MSc Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Course Director: Paul Moore

There are two clinical strands Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy both of which provide a pathway to years 3 and 4 of a four-year clinical training. There is also a third strand, intended for applicants who already possess a clinical qualification and wish to improve their theoretical and clinical understanding of psychoanalytical ideas and technique in the context of a recognised MSc Degree qualification.

- Adult strand -15 places
- Child and Adult strand - 15 places
- Third strand - 10 places
- Intake every 2 years
- Course duration 2 years

Up-to-date information about course fees can be found at the Academic Registry.

The next intake will commence in September 2025. Application will be accepted online from November 2024.

Course Description:

This is a two-year course in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, conducted as part of a four-year training programme in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The course provides students with a comprehensive account of psychoanalytic systems as they have developed from the work of Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, Wilfred Bion and Donald Winnicott. The course provides a comprehensive conceptual and critical understanding of the theoretical basis of psychoanalytic psychotherapy, as well as a thorough training in the application of psychoanalytic theory to psychoanalytic clinical practice. Please note that applicants are admitted to the programme as a part of an overall four-year training in either Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy or Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Due to this, an assessment interview process will form a part of the intake process onto the course. Our assessment is designed to work with you around whether this is the right course for you and if it is the right time to engage in it. (The above relates to Adult Strand and Child and Adolescent Strand applicants only).

Course Content

Modules Include

• Infant Observation
• Clinical Concepts
• Infant, Child, Adolescent & Adult Development
• Theoretical Frameworks I: Foundations Of Psychoanalysis
• Infant Observation II
• Theoretical Frameworks II: Developments In Psychoanalytic Theory
• Clinical Practice
• Dissertation

Information Event

We run information evenings for this course. We will post this information here.

Is This Course For Me?

The MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at Trinity College Dublin is designed for individuals who are interested in working within a psychoanalytic framework. This course is suitable for applicants who wish to pursue professional training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, whether they are focused on child and adolescent psychotherapy, adult psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

The course is particularly oriented towards those who are keen to explore the theoretical and clinical contributions of key figures in psychoanalysis, such as Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, Wilfred Bion, and Donald Winnicott. It combines academic and clinical components, emphasising self-awareness, personal therapy, and infant observation alongside theoretical learning.

While the course is designed to provide the first two years of a four-year professional training programme, it also accommodates those who may not wish to continue into the clinical training years. The course balances theoretical knowledge with clinical input and encourages a high level of exploration and discussion of ideas and clinical processes. Please note that years 3 & 4 do not currently take place in Trinity College and are delivered in a location organised by the respective training institute.

For queries relating to years 3 & 4 please contact Ms Noreen Bracken for Child and Adolescent strand queries, and Mr Declan Brady for Adult Strand queries, whose contact details can be found in the accompanying FAQ document linked to on this page.

If you are passionate about psychoanalytic psychotherapy and are prepared for the commitment involved, this course could be a great fit for you.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at Trinity College Dublin have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Many graduates go on, contingent upon successful completion of the M.Sc. and yearly joint appraisal with respective training institutes to complete the four-year professional training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This leads a career where graduates may go on to work as psychoanalytic psychotherapists in private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Additionally, graduates may find opportunities in academic and research settings, contributing to the field of psychoanalytic psychotherapy through teaching, supervision, and scholarly and research work. The skills and knowledge gained from this course are also valuable in related fields such as social work, counselling, teaching and psychology, where an understanding of psychoanalytic principles can enhance professional practice.

The course's emphasis on self-awareness, personal therapy, and clinical observation equips graduates with the ability to engage deeply with clients and understand complex psychological processes. This makes them well-suited for roles that require advanced therapeutic skills and a nuanced understanding of human behaviour.

Overall, the MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy opens up diverse and fulfilling career paths for those passionate about making a difference in the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Training Programmes in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (PDF 226kB)

Contact Us

For queries about Applications; Beth Whitney  

Course Director: Paul Moore