Doctor of Psychological Science (Clinical Psychology)

University of Galway

The Doctor of Psychological Science in Clinical Psychology is a taught programme that provides professional training in clinical psychology. The programme is provided in partnership with clinical psychology services in the Health Services Executive and other agencies. The programme’s objective is to produce competent and capable clinical psychologists for the health service by providing high quality training in the clinical, academic and research elements of clinical psychology.

Course Outline

This programme provides trainees with a thorough and integrated training in academic, practical and research aspects of clinical psychology through teaching blocks, supervised clinical placements and supervised clinically relevant research projects.

Clinical competence is developed in four supervised placements over the programme’s three years. The placements provide trainees with experience of clinical psychology practice under the supervision of experienced clinical psychologists. Trainees have placements in mental health settings, working with both child and adult clients, and in services for people with learning disabilities. 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. The development of personal awareness and interpersonal sensitivity is fostered.

The DPsychSc (Clinical) Programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland as a postgraduate professional training course in clinical psychology.

The programme provides basic professional training in many areas of work, including adult clinical psychology, child and adolescent clinical psychology and intellectual disabilities.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities exist for professionally qualified clinical psychologists in a variety of health, forensic and social care settings. Opportunities may also be found in educational services and institutions. Most DPsychSc (Clinical) graduates take up employment in the HSE but a small number are also employed within agencies such as the Brothers of Charity Services and the Irish Prison Service.