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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieWithin three years, the course provides an intensive and systematic programme of training, equipping each student to meet the challenges facing clinical psychology and to make a unique contribution to the Irish Health Services. A core value in the course is the emphasis on linking theory and practice, informed by the reflective scientist practitioner philosophy of integrated training in research methods, academic knowledge and clinical experience.
The course holds P.S.I. Accreditation.
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is designed to provide high-quality postgraduate professional training in Clinical Psychology leading to the award of a doctoral qualification. The course is designed to produce clinical psychologists who are equipped with the skills to respond flexibly to the changing demands of the Irish health and related services.
The course aims to train students so that they will be equipped to function as independent career-grade clinical psychologists in the Irish health service under appropriate supervision. A number of graduates also go on to further clinical research.
The course is structured so that the academic teaching typically takes place in term time for one and a half days per week. In addition, each placement is preceded by a teaching block of approximately four weeks duration. Students complete six clinical placements during the course, each approximately five months in duration, providing knowledge, skills and experience to work with as wide a range of clients as possible. Research training is continuous across the programme.
Course requirements include continuous clinical assessment, examinations and a research portfolio combining reports of clinical activity, research projects and demonstrating research competency across a range of methodologies. Progress on the course is assessed by an end-of-year review.
The course comprises three major components: research training, academic training and clinical placements. Students currently spend approximately 55% of course time on clinical placement. The remainder is divided between the taught academic programme and research activity. The academic programme consists of fourteen academic modules over three years.
Modules offered in recent years include: Adult Clinical Psychology; Psychotherapeutic Skills and Practice; Research Methods and Statistics; Placement Theory and Practice; Advanced Issues in Clinical Psychology; Psychotherapeutic Skills and Practice; Clinical Psychology and Intellectual Disability; Child Clinical Psychology; Specialist Topics; Transition to Qualified Status.
Important: It is a requirement that applicants upload a completed Course Application form (see link below) to the supporting documents area of their College application by the deadline date
Course Application Form (upload completed form to your College application)
Introduction to the D.Clin.Psych. in Clinical Psychology programme by Dr. Kevin Tierney of the School of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin.
September 2026
Dr Kevin Tierney
17 November 2025
At the point of application, the following are required -
⦁ Eligibility to work in the Republic of Ireland and proof of this must be supplied, if not an EU citizen, by closing date for application.
⦁ Usually at least an upper-second class Honors Bachelor degree in psychology which confers eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland will be required. In cases of candidates who hold a 2:2 in their named psychology qualification, applications will be deemed acceptable if the candidate has obtained a 2:1 in a taught master’s degree in psychology. This master’s should only be available to graduates whose primary degree is in psychology and at least 60% of the content should be clearly identifiable as psychology.
⦁ A candidate’s demonstrated interest in the field of clinical psychology and research competence will also be taken into account.
⦁ Clinical experience of 1820 hours is required, of which 50% must be gained in a psychology assistant post involving regular supervision by a qualified psychologist employed in the same organisation. In addition, 50% of the experience must have been gained in a public service health or social care setting.
⦁ Candidates meeting the above eligibility criteria will be considered for a competitive selection process.
⦁ Successful candidates will be offered a place on the course and will be recommended for employment as a Psychologist in Clinical Training with one of our Health Service partners.
Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more here.
All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.
For a full list of postgraduate fees, click here.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
+353 (0)1 8962425
+353 (0)1 8963915
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
