University College Dublin

Overview

The Group Analytic Psychotherapy program at University College Dublin offers a professional Level 9 master’s training tailored for health and related professionals. This comprehensive course aims to enhance clinical competence in group work through a harmonious blend of theoretical knowledge, supervised practice, and hands-on experiential learning, all rooted in the Foulkesian tradition.

What you'll study

The program is structured to be completed over a part-time duration of approximately six years. It integrates academic study with personal therapy and supervised clinical practice, ensuring participants receive well-rounded training. Progress is supported through ongoing supervision, reflective work, and the development of a clinical paper.

Indicative curriculum areas include:

• Core clinical learning in group analytic psychotherapy
• Theoretical foundations of group analysis
• Therapeutic skills specific to group work, including techniques and therapeutic stance
• Theories related to states of mind
• Theory and application of Therapeutic GAP in group analytic settings
• Supervision, inquiry, and professional development processes
• Reflective practice and therapist identity
• Ethical considerations in professional practice
• Psychopathology relevant to clinical group work
• Social and systems theory, encompassing group, institutional, and organizational dynamics
• Advanced group analytic skills for clinical integration

Assessment and completion criteria:

• Continuous assessment through both academic and clinical components
• Successful completion requires the submission of a clinical paper as outlined by the program

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a qualification equivalent to Upper Second Class in their prior academic studies. This demonstrates a solid foundation for the advanced learning involved in the program.

Career prospects