Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
454. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if postgraduate conversion courses exist to allow a person holding an undergraduate degree to acquire a qualification in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and psychology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56526/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraConversion courses are open to graduates who have not taken an accredited programme in the discipline.
The University of Limerick offers a 2-year professional qualification in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech and language therapy, however there are additional entry requirements to these programmes, including undertaking of the HPAT or GAMSAT. These programmes are recognised by CORU.
For psychology, these programmes typically last for one-year full time and bring the student to the same point in the pathway towards becoming a psychologist as those who studied an approved undergraduate psychology degree. There are currently five conversion courses for Psychology which are accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, they are listed below.
1. Dublin City University - MSc in Psychology (Conversion Course)
2. NUI Galway - HDip Psychology (Conversion Course)
3. NUI Maynooth - MSc Psychology (Conversion Course)
4. Trinity College Dublin - MSc. in Psychology (Conversion Course)
5. University of Limerick - MA in Psychology (Conversion Course)
