Structured PhD (Health Psychology Practice)

University of Galway

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology Practice is a four-year (full-time) postgraduate research and professional training qualification. It is also available part-time (six years' duration). The PhD has been developed in line with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) ratified guidelines for postgraduate programmes for Health Psychology Practitioners. The PhD provides ‘Stage 2’ training in Health Psychology Practice, building on ‘Stage 1’ academic training in health psychology provided through Masters programmes in Health Psychology. This is a new and exciting Programme, the first of its type in the Republic of Ireland. Trainees, through supervised practice in applied settings, develop core health psychology practice skills to work as Health Psychology Practitioners. Health Psychologists are employed in a number of settings, including hospitals, academic health research units, health services, primary care, government departments and university departments. The programme combines a PhD thesis with training and supervised practice to develop five core Health Psychology competencies:Generic Professional Competence, Health Psychology Interventions Competence, Consultancy CompetenceTeaching and Training Competence, Research Competence The PhD allows students to gain eligibility for Registered Membership of the PSI as a Registered Psychologist and become a full member of the PSI Division of Health Psychology.

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies