants should have a minimum of one year practical or research work experience relevant to clinical psychology.
• Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on competencies including academic ability, research competencies, clinically related competencies and experience, and personal and professional development.

Fees

• EU: €14,630 per annum
• Year 2 and Year 3 fees are subject to change.
• Annual fees are billed by semester.

Funding

Students are sponsored by the Health Service Executive (HSE), receiving a salary and fee contribution. Successful graduates are contracted to the HSE for a fixed post-qualification period.

Graduate Profile

The Clinical Psychology Doctorate programme can lead graduates to the following sectors and careers:

• Clinical psychology – working in hospitals, mental health services, and therapy settings.
• Community mental health services – supporting vulnerable populations through targeted interventions.
• Social care and rehabilitation – assisting individuals with psychological and social challenges.
• Research and academia – conducting studies that contribute to psychology and mental health policy.
• Policy development – shaping mental health policies and advocating for community-based support.