H Dip Psychotherapy Studies

harlot

Hi there,

Apologies if this is the wrong forum. Does anyone have any info on this course in UCD? I'm hoping to apply for it this year but had never heard of it before so was looking for more details.

The entry requirements on their site are a bit vague. Has anyone on here done it or know someone who has?

Any info appreciated

Thanks

hotspur

I've never seen that before either. It looks like a superior foundation course in psychotherapy than exists elsewhere. I have had course coordinator Barry O'Donnell as a lecturer in psychoanalysis before and he's very good.

Entry requirements don't look too vague and seems like it's quite accessible as any foundation course to inform you on modalities should be. €4,700 is a bit steep for an introduction though.

harlot

vague may have been the wrong word. I just wondered if anyone here may have done it so I might ask their previous experience.

Yes, it is most definitely expensive for a foundation course, even if it's through a university. I would imagine (or hope at least) it paves the way to getting into the Masters there in Psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I could be wrong.

Hotspur I appreciate the info. It's good to hear recommendations regarding the teaching staff.

Odysseus

I haven't done it, but was thinking of doing it this year, just to be doing something. I know Barry very well, and he advised me against it.

If you have no background in psychotherapy it would be a good course, its held in St Vincents Hosp. It would be a good foundation for the MSc there. E-mail Barry he will have no problems in meeting with you to discuss it.

It would be quite psychoanalytic and I would know most of those people and they are excellent in their area, though other modalities are covered. I may be able to answer some more questions on it if you have any, as I had a serious look at its content and stuff.

I decided against as I was just looking for some to get me back in to the college side of things and it looks like I'm going to do something else.

Hope that helps.

Edit:
Just to clarify I was considering it because of the sructure I have already covered nearly everthing in the course at a higher level, the reason I was considering it was to use the structure of the course and make the most of the thesis element; in terms of not just doing a thesis but making it one that would of a standard that could be published. Barry and some of the other people involved in it seen my point, but where concerned that I would find boring after a few weeks. My BA and MA are already in psychoanalysis and I have studied the other modalities as well. I think that says something about the teaching staff there, in that its not just about fees.

I just have a bit of a void in my CV around university level study and feel I need to be addressing that, and all of the above also includes ongoing CPD.

harlot

Odysseus you've been a great help. What is drawing me to this course over other ones I have looked at is the psychoanalytic content. As I don't have a background in Psychotherapy it seems like it might be the right course for me.

Thanks for the input.

Odysseus

harlot wrote: »

Odysseus you've been a great help. What is drawing me to this course over other ones I have looked at is the psychoanalytic content. As I don't have a background in Psychotherapy it seems like it might be the right course for me.

Thanks for the input.

Then I would say that is the way to go, or the psychoanalytic courses at DSB, the teaching staff are basically the same. The MA in psychotherapy in The Independent College is psychoanalytic too.

harlot

I wonder, as it's just a foundation course I really need to do at this time, would I be better doing a broader (cheaper) course.

what are our thoughts on this http://www.iicp.ie/index_files/Page380.htm
instead of the UCD HDip.

Sorry again for abusing your knowledge. Hopefully in a few years I can be here fielding the questions...

actingthegoat

Hiya,
Im also thinking of applying to this course, as a route into the MSc in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in UCD. Having said that I'm not sure if I'd be eligible to apply directly for the MSc. My degree included psychology and I've been working as an SNA in a school for kids with ID for the past 4 years. I've worked closely with the behaviour therapist and feel that this is really the area I want to pursue, BUT I don't have any experience of psychotherapy Any feedback/help greatly appreciated!

hotspur

harlot wrote: »

I wonder, as it's just a foundation course I really need to do at this time, would I be better doing a broader (cheaper) course.

what are our thoughts on this http://www.iicp.ie/index_files/Page380.htm
instead of the UCD HDip.

Sorry again for abusing your knowledge. Hopefully in a few years I can be here fielding the questions...

That's a pretty decent course (did their foundation myself) but has a large reality therapy component. There are lots and lots of foundation courses in counselling out there if you look. Check out DCU's foundation course too if still you fancy universitya based course:
http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=CCOU&mode=full&originating_school=

harlot

I had looked into that in my intial research. I just see on their site there will be no intake for 2010/2011. That's very frustrating! Well, I guess it does help narrow things down anyway...

For the sake of cost I think the UCD one is looking less attractive but I wonder would it just be worth the extra couple of grand to better prepare me for a masters.

handtight

Just came across this topic. I'm a student on the H Dip Psychotherapy at UCD. Have to say it's a very good programme and I found it something of a challenge not being familiar with the area. It covers the essentials of Freudian theory plus Lacan, English object relations. Much content relating to applications incl art,drama, CBT. Attendance is only 5 hrs per week which is doable. First term we submitted two essays, 2500 words each. Also some research seminars that are assessed. No exam but a mini thesis to be submitted 6,000 words. Academically would rate the programme highly. provides essential entry requirement to UCD MSc's as described in other postings. If you need any further info let me know.

sogg

Was actually just looking into the same course, thought I had made up my mind but then realised that it's on Tuesday afternoons....I work full time and I'd say the changes of me sweet-talking my manager around are slim to none! Actingthegoat - I'd be in a similar position to you, I've a health-science background, am currently working in Intellectual Disability and hoping to move eventually into Mental Health. Am not looking to work as a counsellor as such, but just was looking for something to inform my own practise and also look good on the CV!

Was also looking at the course in Independent Colleges but was worried it looked a bit vague (no mention of how it was assessed etc, or even of guest lecturers and that).....anyone know much about it?? It is much cheaper but 800 quid is still 800 quid so wouldn't want to be doing it unless I felt it was gonna stand to me, and also unless I felt it was a course that was respected by the people who could potentially be hiring me at some stage in the future!!

Any advice much appreciated!

Odysseus

sogg wrote: »

Was actually just looking into the same course, thought I had made up my mind but then realised that it's on Tuesday afternoons....I work full time and I'd say the changes of me sweet-talking my manager around are slim to none! Actingthegoat - I'd be in a similar position to you, I've a health-science background, am currently working in Intellectual Disability and hoping to move eventually into Mental Health. Am not looking to work as a counsellor as such, but just was looking for something to inform my own practise and also look good on the CV!

Was also looking at the course in Independent Colleges but was worried it looked a bit vague (no mention of how it was assessed etc, or even of guest lecturers and that).....anyone know much about it?? It is much cheaper but 800 quid is still 800 quid so wouldn't want to be doing it unless I felt it was gonna stand to me, and also unless I felt it was a course that was respected by the people who could potentially be hiring me at some stage in the future!!

Any advice much appreciated!

I do some teaching on there, what course are you thinking of there? At e800 you are looking at something that is not meant tio facilitate you in working in that area in a clinical sense. Those Dipomla courses are only a first step for some interesed in an area and thinking of further study.

I run the Addiction Studies one, out of 12 lectures I will only do six. I could teach the lot, however, I get other people in who specialise in a particular area to cover that area, as they know much more about the area than I do. For example, MI is the foundation of a lot of those courses, I'm trained in it, have studied it, but I get a person who is a well recognised person in that area to do. That's the idea behind the guest lectures, well on my course. The students get a better learning experience than when one lecturer speards himself too thinly. That's how I run my course in anyway, I teach a small bit on the MA as well.

So I know a bit out the college, any questions fire away, if I can answer them for you I will.

Edit: that is unless you are talking about the H Dip, whilst I know little about that, it costs a lot more than e800.

sogg

Odysseus wrote: »

I do some teaching on there, what course are you thinking of there? At e800 you are looking at something that is not meant tio facilitate you in working in that area in a clinical sense. Those Dipomla courses are only a first step for some interesed in an area and thinking of further study.

I run the Addiction Studies one, out of 12 lectures I will only do six. I could teach the lot, however, I get other people in who specialise in a particular area to cover that area, as they know much more about the area than I do. For example, MI is the foundation of a lot of those courses, I'm trained in it, have studied it, but I get a person who is a well recognised person in that area to do. That's the idea behind the guest lectures, well on my course. The students get a better learning experience than when one lecturer speards himself too thinly. That's how I run my course in anyway, I teach a small bit on the MA as well.

So I know a bit out the college, any questions fire away, if I can answer them for you I will.

Edit: that is unless you are talking about the H Dip, whilst I know little about that, it costs a lot more than e800.

Thanks! I was considering the Diploma as it's only a year long - just not ready to make the commitment to stay around Dublin too long! A foundation course in itself wouldn't be the worst idea - as I mentioned earlier I'm already working in Healthcare so it's more to upskill than to change careers! The access course in DCU would have been ideal either but no intake this year unfortunately!

Am glad to hear you make use of guest lecturers/ speakers during your course. That would have been one of my biggest concerns as I think in this kind of area it's important to get lots of different perspectives! Would you know much about how the course is assessed??

Still kind of have my heart set on the UCD course to be honest...my manager is back off annual leave this week so will have a chat then! Fingers crossed!!

Odysseus

sogg wrote: »

Thanks! I was considering the Diploma as it's only a year long - just not ready to make the commitment to stay around Dublin too long! A foundation course in itself wouldn't be the worst idea - as I mentioned earlier I'm already working in Healthcare so it's more to upskill than to change careers! The access course in DCU would have been ideal either but no intake this year unfortunately!

Am glad to hear you make use of guest lecturers/ speakers during your course. That would have been one of my biggest concerns as I think in this kind of area it's important to get lots of different perspectives! Would you know much about how the course is assessed??

Still kind of have my heart set on the UCD course to be honest...my manager is back off annual leave this week so will have a chat then! Fingers crossed!!

I know the people who teach on each of those, so in my opinion they are both good courses. The UCD carries a tad more clout of course. Once you like Freud and Lacan you will enjoy and learn from either. Best of luck with whatever route you decide on.

Odysseus

Sorry forgot to address your question. Both are as far as I know continous assessment and exam.

sambuka41

sogg wrote: »

Still kind of have my heart set on the UCD course to be honest...my manager is back off annual leave this week so will have a chat then! Fingers crossed!!

If its the one i was looking at the closing date on this course was 31st March,sorry.

sogg

sambuka41 wrote: »

If its the one i was looking at the closing date on this course was 31st March,sorry.

Still "subject to availability" apparently....maybe they didn't get the full quota?? If not then I guess that makes my decision a bit easier anyway!!

sambuka41

So I got an interview for this course on May 11th. Any ideas on how this will go, as I haven't got a clue what to expect???

What type of questions will they ask??

mollymascara

harlot wrote: »

I wonder, as it's just a foundation course I really need to do at this time, would I be better doing a broader (cheaper) course.

what are our thoughts on this http://www.iicp.ie/index_files/Page380.htm
instead of the UCD HDip.

Sorry again for abusing your knowledge. Hopefully in a few years I can be here fielding the questions...

Ive known a few people that have done this course and loved it. Also one of the contacts listed - I did a course with a few years back and found her very good indeed. IMO its a good un

Phoenixx

Hey Guys,

I have just been offered a place on the Psychotherapy course, I have just finished a degree in psychology and am looking for some feedback from current or previous students(the course in general ), did this lead to the masters in psychotherapy etc, also with regards the fee of 4,700, as it is a part time is there no grant at all to cover this? Also as I am 24 is there any funding? Thanks for your help

sambuka41

Phoenixx wrote: »

Hey Guys,

I have just been offered a place on the Psychotherapy course, I have just finished a degree in psychology and am looking for some feedback from current or previous students(the course in general ), did this lead to the masters in psychotherapy etc, also with regards the fee of 4,700, as it is a part time is there no grant at all to cover this? Also as I am 24 is there any funding? Thanks for your help

It depends on what masters you are thinking on doing? It is good if you plan on doing psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Where did you do the psychology degree?

But all masters will have their own entry requirements, some require you to have a clinical group available to you already, like the Child and Adolescent CBT one. I would recommend that you look at the entry requirements of each masters, you may be able to go directly to the masters itself.

There is no grant that I am aware of for part time courses. You can claim some of this back as tax relief. I don't think there is any funding for this course.

handtight

Phoenixx wrote: »

Hey Guys,

I have just been offered a place on the Psychotherapy course, I have just finished a degree in psychology and am looking for some feedback from current or previous students(the course in general ), did this lead to the masters in psychotherapy etc, also with regards the fee of 4,700, as it is a part time is there no grant at all to cover this? Also as I am 24 is there any funding? Thanks for your help

Assume you're referring to the UCD H Dip which I did two years ago. The course is both stimulating and challenging. My main criticism is lack of feedback from course Directors for essays and projects.

The position with moving onto a Masters at UCD is ambivalent, some on the course did well in terms of academic requirements but were turned down due to lack of clinical experience. It's easier for those involved in 'caring' professions. Unlike TCD at UCD there is no support in terms of lining up clients in course of clinical training. Also both TCD and DBS include infant observation which in mho is indispensable.

Phoenixx

Thanks for your response , when you say challenging do you mean there is a good bit of work involved or just in general. My degree in psychology had so much work involved in each module. Is it possible to get work experience also do they encourage it? Would it be possible to also work the other four days off or is there too much work involved in the course. I would like to be a clinical psychologist so this course is really a stepping stone .(sorry about all the questions ):)

handtight

Phoenixx wrote: »

Thanks for your response , when you say challenging do you mean there is a good bit of work involved or just in general. My degree in psychology had so much work involved in each module. Is it possible to get work experience also do they encourage it? Would it be possible to also work the other four days off or is there too much work involved in the course. I would like to be a clinical psychologist so this course is really a stepping stone .(sorry about all the questions ):)

I was back to education (after 30 yrs!) so writing longish essays was a challenge but then again there were only 2 which was at end of term 1. We also had oral assessment seminars based on an unseen vignette which required concentration and could betray lack of knowledge as you're expected to contribute to the discussion. Given your recent academic background I doubt if the course would present you with major problems. The material is fairly straightforward...except for a punter called Lacan.

Working through the course shouldn't be a problem - this was my situation.

UCD don't do anything to support work experience.

the course is a good stepping stone to clinical psychotherapy which was my objective. I ended up being accepted at TCD but couldn't take up the offer mainly for financial reasons. In my view the Masters in DBS and TCD rank higher than UCD but others would take a different view. DBS is a great course but it's a full time commitment.

Feel free to call me on via PM system!!

Regards

Phoenixx

Hey

Thanks for your reply very helpful, yeah I would like to do a masters after also but Im not sure about the finance also, so expensive! is there any grants for the part time h.dip? will prob work also seems doable!

handtight

Can't help on the grants I'm afraid, the course administrator may be able to help

Phoenixx

Thanks, well i'll be taken the course anyway it sounds like exactly what I want, is there a large class and are the lecturers helpful, Barry O'Donnell seems like a lovely man I had him for my interview,

handtight

Class size was 20 when I did the course but may be smaller now as health employers not sponsoring numbers to undertake studies as before. Quality of lecturers generally high and very wide range of topics covered. I found Barry O'Donnell very helpful and an all round good guy.

I forgot to mention before that there's a minor thesis to be handed in at year end which many found to be a challenge.

FMTAILOR

Hi all, I also had my interview for the Hdip in UCD on the 6th- I was the really nervous looking redhead! I accepted the offer since and I'm really looking forward to the course but I haven't any work experience in the area and would love any info as to where to seek work or gain experience as I'm totally new to all this. Where is the best place to start?

My entire work background is in retail and my undergrad and MA in arts management. I'm currently doing the foundation course in the iicp, its an excellent introduction but it only covers reality theory and person centred and while I enjoy learning about these I decided to do a university based foundation course as I thought this would give me a better all round understanding of all the psychotherapies so I’ll know better what direction to go in, but reading these posts it sounds like its slanted towards psychoanalytic. Iv already paid my e5oo deposit :eek:

CBT appeals to me but the masters in UCD focus on children and I’m wondering if there are other masters in this area that are broader, What about the one in TCD? Any help at all would be great:)

JuliusCaesar

There are a number of CBT courses which will help towards accreditation with IABCP/BABCP or NACBT. Link to TCD course. There's also Queen's Belfast, and a few others - your best bet for CBT courses is to look at the BABCP website.

FMTAILOR

Thats really helpful thanks!