Master of Arts in Play Therapy

Faculty of Business and Humanities
Award Class
Awards
MA
Programme Code CR_HPLTH_9 Mode of Delivery Part Time No. of Semesters 6
NFQ Level 9 Embedded Award No Programme Credits 90
Next Review Date
Review Type Date
Programmatic Review 01/09/2021
Department APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES
Field of Study 3110 - Psychology
 

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme the graduate will be able to demonstrate... :

# PO Domains Programme Learning Outcome
PO1 Knowledge - Breadth Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the history and development of Play Therapy which will enable them to understand the role it plays in psychological theory. Critically evaluate a wide variety of Play Therapy models which have an in-depth insight into a range of appropriate approaches that are used in Play Therapy research. Develop research proposals arising from their practice as a Play Therapist and communicate these in an academic way through a research dissertation.
PO2 Knowledge - Kind Demonstrate the competence and the in-depth knowledge required to integrate theory with practice through group and individual Play Therapy interventions. Demonstrate a broad and thorough understanding of children's individual clinical needs, including knowledge relating to children’s mental health, disability, emotional trauma and abuse. Document their work accurately and use the collected data for both clinical and research purposes. Develop their creative skills to use in therapeutic practice.
PO3 Skill - Range Critically apply and uphold the principles and practice of clinical governance. Demonstrate an ability to work therapeutically with children in a safe, ethical and professional manner.
PO4 Skill - Selectivity Assess therapeutic needs and maintain safe boundaries appropriate to Play Therapy practice. Work with a wide range of clinical issues and plan and deliver effective Play Therapy interventions to groups and individuals.
PO5 Competence - Context Reflect on the importance of personal process in the therapeutic relationship. Ascertain and evaluate issues relating to transference and countertransference that surface. Objectively analyse own creative process through self-reflection, personal understanding, engaging in the therapeutic process, developing empathy and identifying personal weaknesses and vulnerability.
PO6 Competence - Role Undertake a substantial professional lead and conduct Play Therapy interventions within a variety of clinical and institutional settings and client groups. Integrate the different dimensions of Play Therapy - theoretical, clinical, research, personal process and reflective practice necessary to become an effective and safe practitioner.
PO7 Competence - Learning to Learn Understand the impact of ethical and professional considerations that arise in Play Therapy practice. Have an appreciation of the need of continuing professional development (CPD) as well as the ability to reflect on the importance of clinical supervision in clinical safe practice.
PO8 Competence - Insight Contribute to the advancement and profile of the profession through original academic research and practice in compliance with the relevant code of ethics.
 

Semester Schedules

Year 1 / Semester 1

Mandatory 
Code Title Module Coordinator Version Credits
PSYC9020 Child Development:Theory &Obs. Mary Galvin 1 10
PLAC9021 Play Therapy Practice Mary Galvin 2 10

Year 1 / Semester 2

Mandatory 
Code Title Module Coordinator Version Credits
PSYC9009 Play Therapy Theory Mary Galvin 2 5
PSYC9021 Play and Creative Expression Mary Galvin 2 5
 

Year 2 / Semester 1

Mandatory 
Code Title Module Coordinator Version Credits
PLAC9022 Advanced PlayTherapy Practice Mary Galvin 2 10
PSYC9022 Family Contexts in PlayTherapy Mary Galvin 2 5
PSYC8011 Interpersonal Neurobiology Mary Galvin 2 5

Year 2 / Semester 2

Mandatory 
Code Title Module Coordinator Version Credits
PSYC9013 Play Therapy Processes Mary Galvin 2 5
PSYC9014 Sand and Art in Play Therapy Mary Galvin 3 5
 

Year 3 / Semester 1

Mandatory 
Code Title Module Coordinator Version Credits
EDUC9031 Play Therapy Research Methods Mary Galvin 2 10

Year 3 / Semester 2

Mandatory 
Code Title Module Coordinator Version Credits
PSYC9023 Play Therapy Research Thesis Mary Galvin 1 20