Doctor of Clinical Psychology 2023-2024

The core competencies subject to Fitness to Practise for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Applied Psychology are listed below. 

In addition to these competencies, students must also fulfil the requirements of professional accrediting bodies and / or CORU (as relevant to their specific degree programme). 

Students must be capable of achieving the following competencies and outcomes by graduation:

1. Ensure that their practice, across both placement and university contexts, adheres to the Psychological Society of Ireland’s (PSI) Code of Professional Ethics.

2. Show respect for the rights and dignity of the person including:

2.1. Treating information obtained in the course of work as confidential, except where the law requires disclosure or where consent to share information to appropriate others (e.g. trainers) has been obtained.
2.2. As far as possible ensuring that clients understand and consent to whatever treatment or research procedures are proposed.
2.3. Treating clients and colleagues with dignity and respect - as persons of intrinsic worth, with a right to determine their own priorities, and with due regard to their moral and cultural values.

3. Maintain competence including:

3.1. Recognising when capacity to practice safely is compromised by personal factors and taking steps to address same in a timely manner.
3.2. Engaging with training and supervision in a way which maintains and updates professional skills to practice safely.
3.3. Recognising limits of knowledge, competence and context and taking care not to exceed such limits in an unsafe way.

4. Demonstrate responsibility including:

4.1. In professional, academic and research contexts act in an honest, trustworthy, reputable and accountable manner towards clients and the community. This includes both collaborative interactions, oral and written communications which should be informed by the policies and procedures of both university and healthcare organisations.
4.2. Avoid doing harm to clients and research participants and act to prevent harm caused by others.
4.3. Co-operate and collaborate with others to ensure the best service to clients, and act positively to resolve ethical dilemmas.
4.4. Engage with and follow guidance received through supervision and training.

5. Act with integrity including:

5.1. Being honest and accurate in all self-representations (e.g. with respect to qualifications and status), clinical record keeping, research findings and authored work.
5.2. Taking steps to manage personal stress, mental health and well-being.
5.3. As far as possible be open and straightforward in communication and avoid deception with research participants.
5.4. Not using professional relationships to exploit clients, sexually or otherwise, and respond appropriately to any conflicts of interest in professional relationships which might arise.
5.5. Take action against harmful or unethical behaviour in colleagues or members of other professions.