Overview

The Doctor of Clinical Psychology is a full-time, three year postgraduate professional course in clinical psychology, designed to train psychologists to be eligible for appointment as Clinical Psychologists in the health services. The clinical psychology programme at University College Cork is the newest in Ireland. Whilst embracing the core training standards for the profession evident across all programmes, the Cork programme is growing a unique identity as outlined in Course Details.

The programme is delivered in partnership between the University and Health Services Executive (HSE) and other organisations. Trainees spend about 45% of their time at UCC, studying, and carrying out supervised research and about 55% on clinical placements. Each student is offered a specified purpose contract of employment for 3 years as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist with the HSE or other organisations.

Most placements will be located in the Cork / Kerry region. However, they may be located anywhere in Ireland. Trainees must be available to travel to placements beyond Cork city.  Application to the programme is considered acceptance by candidates that they are prepared to travel as such.

As well as completing placements and study in Adult Mental Health, Intellectual Disability and Autism, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and Elective areas, trainees also receive support for Personal and Professional Development, and an advanced training in clinical research leading to a research thesis.

Entry Requirements

The selection process for the D.Clin.Psych. is composed of two stages:

Stage 1: Minimum eligibility criteria

• Applicants must be eligible for graduate registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland.
• Applicants must have a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8). This can be either:

  a. An honours primary degree in Psychology which confers eligibility for graduate registration

  OR

  b. An honours primary degree in another subject (minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8)) together with an accredited conversion qualification (minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1) which confers eligibility for graduate registration.

  Furthermore, applicants with a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in either of the above categories may also apply if they have also been awarded an additional Masters or a PhD relevant to Clinical Psychology.

• Applicants must have postgraduate experience within mental health, disability or related settings (includes voluntary experience).
• Applicants must submit a short personal statement that clearly indicates how their postgraduate education and/or work experience has prepared them in terms of their knowledge/experience of clinical psychology practice.
• Applicants must submit contact details for two referees, one academic and one associated with clinically relevant experience.
• Applicants who are not resident in the EU must have proof of eligibility to work in the EU and their Psychology degree must be approved by the Psychological Society of Ireland or the British Psychological Society as equivalent to their accredited degrees.

Stage 2: Selection process

As there are likely to be far more suitable applicants than places available, an interview shortlist will be prepared. The shortlist will be based on ratings of the relevant competencies derived from evidence presented in the application form, personal statement, and transcripts if appropriate. The competencies include:

• Intellectual ability – particularly related to psychological knowledge
• Research competencies
• Clinically related competencies and experience
• Personal and professional development

Applicants should ensure the information provided on the application form speaks to these competencies.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a day-long assessment process. This will involve two individual interviews – one related to academic – research competencies and a second related to clinical – personal competencies. In addition, a group task and interview will assess personal and interpersonal competencies related to clinical psychology training.

Garda Vetting
Students who are selected for this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Sponsored Appointments

All successful applicants will be recommended to the HSE, or other sponsoring agency, for appointment. The latter will be subject to successful occupational health assessment and satisfactory references. 

Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.

Non EU Applications

Prospective applications from Non-EU citizens for the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology need to be aware that clinical psychology trainees are full-time employees of the Health Service Executive (HSE) or other approved Health Care Agencies during the three years of the doctoral programme. To take up this employment requires that applicants have the right to work in Ireland without restriction.  Non-EU applicants are therefore not considered unless they have a pre-existing right to work in Ireland for the duration of the course and the required three years after completion. Please also note that the current Non-EU university fee for the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology is currently €29,000 for each year of the programme. Please see here for further details https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/studyatucc/postgraduateprogrammes/researchprogrammes/

Course Details

The programme embraces the reflective scientist-practitioner approach that characterises contemporary clinical psychology.  Students are taught to rigorously evaluate, synthesise and apply existing clinical research in professional practice and to generate new research knowledge from their practice.  The interplay between practice and reflection is embedded in the course structure and content. The UCC programme will include opportunities to train in new, third wave, therapies, an emphasis on developing the non-therapy competencies of leadership and organisational influence and opportunities to join research programmes with impact.

Over the three years, students spend about 45% of their time studying and carrying out supervised research. They learn about the key processes that a clinical psychologist engages in, e.g. assessment, formulation and intervention, which they apply in core areas Adult Mental Health, Disability, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and in elective or specialist areas. They also learn advanced research methods and data analysis to support their clinical research which leads to a research thesis. This time studying is interwoven with the approximately 55% of time spent on clinical placements under the supervision of a registered Clinical Psychologist working in one of the clinical specialisms above.

Personal and professional development is promoted through all aspects of the programme and supported by personal awareness groups funded by the programme, in supervision, tutoring and in specific teaching blocks.

Trainees must pass all modules to progress through the programme.

In first year students undertake academic and placement modules related to adult clinical psychology, child and disability and research methods. They also start working on their research project and identifying, with support from an academic supervisor, a suitable topic for the major research project.  In the first year trainees will also undertake and report on a service related research project.  In line with the UCC Progress Review Policy for Research Students, students will undergo a formal review of progress of research progress and other course components. Progress must be sufficiently satisfactory to progress to the next year or stage of training.

In second year students undertake academic and placement modules related to child and disability clinical psychology. Students will continue working on their research project and would be expected to have obtained ethical approval and relevant agency agreement to begin the process of data collection, and have made significant progress in data collection and analysis.  As above, a formal Progress Review will also be undertaken at end of year 2.

In third year, students undertake academic and placement modules related to specialisms / electives in clinical psychology.  They also complete and submit their research thesis which is examined by a viva voce.

Course Practicalities

Over the three years, students spend about 45% of their time studying and carrying out supervised research and about 55% of their time on supervised clinical placements. As placements can be located anywhere in Ireland, trainees must be available to travel to, and as required for, placement activities. Application to the programme is considered acceptance by candidates that they are prepared to travel the required distances. The course is organised in specific blocks of lectures and study, followed by placements in that area of specialization. While on placement students have study time, and occasional academic days back at the university.

Assessment

Modules are assessed in a number of ways including a critical literature review, clinical reports with varying foci, reflective practice assignments and placement evaluations of competence reports.  All work is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis, although indicative grades are awarded. Progress on the major research project is an ongoing matter of discussion between students and supervisors and is formally assessed annually by means of a written submission documenting progress and a presentation of the research project.

Placements

Trainees complete placements in each of the following core clinical areas: 

• Adult Mental Health Services
• Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology and Mental Health Services
• Disability

The placement contexts vary, including hospital, community and tertiary care settings. However all provide the opportunity to develop the core competencies to work as a clinical psychologist. In final year, subject to attaining the required experiences and competencies with the core care groups, trainees have the opportunity to undertake an advanced placement(s) in specialist areas. These can focus on a specific population such as Adult Primary Care, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Older Adults, Infant Mental Health, Prison/Forensic services, Neuropsychology, Health Psychology, Mental Health in Intellectual Disability, Early Intervention Psychology or the specialty can be focused on a particular method of working, such as DBT, Schema Focused Therapy etc.

Whilst placements can be anywhere in Ireland (and indeed beyond), most placements (especially in the first two years) will take place in Cork and Kerry. Many placements are in the Cork City and most trainees have found it advantageous to relocate here if coming from elsewhere. However,  most trainees will have to travel from this academic base at some stage during training.

Why Study this Course?

This course has been developed to meet the high demand for Clinical Psychologists in the Munster area and beyond. Successful applicants are employed by the Health Service Executive or the Irish Prison Service as Trainee Clinical Psychologists for the three years of the course and will start on the first point of the scale https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/pay/pay-scales/

In addition to the salary, the sponsor will pay 60% towards the trainee’s annual doctoral fee for EU students.  Trainees are liable to pay the remaining 40%.  Total fee is €14,630 in 2023/2024. It should be noted that the fee for non EU students is €29,000.  Fee Schedule is available here.

Who to Contact

Dr. Christian Ryan

Programme Director

School of Applied Psychology, UCC

christian.ryan@ucc.ie

00353 21 490 4508

After Graduation

Clinical psychologists provide a variety of services including assessment, therapy, and consultancy. They work primarily, but not exclusively in child and/or adult and disability services where emotional, behavioural, psychiatric or developmental difficulties are addressed.

Career opportunities exist for professionally qualified clinical psychologists in a variety of health, prison services and social care settings. Opportunities may also be found in educational services and institutions. Most D.Clin.Psych. graduates take up employment in the HSE but some are also employed within other agencies such as the charity sector and prison service.

FAQs (Please Read)

FAQs (Please Read)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I address my queries to?

What sort of experience do I need to apply for the course?

I have experience working within a health / disability / other such setting but not directly with clinical or other applied psychologists. Is this relevant?

Are some masters / postgraduate courses better than other?

I do not hold a degree in Psychology. Can I still apply?

Where do I find out about Graduate Basis for Membership?

Is the D.Clin.Psych. at UCC accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland?

I have a disability. Can I apply for the course?

Am I too old to apply for the course?

What’s the profile of successful applicants?

Any tips on the application form?

Who should I address my queries to?

Firstly, please read all information on this website and this section (FAQ). This will generally cover most queries. 

If you cannot find an answer to your query, please contact our administrator, Nora Hennessy, in the first instance: nhennessy@ucc.ie

What sort of experience do I need to apply for the course?

We do not rate experiences per se at the shortlisting or interview stage of selection. Rather, we rate competencies (see our entry requirements for details of competencies).

It would be difficult, however, for you to evidence these competencies without some clinically-related experience before starting training. Thus, some clinically relevant experience is a requirement, although we do not prescribe the amount of time etc. Most successful applicants will have at least one year’s relevant experience but quality is as important as quantity and we do not prescribe this as essential. Experience helps to establish that you have some appreciation of the programme and career you are applying for and experience should promote the competencies we assess.

Ideally this experience should be with populations that you will encounter in training and practice – e.g. adults and children in psychological distress and / or with a disability. Clinical experience which is supervised by a clinical or other applied psychologist can be particularly valuable. Given variability in experience settings and contexts we cannot advise you what job / position would be preferable over another. It is up to you to decide how such experiences will afford you the opportunities to develop the competencies we assess through selection (see entry requirements).

Research experience (in addition to the undergraduate project) is also relevant and helpful, especially if the research is clinically relevant e.g. where it involves direct contact with users of clinical psychology services, or where the results of the research are clinically applicable.

Please bear in mind that the competencies rated vary across academic, clinical, research, personal and interpersonal domains. It would be difficult for anyone to gain experiences which promote all competencies. Thus, (a) bear in mind that successful applicants always have strengths as well as gaps / limitations and (b) you need to decide for yourself what strengths or emphases you want to prioritise through experience.

I have experience working within a health / disability / other such setting but not directly with clinical or other applied psychologists. Is this relevant?

Experience of working within a clinical psychology context, or receiving such supervision, often allows applicants to gain competencies that we are interested in and also allows candidates to evidence these competencies. However, any experience that allows you to develop competencies in psychological knowledge and skills, research competencies and personal qualities is relevant. Throughout all your experience it is important for you to engage in reflective practice and make theory – practice links where possible. Supervision can help with this, but there is much you can do yourself through reading, continued professional development (CPD) and keeping your own reflective practice log.

Are some masters / postgraduate courses better than other?

We will not recommend one particular programme over another. Again, look at the competencies we assess and decide which programmes are most likely to help you develop such. These could be related to research skills or a critical appreciation of knowledge bases related to clinical psychology. Programmes which promote the application of knowledge to practice settings may be helpful here.

I do not hold a degree in Psychology. Can I still apply?

You need Graduate Membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) to apply for this course (see below). Typically, this means that your degree should be from an Irish or UK university in Psychology (2:1 level or above). If you have a 2:2, but have attained a higher postgraduate qualification (masters or PhD) relevant to Clinical Psychology, you may also apply. The degree must be accredited as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the PSI or British Psychological Society for UK courses.

If your qualifications do not meet the requirements for Graduate Membership you will need to take a higher diploma / conversion course.

Where do I find out about Graduate Membership?

If your qualifications are not from the Republic of Ireland or the UK you need to have them checked by the PSI to see if they give you eligibility.

Please contact the PSI for information on how to establish this.

Is the D.Clin.Psych. at UCC accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland?

The D. Clin. Psych. at UCC is fully accredited by the PSI. 

I have a disability. Can I apply for the course?

The course has an equal opportunity policy and is keen to increase diversity within the profession of clinical psychology. We do not discriminate on any basis and welcome applications from all sections of our community. The course will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate people with a disability.

Am I too old to apply for the course?

Again, the course has an equal opportunity policy and welcome applicants of any age. Older candidates frequently have considerable expertise and experience and can be an asset to the course and the profession.

What’s the profile of successful applicants?

Diversity in clinical training and practice is important to us so there is no stereotype or template. We engage a range of academic and clinical practitioners in the selection process to incorporate different perspectives. In addition, applicants with little experience can show huge training potential and impress, and people with a lot of experience and qualifications may not show the required competencies on the application form or through the selection process. Thus, we would encourage considered applications if you think you meet the essential requirements and think you are ready for training. The application process can be good experience in itself.

Data from our first six years of selection would suggest that successful applicants tend to have undertaken postgraduate study and certainly have at least one year’s relevant experience.

Any tips on the application form?

The application form is essentially your opportunity to showcase that you have developed the competencies required, and are right, for clinical psychology training. Please consider this very carefully as the application form can either undersell or augment all of your hard earned qualifications and experience in preparation for training. Some tips from the selection sub-committee:

• Do NOT exceed word limits specified.
• The narrative sections of our application form, where you synthesise the various academic, research, clinical and personal and professional competencies are very important. Be succinct. Demonstrate your capacity to synthesise information well.
• Whilst your application form is essentially your “pitch”, it highlights critical self-reflection if you are also able to reflect on your limitations and needs as well as your strengths.
• Only upload information required.
• Be very clear about your dates of relevant experience, official role title and core duties.
• Make links between qualifications and experience and competencies attained. Equally, evidence competencies with reference to academic, clinical, research and personal experiences.
• Show reflective capacity. You as a person are as important as the experiences you have attained. Show something of this personal reflective capacity, but please bear in mind that you do not have to “bear your soul” to get into clinical psychology training.
• Be mindful of confidentiality / anonymity issues related to clients / others you may have worked with.

How to Apply

Go to https://ucc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Create and create an account.

Follow the prompts through each section of the form, ensuring that you fully complete each section.  

You will then be prompted to certify and submit the form and you will then be asked to pay the application fee.

Once the fee has been paid you will be prompted to download the DCLIN Psych additional questions document, complete this as per the instructions and upload it. 

Your application is not complete until all of the required supporting documentation has been uploaded. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. 

The closing date is Monday 23rd October 2023 but please allow ample time in case of technical problems.

if you have any issues submitting your application please contact uccapplyhelp@ucc.ie

Please see screenshots below to assist you in completing the application form.

• Work Experience is to be added on the downloadable word form (available once you have paid the fee)
• Details of two referees are required (contact will be made with referees once candidates have been shortlisted)

DClin Newsletters

November 2023

DClin_Newsletter_15_November

Full Text of PSI advertisement

DOCTOR OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMME, UCC

Applications are invited for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology programme at University College Cork, commencing in September 2024. The programme is accredited by the Psychologicial Society of Ireland (PSI) and graduates are eligible for appointment as Clinical Psychologists in the health services. This innovative programme, and the newest of Clinical Psychology programmes in Ireland  and the UK, has a number of distinctive features outlined on our website.

Subject to funding allocations, successful applicants will be sponsored by the Health Services Executive(HSE), and other agencies, through salary and fee contributions.

Applicants must, at the time of application, hold a primary degree in psychology or a postgraduate qualification in psychology, recognised by the PSI as conferring eligibility for graduate membership of the Society. 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. Whilst the degree class should normally be be at least 2:1, applicants with a 2:2 in a primary honours degree may also apply if they have also been awarded an additional Masters or a PhD relevant to Clinical Psychology.

Experience relevant to the training and practice of clinical psychology is also required. 

Selection is undertaken collaboratively by programme staff and psychologists in professional practice. Further details on the programme, shortlisting, selection criteria and the application portal may be accessed on the UCC School of Applied Psychology web page at:

https://www.ucc.ie/en/apsych/research/dclinpsych/

Applications are open on Monday 18th September 2023 and interviews for those shortlisted will take place in January 2024. Applications should be submitted through the UCC Application Portal. This may be accessed through the programme web page as above or directly via www.ucc.ie/apply.

CVs will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is Monday 23rd October 2023.