MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy

The Master of Arts in Gestalt Psychotherapy is a level 9 award validated by the South East Technical University (SETU), formerly known as IT Carlow.

The programme has an innovative design based on a spiral curriculum and consists of four modules. In the first 4 years of training (i.e. modules 1-3) all students train together as one residential community.  Equal weight is given to skills, theory and personal development and an integrated approach to their delivery is facilitated by the experiential structure of the programme.

Programme Structure

Module 1 – 3 

Modules, 1-3 comprise the first 4 years of training.  During these modules, students meet for residential blocks and the dates for these are provided below.  Students are expected to attend all residential workshops and also;

• meet for regional study days between workshops
• attend personal therapy for the duration of the programme
• be in a clinical placement in years 3 & 4
• attend individual and group supervision during their placement

At the end of year 2, students are assessed for readiness to begin a clinical placement.  During this placement, they are required to complete a minimum 200 hours client work and receive regular clinical supervision from an accredited, Gestalt Institute approved supervisor.

Modules 1-3 are accredited by IAHIP and IACP and on successful completion, all students will be eligible to begin their accreditation process with one of these bodies.

Students who complete modules 1-3 will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy (Level 9, 60 credits).

Module 4

The taught element of the module runs over one year and we would expect students to submit their final dissertations six months after teaching is completed. The focus of this year is on practitioner-research with a particular focus on embodied practice and collaborative approaches to research. Successful completion of modules 1-4 will result in the award of Master of Arts in Gestalt Psychotherapy (Level 9, 90 credits).

It is expected that dissertation candidates will have completed modules 1-3 of the GII programme.

Applicants who have not completed the GII Programme can apply to join Module 4 via an APEL route. In order to do so they must:

• be in a current clinical practice,
• be accredited psychotherapists,
• possess a level 8 honours qualification,
• have studied Gestalt Therapy as part of their initial qualification or subsequent CPD,
• be interested in integrating contemporary Gestalt Therapy into their clinical practice,
• be interested in practitioner-based research that is undertaken collaboratively.
• successfully complete the GII bridging programme – see Bridging Programme Information
• supply a minimum of two supportive references.

The Gestalt Institute programme provides a warm, nourishing community that facilitates learning within a group environment.  Students are encouraged to be active participants in their own learning and involved members of a learning community.  On graduation from the programme, further training and support is available including a post practicum group, CPD workshops, training in group facilitation and supervision and advanced workshops led by international experts.

Life after training

Once you have completed Modules 1-3 you will be eligible to apply for accreditation as a psychotherapist.  For details on how to gain and maintain accreditation please refer to the relevant professional organisation website.

There is a thriving post-training group which meets regularly and provides many opportunities for networking.  Its members are generous with their support for therapists embarking on their careers.

Post-practicum reflection groups and CPD opportunities with international trainers ensure that graduates are well supported after they finish their training.

Our Graduates

Since 1983, the training has consistently produced therapists of quality not just qualified therapists.  It has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally and its graduates work in a wide range of settings including universities, colleges, the HSE, voluntary organisations and private practice.  See Graduate Testimonials.

Admission

Entry to the training programme is at graduate level 8 or equivalent.  Selection is made on the basis of personal development as well as prior experience and academic aptitude.  In line with research evidence, we believe that the person of the therapist and the strength of the relationship they make are the most important factors in predicting good therapeutic outcome.  More information on Admission Criteria

Venue

Gestalt Institute programmes are delivered at Teach Bhríde, a Holistic Education Centre in Tullow, Co. Carlow.  Accommodation is in single rooms some of which are en-suite.  The venue has been highly commended by students, external examiners and SETU as particularly well suited to the delivery of psychotherapy training.  Accommodation fees are payable directly to the venue and are not included in programme fees.  Food is of a high standard and all meals and snacks are included at a fee of €82/90 per day.

Faculty

Faculty members are highly experienced therapists whose experience is both complementary and diverse.  It includes supervision, group dynamics, play therapy, bodywork, teaching at Masters level and research.  Faculty members are active in professional associations and some have served on their governing bodies.

Cumulatively the team has more than 150 years of clinical and teaching experience.  Details of staff, their interests and qualifications can be found on the Training Staff page.

Costs

Modules 1-3

Fees are €4,850 per year, plus accommodation at Teach Bhríde.  You will be registered as an SETU student and will receive a student card giving you access to all SETU facilities.  You may be able to claim tax relief on your fees which are payable by bank transfer.

In addition to programme fees:

• Students are required to attend personal therapy, at their own expense, for the duration of modules 1-3.
• Students on clinical placement are required to attend supervision, at their own expense, in a ratio of 1 supervision to every 4 client sessions.
• All students must be members of a professional association and subject to that body’s Code of Ethics.

Module 4-Dissertation

Fees are €6,950.00, plus accommodation at Teach Bhríde. Individual academic supervision is provided online and students are expected to submit their final dissertations six months after teaching is completed. Students requiring a longer time to complete incur additional fees

If you wish to apply please email admin@gestaltinstitute.ie for an application form.

Applications are being accepted and processed for MA 2025-2026.

PGDIP Dates for 2025 – 2026

October 8-12, 2025

January 7 -11, 2026

April 8 -12, 2026

June 5 – 14, 2026

Waiting List for the 2026 -2027 MA is open.

Programme Dates 2026-2027