Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling is a part-time programme that offers initial education and training in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for personal, education, and career guidance counselling. The programme is designed for anyone who wants to become a guidance counsellor or to help existing practitioners enhance their careers.

Careers & Further Options

The programme is designed to support participants wishing to engage in initial education and training as guidance counsellors and to enhance the in-career development of existing practitioners. Graduates are currently employed in various settings such as second level schools, adult guidance (including employment by ETBs), youth and community work, third level career services, employee welfare, industry, health sector, rehabilitation services, and private practice.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants are required to hold a Primary Honours (Level 8) degree, plus three years relevant work experience.
• Equivalent professional qualification with three years relevant experience.
• All applicants who are deemed to meet the minimum academic qualifications will be required to attend for interview.
• Applicants will not be considered for interview unless all aspects of the application process are fully completed.

Programme Structure

The overall aim of this programme is to provide students with a standard of excellence in the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary for practice in the field of personal, education, and career guidance and counselling.

• You will be educated and trained to develop a systematic and coherent framework for practice within your organisation.
• Through strong reflective practice, you are encouraged and supported to develop responsibility for personal and professional development, and learn how to identify and mobilise resources across a network of external agencies and the wider community.

Fees and Funding

• Part-time: EU Status Fee Part-time: Yr 1: €4,300 - Yr 2: €2,150
• Non-EU Fee Part-time: Yr 1: €8,800 - Yr 2: €4,400

How To Apply

• All applicants should apply through the DCU website.
• Please submit the following:
  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study at undergraduate level with English translation if applicable should be uploaded with your application.
  • All applicants must submit a passport size photo.
  • All applicants must submit a Supplementary Form (downloadable directly from the supplement items & documents section after submitted your application)
  • All applicants must also provide emails addresses for two referees which will be invited into the system to complete letters of reference (Academic & Professional, Please see application portal)
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?
  • DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.
• Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?
  • Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.
• What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?
  • Primary Teaching Pathways
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Education - DC002 | DC003 | DC004
    • Postgraduate: Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970
  • Post-Primary Teaching Pathways
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012
    • Postgraduate: Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905
  • Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways
    • Undergraduate: BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235

Have You Considered?

• DC971: Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education/Relationships and Sexuality Education
• DC879: Graduate Certificate in Autism Education
• DC983: Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education