Enter OTP
1 Years On Campus Masters Program
Dublin Business SchoolThe MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at Dublin Business School (DBS) is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s that provides advanced training in psychoanalytic theory, therapeutic practice and research relevant to contemporary psychotherapeutic work. It suits graduates (typically in psychology, social sciences, counselling, humanities or related disciplines) and practising clinicians who want to develop deep expertise in psychoanalytic concepts, clinical skills and reflective practice for careers in counselling, psychotherapy and mental health support.
Curriculum structure:
In this master’s year, students blend psychoanalytic theory with therapeutic application and research. They begin with Foundations of Psychoanalytic Thinking, exploring core concepts from Freud through contemporary psychoanalytic frameworks that underpin psychotherapeutic understanding of mind, development and unconscious processes. Through Clinical Issues in Psychoanalytic Practice, learners examine diagnostic and therapeutic processes, case formulation and the relational dynamics central to effective psychotherapeutic work. Research Methods in Psychotherapy equips students with rigorous qualitative and quantitative skills to critically evaluate psychotherapeutic outcomes and to design research in clinical settings. Modules such as Applied Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy develop clinical competencies, reflective practice and ethical awareness required for therapeutic engagement, and a Dissertation/Research Project enables students to integrate theoretical insight with applied or empirical research on a topic of relevance to psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Focus areas (in a string):
Psychoanalytic theory & foundations, clinical psychoanalytic practice, research methods in psychotherapy, applied psychoanalytic psychotherapy, reflective and ethical practice, independent dissertation.
Learning outcomes (in a string):
Analyse and apply psychoanalytic concepts to therapeutic contexts; design and conduct psychotherapy-related research; interpret clinical case data; integrate theory and practice in reflective clinical work; and complete an independent research dissertation.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 MA by Dublin Business School, this programme develops skills aligned with counselling and psychotherapy practice, reflective therapeutic work and research in mental health settings (note: entry to professional psychotherapy practice depends on additional supervised clinical training and professional body accreditation beyond the degree).
Reputation (employability rankings):
DBS is a well-established private third-level institution in Ireland with a broad portfolio of postgraduate programmes in psychology and counselling; while it does not feature in major global rankings, its MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is designed for applied professional and research-oriented development in the counselling and psychotherapy fields.
Students gain practical research skills by conducting their own empirical investigation, receiving advanced methodological training, and studying professional issues in applied contexts. The core of the experiential learning is an independent dissertation project, supported by dedicated training and access to university resources. This hands-on experience is delivered through several specific components:
Major Independent Research Project: Every student completes a dissertation based on an empirical investigation. This is the program's central practical exercise, requiring students to design, conduct, analyze, and report on original research in applied psychology.
Core Methodological Training: A compulsory Research Methodology and Statistics module provides the foundational technical skills needed to execute the empirical dissertation, covering essential research design and data analysis techniques.
Applied Optional Modules: Students choose from specialized applied modules like Theory of Psychotherapy, Applied Forensic Psychology, Counselling Skills, and Issues in Clinical Psychology. These modules translate theoretical knowledge into practice within specific fields.
Professional Skills Development: The compulsory Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology module addresses ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations for working as a professional psychologist.
Graduates of Dublin Business School's MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy develop clinical competence through extensive supervised placements in psychiatric, educational, and social care settings, establishing a strong foundation for mental health practice. Typical positions include psychoanalytic psychotherapist, mental health clinician, social care therapist, and private practitioner serving diverse client populations. These outcomes emphasize the integration of personal analysis with professional training for ethical, insightful therapeutic work.
Career Support Elements:
University Services: DBS Careers Service provides placement coordination, supervision guidance, CV development for clinical roles, and networking with mental health employers.
Employment Stats: High suitability for mental health positions; starting salaries €40,000-€50,000 in clinics/NGOs, with progression to independent practice.
University-Industry Partnerships: Supervised placements in psychiatric hospitals, schools, and community services ensure real-world experience with HSE-affiliated providers.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Meets 4-year postgraduate requirement for professional body membership; supports accredited psychoanalytic psychotherapy status.
Graduation Outcomes: Entry to mental health services, private practice development, or creative sector applications of psychoanalytic principles.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue advanced psychoanalytic training, PhD research in psychotherapy, or doctoral programs in clinical psychology, leveraging placement hours and personal analysis experience for specialist accreditation.
Hold a minimum second-class honour (2.2) in an undergraduate degree or relevant prior learning in the field. This may include engagement in one’s own psychoanalysis and/or engagement with psychoanalytic theory through attendance at psychoanalytic seminars, reading groups etcIELTS- 6.0 Overall 5.5 Individual Skills (academic version),India- A four-year Bachelor Degree or three-year honours Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. First-division results are normally required with a minimum overall grade of between 55-70%* depending on the programme applied for.USA- GPA of 3.00 or higher in a four-year degree programme in a relevant discipline at a recognised university.China- High grades in a four-year degree programme in a relevant discipline at a recognised competitive university. 70-79%Clinical ResearcherAcademic ResearcherCounsellorDevelopmental PsychologistEducational PsychologistForensic Psychology AssistantHealth PsychologistOrganisational Psychology ConsultantResearch AssistantPsychology Data AnalystPsychotherapy AssistantClinical Psychology Assistant (with further training)
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
 in Europe1779357712.webp)
