Mental Health (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip.)

NFQ Level 9
M.Sc. 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time/P.Grad.Dip. / P.Grad.Cert.: 1 year part-time

Overview

Course Overview

This course is run in partnership with the National Forensic Mental Health Service and is designed to enhance the collaboration between disciplines working with individuals with mental health issues.

Is This Course For Me?

Students on this course will come from a variety of professions: nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, social work, An Garda Síochána, legal, psychology, probation and prison services.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate, you can expect that the specialist knowledge you acquire during this programme, combined with your existing knowledge and skills, will prepare you for leadership or enhanced roles across a variety of sectors. This includes advanced clinical practice, policy development, education, social work, criminal justice or research and further education.

Course Structure

Year One starts with a full week of studying in September and continues thereafter one to two days per week for the remainder of the academic year (depending on whether the course is being undertaken full time or part time).

Year Two consists of workshops throughout the academic year. A blended learning approach is utilised in the delivery of theoretical content which includes lectures, group discussions and self-directed learning. The assessment process is a combination of written and practical assignments.

Course Content

P.Grad.Cert. students take three specialist modules online: Deconstructing Theoretical Perspectives on Human Distress: Suicide: Suicidal Behaviour and Self-Harm: Promoting Equality: Citizenship and Social Inclusion for Users of the Mental Health Services.

Upon successful completion of the two P.Grad.Cert. modules, students may opt to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and take a further three modules: Advancing Therapeutic Engagement Skills: Theory and Practice of Enquiry Methods for Healthcare. Ethics and Law in Health and Social Care.

M.Sc. candidates take four modules in Year One: Deconstructing Theoretical Perspectives; Ethics and Law in Health and Social Care; Suicide, Suicidal Behaviour and Self-harm; and Promoting Equality, Citizenship and Social Inclusion for Users of the Mental Health Services. In Year Two, Masters students complete a dissertation. Students who are eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma may progress to undertake an M.Sc. within five years of first entering the programme.

Click here for further information on modules/subjects.

Postgraduate study in Mental Health at Trinity

A presentation about the postgraduate programmes in Mental Health at Trinity College Dublin, including Masters in Science/ Post-Graduate Dip/Cert in Mental Health (CAFMH & PSI).

Course Details

Awards

NFQ Level 9

Next Intake

September 2025

Course Coordinator

 Dr Peter Kelly

Closing Date

30th June 2025

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Admission Requirements

Candidates should hold an upper second-class (2.1) Honours undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or otherwise satisfy the selection panel they have the ability to complete and benefit from the programme.

Documentation required for application:

  • 1 academic and 1 professional reference from the employer or work practice area. Each reference should confirm the potential and suitability of the applicant to undertake the course.  
  • Copies of academic transcripts from completed educational courses (a record of modules undertaken and results obtained).
  • Copies of official awards (degree certificate) from completed educational courses.
  • Part-time students who will be working during the course must submit a declaration, signed by their line manager indicating that they will be facilitated in attending lectures.

Applicants are required to already be working in the mental health field.

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more at: https://www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/postgraduates/garda-vetting.php

English Language Requirements

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.

Course Fees

Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees

Register Your Interest

Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.

Register Your Interest

I was looking for a course that would take me out of psychology counselling / psychotherapy and show me what else was happening in the broader landscape of mental health. It has been great to learn about the lecturers’ research, in particular some very important areas in the work of suicide and suicide prevention.

Naoise Kelly

Director at the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy