MSc in Guidance Counselling

Program Overview

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The MSc in Guidance Counselling is a two-year part-time program 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. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of guidance counselling and is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Program Outline

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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