Play Therapy

Overview

The MA in Play Therapy runs on a 2-year cycle. The next round of applications will be in 2024. Applications open in February 2024 and interviews will be held in May 2024. The Course will begin in September 2024.

This programme is a postgraduate clinical training in Play Therapy. It aims to equip practitioners with the advanced knowledge and clinical capability that would match international standards of best practice within the Play Therapy profession. The key areas are personal therapy and personal development.

Online Information Session

Information session for applicants interested in or who have already applied for the MA in Play Therapy programme will take place on Wednesday 28th February at 7pm.

Microsoft Teams Meeting Link

• Meeting ID: 361 051 209 880 
• Download Microsoft Teams

Course Delivery

3 years

The course lectures are delivered on a part time basis on Saturdays. However, 1 day a week is also required for placement (this must be during Social Work Office hours to facilitate child protection reporting). Students also have to consider time involved in Personal Therapy and academic study for course assignments. Students will be required to  attend two block weekends – one in November and one in January.

Years 1 and 2 (60 credits) will include clinical training in Play Therapy. Students will study modules which will be experiential and theoretical. They will undertake placements in both years and will require external supervision from MTU approved supervisors. This supervision is not included in course fees and is outside class times.

On successful completion of the taught elements, students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, unless they proceed to Year 3.

Year 3 (30 credits) The MA in Play Therapy is awarded to candidates who successfully complete a module in research skills and a research dissertation.

Award

Master of Arts in Play Therapy (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a Level 8 Honours degree (H2.2) or higher, in one of the following areas: Counselling/ Psychotherapy, Early Years Education, Occupational Therapy, Primary Education, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Care, Social Work, Special Needs Education or a cognate discipline.

Applicants must be 25 years of age or older on 1st January of year of application; and have at least two years post qualifying experience of working with children. Applicants will be required to submit two references with their online application process. Applicants will be shortlisted to attend for interview based on their online applications.

National Vetting Bureau: MTU uses the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) to help assess the suitability of all applicants on this programme. It is important to note that participation in or completion of this programme may be affected by subsequent disclosure/discovery.

What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Fees

€6,900 (€2,300 per annum) Additional costing is outlined below. 

Year one – €4,500

• €2000 Clinical Supervision
• €1,000 setting up playroom materials
• €1,500 personal therapy (approx.)

Year two – €4,000

• €2,500 Clinical Supervision
• €1,500 personal therapy (approx.)

Please note that applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €500 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee. 

Note: You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button; you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you, and you wish to accept it.