MSc in Guidance Counselling

Program Overview

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MSc in Guidance Counselling

Course Details

Course Code:

DC906

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

• Please see for further information

Delivery Mode:

Part-time

Duration:

2 years

Overview

Recognised by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, this two-year part-time course aims to give an understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for personal, education and career guidance counselling.

Through strong reflective practice, you’ll be 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. You’ll also complete 130 hours of supervised placement in your chosen area.

Unlock new career opportunities

Students will be selected on the basis of academic achievement and professional experience. You will need to demonstrate your understanding of the role of a guidance counsellor and willingness to commit to the demands of the programme at interview. The DES also requires employees to hold a primary degree with subjects recognised for teaching in secondary schools and a teaching qualification.

The course attracts students from various professional backgrounds, so you’ll benefit from diverse perspectives and group discussions. Graduates are currently employed in various roles in secondary schools, third level career services, adult guidance, youth and community work, employee welfare, rehabilitation services and private practices.

Why DCU

• DCU’s Institute of Education has the largest percentage of part time students
• Education at DCU ranks among the top 150 education courses globally
• DCU’s Institute of Education has the highest employability rate in DCU
• DCU’s Institute of Education has the largest percentage of Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students

Careers & Further Options

Careers

This 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.

Career Areas

• Second level schools
• Adult guidance (including employment by ETBs)
• Youth and community work
• Third level career services
• Employee welfare
• Industry
• Health sector
• Rehabilitation services
• Private practice

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

• Applicants are required to hold a Primary Honours (Level 8) degree, plus three years relevant work experience.
• OR 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.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

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.

Students are educated and trained to develop a systematic and coherent framework for practice within your organisation.

Through strong reflective practice, students 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.

Students on this programme come from a broad range of professional backgrounds which enhances the shared practice and experience of learners.

Our innovative and learner-centred approaches enable the guidance community to respond to the many challenges and opportunities now facing the profession.

It encourages personal development and professional practice competence through group supervision.

It develops transferable skills in the application of new technology to the field of guidance and counselling.

You can engage in supervised research in an area of guidance and counselling which is of personal and professional interest.

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Part-time: €4,800 per annum (EU), €9,900 per annum (Non-EU)

How To Apply

Make an Application

• To apply for this programme, please submit the following:
  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study at undergraduate level with English translation if applicable
  • A passport size photo
  • A Supplementary Form (downloadable directly from the supplement items & documents section after submitted your application)
  • Emails addresses for two referees which will be invited into the system to complete letters of reference (Academic & Professional)

Please ensure that you upload the required documentation. Failure to do so will render ineligibility for interview. DCU cannot accept responsibility for incomplete applications.

Life On Campus

Life on Campus

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

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.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

• Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
• The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
• Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
• Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

FAQs

Faculty 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
      • Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013
      • Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015
      • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203
      • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205
      • Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206
    • 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?

• DC902 MSc in Education and Training Management (eLearning)
• DC900 MSc in Education and Training Management (Leadership)
• DC908 Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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MSc in Guidance Counselling

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Overview:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling is a two-year part-time programme recognized by the Irish Department of Education and Skills (DES) and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) for professional practice as a guidance counsellor. This program offers initial education and training in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for practice in the interrelated areas of personal, educational, and career guidance counselling.

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Objectives:

• To prepare students to work as guidance counsellors in a variety of settings, including schools, community organizations, and businesses.
• To develop students' understanding of the theory and practice of guidance counselling.
• To provide students with the opportunity to develop their counselling skills through supervised practice.
• To enable students to reflect on their own practice and to develop a professional identity as a guidance counsellor.

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Description:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling is a rigorous and challenging program that requires students to be highly motivated and self-directed. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of guidance counselling. Students will learn about the different theories of career development, the principles of counselling, and the skills required for effective guidance counselling practice. They will also have the opportunity to develop their own counselling skills through supervised practice. The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified guidance counsellors who are committed to providing students with the highest quality education. The program is also delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment, which allows students to learn from each other and to develop a network of colleagues.

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Key Features:

• Recognized by the DES and the IGC
• Provides initial education and training for guidance counsellor practice
• Strong emphasis on reflective practice and personal growth
• Blend of theory and practice
• Supervised practice experience
• Professional supervision
• Diverse range of students from different backgrounds
## Outline:

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Program Content:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Theories of Career Development
• Principles of Counselling
• Guidance Counselling Skills
• Assessment and Evaluation in Guidance Counselling
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Guidance Counselling
• Working with Diverse Populations
• Career Information and Resources
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Research in Guidance Counselling

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Program Structure:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling is a two-year part-time program. Students will typically take two modules per semester. Each module is worth 10 credits. The program also includes a 30-credit research project, which is completed in the second year.

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Course Schedule:

The course schedule for the MSc in Guidance Counselling is available on the DCU website.

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Individual Modules:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling consists of the following modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Guidance Counselling
• Module 2: Theories of Career Development
• Module 3: Principles of Counselling
• Module 4: Guidance Counselling Skills
• Module 5: Assessment and Evaluation in Guidance Counselling
• Module 6: Ethical and Legal Issues in Guidance Counselling
• Module 7: Working with Diverse Populations
• Module 8: Career Information and Resources
• Module 9: Program Planning and Evaluation
• Module 10: Research in Guidance Counselling

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Module Descriptions:

• Module 1: Introduction to Guidance Counselling
This module provides an overview of the history, philosophy, and principles of guidance counselling. Students will also learn about the different roles and responsibilities of guidance counsellors in various settings.
• Module 2: Theories of Career Development
This module examines the major theories of career development. Students will learn about the different factors that influence career choice and how to help clients make informed career decisions.
• Module 3: Principles of Counselling
This module provides an introduction to the principles of counselling. Students will learn about the different counselling approaches and how to build a therapeutic relationship with clients.
• Module 4: Guidance Counselling Skills
This module focuses on developing the core skills required for effective guidance counselling practice. Students will learn how to conduct intake interviews, administer assessments, and provide career guidance.
• Module 5: Assessment and Evaluation in Guidance Counselling
This module examines the different assessment tools and techniques used in guidance counselling. Students will learn how to administer and interpret assessments and how to use assessment data to inform counselling practice.
• Module 6: Ethical and Legal Issues in Guidance Counselling
This module explores the ethical and legal issues that guidance counsellors must consider in their practice. Students will learn about their professional responsibilities and how to maintain confidentiality.
• Module 7: Working with Diverse Populations
This module examines the unique needs of diverse populations, such as students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students from different cultural backgrounds. Students will learn how to provide culturally sensitive guidance counselling services.
• Module 8: Career Information and Resources
This module provides students with an overview of the different career information and resources available to guidance counsellors. Students will learn how to use these resources to help clients make informed career decisions.
• Module 9: Program Planning and Evaluation
This module examines the principles of program planning and evaluation. Students will learn how to develop and evaluate guidance counselling programs.
• Module 10: Research in Guidance Counselling
This module introduces students to the principles of research in guidance counselling. Students will learn how to conduct research and how to use research findings to inform their practice. ## Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The assessment methods used in the MSc in Guidance Counselling vary depending on the module. However, the following assessment methods are typically used:

• Essays
• Examinations
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Reflective journals
• Research project

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Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria for the MSc in Guidance Counselling are based on the learning outcomes for each module. The assessment criteria typically include:

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Professionalism and ethical conduct
## Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The teaching methods used in the MSc in Guidance Counselling are varied and include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing
• Individual supervision

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Faculty:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling is taught by a team of experienced and qualified guidance counsellors. The faculty have a wealth of experience in both teaching and practice.

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Unique Approaches:

The MSc in Guidance Counselling has a number of unique approaches, including:

• Strong emphasis on reflective practice
• Blended learning approach
• Supervised practice experience
• Professional supervision
• Focus on personal and professional development
## Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the MSc in Guidance Counselling can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Guidance counsellor in schools
• Guidance counsellor in community organizations
• Guidance counsellor in businesses
• Career advisor
• Life coach

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Job Opportunities:

There is a strong demand for guidance counsellors in Ireland. Graduates of the MSc in Guidance Counselling are well-prepared for a career in this field.

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Learning Outcomes:

Graduates of the MSc in Guidance Counselling will be able to:

• Understand the history, philosophy, and principles of guidance counselling
• Apply the theories of career development to practice
• Use the principles of counselling to build a therapeutic relationship with clients
• Conduct intake interviews, administer assessments, and provide career guidance
• Use assessment data to inform counselling practice
• Work with diverse populations in a culturally sensitive way
• Access and use career information and resources
• Plan and evaluate guidance counselling programs
• Conduct research and use research findings to inform practice
• Engage in reflective practice and professional development
## Other:

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Additional Information:

• The MSc in Guidance Counselling is a recognized qualification by the DES and the IGC.
• The program is delivered in a part-time format, which is ideal for working professionals.
• The program has a strong emphasis on reflective practice and personal growth.
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified guidance counsellors.
• The program is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be effective guidance counsellors.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Part time EU Status Fee Part-time €4,700 per annum Non EU Fee Part time €9,800 per annum