Course Details

Course Code(s):
PHCLPSTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
3 Years, Full-Time
Award:
Doctorate
Qualification:
NFQ Level 10 Major Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.
Application Deadline:

Contact(s):

Name: Prof. Patrick Ryan
Email: Patrick.Ryan@ul.ie
Name: Maria Rodriguez
Email: clinpsychadmin@ul.ie
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Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

There will be an virtual open information evening on the 5th of December starting at 18:00pm sharp. This will be hosted by the programme director. Please click here  to join. Meeting ID: 353 626 962 045 Passcode: zF2wP9me.

The Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programme is a full time three-year postgraduate professional course, leading to a Doctoral qualification in clinical psychology, designed to educate and provide training to graduate psychologists to be eligible for appointment as clinical psychologists in the health services.

There are four key strands around which programme delivery is organised: (1) Academic Competence; (2) Clinical Competence; (3) Research Competence; (4) Personal Development. Programme delivery is through active learning workshops based on adult learning principles including experiential learning, skills practice, and reflective practice.

For FAQ's for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology click here  

The programme is delivered in partnership between the University and Health Services Executive (HSE) and other health service organisations. Each student is offered a specified purpose contract of employment for 3 years as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist with the HSE or other health providers.

Most clinical placements will take place in the Limerick/Clare/Tipperary area. However, they may be located anywhere in the Republic of Ireland. Students must be available and able to travel to placements nationally.  Acceptance of a place on the programme will require a commitment to travel to various placement locations that are designated and assigned solely by the programme team.

As well as completing placements and study in Adult Mental Health, Lifespan Disability, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and Elective areas, students also receive support for Personal and Professional Development, and advanced training in clinical research leading to a research thesis at the end of Year 3.

Year 1Year 2Year 3
Child & Adolescent Clinical PsychologyAdult Clinical PsychologyLifespan Disability Theory
Research MethodsWorking with Older AdultsLifespan Disability Clinical Placement
Personal and Professional DevelopmentClinical NeuropsychologyDoctoral Research Dissertation
Child & Adolescent Clinical PlacementsPersonal and Professional DevelopmentSpecialist/Elective Placement
Qualitative and Quantitative Research ProjectsAdult Mental Health Clinical Placement 
Each year contains Academic Placement, Research and Specialist & Professional Development Modules

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.

The selection process of the Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programme is composed of two stages:

Stage 1:

Applicants must be eligible for graduate membership of PSI.

Applicants must, at the time of application, hold a primary honours degree with an award of 2H1 in Psychology or postgraduate diploma in Psychology. Whatever the primary qualification is must be recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland as conferring eligibility for graduate membership of PSI.

Applicants who have a 2.2 Degree in Psychology (National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) and a recognised postgraduate qualification in Psychology at Masters level or higher may be considered for interview

Applicants with a primary degree in psychology from outside Ireland or the UK must supply proof of recognition of their degree by the PSI at the time of their application.

The degree must be at least at upper second-class honours level.

Practical and/or research experience relevant to clinical psychology is also required. 

Stage 2:

As there are likely to be 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, uploaded required documents and experience. 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 interview assessment process.

A joint selection process between the University of Limerick and the University of Galway will operate and will be based on competitive short-listing and interview of applicants.

Whilst this will be a joint selection process, applicants must apply separately to each course for which they wish to be considered. 

Interviews will likely take place at the end of March 2025.

What to include with your application:

  • A copy of your birth certificate/passport. Marked: 2025 Application Birth Certificate/Passport
  • A passport sized photo. Marked:  2025 Application Passport Photo
  • 2 References - 1 Clinical (work related) Form and 1 Academic Reference Form - Please submit directly to clinpsychref@ul.ie no later than the closing date of 10th January 2025. 
  • Summary CV - maximum of 2 pages. Marked: 2025 Application Summary CV
  • 2025 Selection Work Experience Form 
  • Qualification transcripts and certificates. Marked: 2025 Application Qualifications
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice.
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Please note that we will only accept the 2025 Version for the 2 References Forms and the Work Experience Form.

Please upload the required documents marked as per instructions.

EU : €14,630 per annum*

Non EU: €37,600 per annum*

*Please note year 2 and year 3 fees are subject to change

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Clinical psychologists provide a variety of services including assessment, therapy, and consultancy 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.