MSc Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapeutic Skills

Each module is 30 hours in duration.  Modules are assessed by written and practical assignments.  

Postgraduate Certificate - Year 1 Modules: 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy / Therapeutic Play Skills
• Family Therapy and Working with Parents
• Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills
• Creative Therapies – Sand play and Therapeutic Storytelling

Postgraduate Diploma - Year 2 Modules: 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

• Theories – Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy & Counselling
• The Effects of Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder on the Child and Adolescent
• Child Development and Mental Health
• Creative Therapies – Art, Clay, Music, Drama, Puppets

MSc Component: 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

• Case Study and Dissertation

Additional Course Requirements:

• 100 hours of clinical placement/client work (25 hours must be completed before the end of Year 1)
• Students are required to attend an external supervisor for a minimum of  20 hours of one-to-one supervision
• 25 hours of Personal Therapy is a requirement for all students

LEADING TO THE AWARD OF MSC CHILD & ADOLESCENT COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC SKILLS

Assessment: Written and practical assignments

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? 

The training consists of two broad strands. Firstly, the presentation of counselling theories relevant to young people, and secondly, a mastery of a strong practical experiential component. The course includes training in play therapy and creative methods such as sand therapy and art therapy. Appropriate talk therapy methods are also learned, with particular relevance to adolescence. Child development, both typical and atypical is addressed and the final component is a case study and dissertation. The dissertation is supported throughout by individual supervisors. Clinical work with young people is also supervised and supported by personal therapy. 

Programme Leader - Denise O'Boyle

Denise has lectured on both the MSc Child & Adolescence Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills and the MSc Family Therapeutic Skills. Denise has been lecturing in Mental Health and Autism Studies with University College Cork since March 2016. Denise also lectures through the Adult Continuing Education program whose purpose is to provide opportunities in lifelong learning for all adults irrespective of age and previous educational achievements. Denise lectures both online and in UCC’s Letterkenny programme for the Higher Diploma in Autism Studies.
 
Denise’s goal as a therapist is to create a warm, supportive and collaborative environment in which her clients can recognise and build upon personal strengths, cultivate resilience, and create more satisfaction and success in their lives. Denise’s training and expertise with a variety of treatment modalities allows her to work in a comprehensive way with adults, couples’ children and families. Denise’s goal is to provide a therapeutic environment that is both warm and respectful where the client will feel comfortable but also challenged to explore themselves and current life issues.
Denise’s training and expertise, with a variety of treatment modalities, allows her to work in a comprehensive way with adults, couples, children and families.
 
Denise’s hold Irish and European registration, to work with children, adults, couples and families.
 
Denise is a founding member of the Irish Association of Play therapy and Psychotherapy, where she served as Chairperson for two years. Denise also was a member of the executive and Accreditation committee for many years.
Denise was a founder of the Social Care special Interest group in CAMHS, following her work on the National framework Document for CAMHS.
 
Having worked as a therapist with CAMHS for over 23 years, Denise now works mainly in private practice where her clients include Tusla, H.S.E, Family Resource Centres, and in a local Community Secondary School where they are developing a more integrated approach between Mental Health and education

Fees:

• Year 1: €3,670* + Middlesex University Registration Fee €1,200**

• Year 2: €4,250

Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma Prices available upon request.

*Please note that fees include a €20 charge for Garda vetting process which is required prior to course entry. 

**Once off fee paid in the first year

Payment Plan:

Additional Course Costs
Course fees do not cover costs associated with Additional Course Requirements (Personal Therapy and Supervision). Fees for Supervision and Personal Therapy are decided by negotiation between you and your Supervisor and Therapist. The average cost of supervision is approximately €60. Personal therapy may also average about €60 per session.


Application Process
Applicants are invited to complete and return the online Application Form. Applications must be accompanied by an Initial Deposit of €250, which is deductible from course fees if the application is successful. Applicants are entitled to a full refund of the Initial Deposit if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their application. Should an application be unsuccessful or cancelled by the applicant following this 14 day period, an administration fee of €60 is charged and the balance of €190 refunded. Please note that the name used on your application needs to be the same name that you have on your passport.

The balance of fees is payable in full before the course commences. Fees are non-refundable in all personal circumstances. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that the class does not proceed.

Selection Process

There are a limited number of places available (18). Selection is based on application and interview.

Entry Requirements:

Year One:

Students entering the MSc course must hold a degree (Level 8 NFQ or equivalent; Final grade 2.2 or above) in Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be eligible to enter the course on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area.  Students applying on the basis of prior learning must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study.  This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) and be must be submitted with your application.

Application Process for Year 1

• Send in Complete Application Form and Deposit (Online / Hard Copy)
• Copies of Transcripts (Confirming 2.2 on relevant Level 8 Degree or higher) or Copy of Career Portfolio
• and 500-word written statement on why you believe you are suitable for the course.

• All suitable candidates will be invited to interview
• Places are limited (18). Selection is based on application and interview.

Year Two:

Students who hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy (PCI College or equivalent) may apply for entry to Year 2 of the course. 

Students who do not meet these criteria may be eligible to enter Year 2 on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying on the basis of prior learning must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study.  This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) and be must be submitted with your application.

Application Process for Internal Applicants Year 2 
(Graduates of PCI Postgraduate Certificate in Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapy)

• Send in Complete Year 2 Application Form and Deposit (Online / Hard Copy)

• All suitable candidates will be invited to interview
• Places are limited (18). Selection is based on application and interview.

Application Process for External Applicants Year 2

• Send in Complete Year 2 Application Form & Deposit (Online / Hard Copy)
• Complete Course Comparison Form Including:

Copy of current/previous Course Prospectus / Course Outline

Transcript of Results of all assessments/examinations

Copy of all relevant qualifications

Completed Course Comparison Form

Letter from counsellor to verify previous hours of personal therapy (if applicable)

Letter from supervisor to verify hours of client work with Children or Adolescents (must have completed at least 15% of the overall course requirement in the last 12 months)

• Statement on why you feel you have met the Learning Outcomes for Year 1. (approximately 1000 words)

• All suitable candidates will be invited to interview
• Places are limited (18). Selection is based on application and interview.

Garda Vetting:

Students will be requested to participate in Garda Vetting procedures in relation to programme and accreditation requirements

Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course. 
Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.

Language Requirements

 All candidates are required to satisfy the English language requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English and who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate may satisfy the requirement through the completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or equivalent, on the basis that they obtain a minimum band score of 6, which denotes a very good skill level of English. It should be noted that these are the minimum requirements in English and PCI College may set higher requirements in each case.

Students who graduate from the MSc Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills will be qualified to work with children and adolescents (up to the age of 25) in a therapeutic setting. Other career opportunities may include working for state and voluntary organisations, schools, community care centres, mental health organisations and also integrating the skills with any qualification that students have already achieved.

Please note that this course is a supplementary qualification. On its own, the course won't enable you to work as a counsellor. If you seek a professional qualification as a counsellor and/or accreditation, I would advise you to first complete our BSc (Honours) Degree Counselling & Psychotherapy. After completing the degree course, you could then specialise in an area of interest with this MSc course. On the other hand, you could enrol in this course, if eligible, and incorporate what you have learnt into your daily working life.

If it is your intention to become a professional Counsellor/Psychotherapist, accredited by the IACP, please see our BSc (Honours) Degree Counselling & Psychotherapy course for more details. The course is not accredited by a professional body. Individuals seeking professional accreditation should consult the relevant bodies website.

Validation

Our university validated programmes are developed, delivered and assessed by PCI College and awarded by and quality assured by Middlesex University.  A qualification from Middlesex University London is internationally recognised both within the EU and outside the EU. Brexit negotiations will have no impact on these facts. 

We have answered some of the most common questions we receive in relation to this course below. However, you may have some more – or just prefer to talk to someone in person! We would be delighted to help – please call us at 01-4642268 or email enquiries@pcicollege.ie

Does this course qualify me as a professional counsellor?
This is the most common question as the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy is not government regulated yet and so it can be difficult to navigate. Our MSc in Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills does not qualify you as a Professional Accredited Counsellor. It is an additional qualification to your original degree which allows you to work with children and adolescents in a therapeutic setting.

If your intention is to become a Professional Accredited Counsellor, please see our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy which is accredited by the IACP for more details.

What does ‘validation’ mean for this course?
It means that upon graduation, you will have achieved an internationally recognised FHEQ Level 7 (Comparable to NFQ Level 9) University Qualification that is continuously examined externally and academically quality assured by Middlesex University. You can join the thousands of successful Middlesex University Graduates in London for their impressive Graduation Ceremony where your great achievement will be deservedly honoured!

Is this course accredited?
Currently, the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (the IACP) do not accredit specialist training courses.  However, we work closely with the IACP and keep abreast of all developments with them and other relevant bodies and design our courses accordingly.  As we stated, our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy is accredited by the IACP.

I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Counselling & Psychotherapy from PCI College (or a similar qualification from another institution). Can I apply to enter Year 2 of the course?

Yes, we welcome applicants from other similar NFQ Level 9 courses to apply to Year 2. Decisions will be made on the basis of your Approved Prior Learning.

Graduates of the PCI College Postgraduate Certificate in Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapy will be eligible to apply for Year 2 entry to the course and can achieve a Postgraduate Diploma or an MSc Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapy (presuming entry criteria have been met).  Students will need to complete a Year 2 application form and will be required to attend an interview.  Contact us at (01) 464 2268 or enquiries@pcicollege.ie for Year 2 entry application form.

Applicants who have completed courses in Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapy in other institutions may also be granted entry into Year 2 on the basis of Applied Prior Learning (APL). Applicants will be required to complete an application form and a Course Comparison Form (outlining in detail previous course modules) and will be required to attend an interview. Students may be granted entry to Year 2 based on exemptions from Year 1 modules. Any modules not exempted from Year 1 must be taken as Catch Up.  Course Comparison Form is available from enquiries@pcicollege.ie

What level is this course?

The MSc Child & Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapy is awarded by Middlesex University and is therefore on the UK National Framework. It is Level 7 FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) - comparable to Level 9 on the NFQ. For comparability on various awards, please see here www.naric.ie

Does this course include Play Therapy?
Of course – Play Therapy is an essential component of working with children therapeutically. However, it is just one component. The unique nature of this course is that it is a broad-based with counselling & psychotherapy at its core, incorporating a wide range of creative therapeutic approaches including art, sand play, puppets, drama, music, clay and storytelling. It also draws on established and current theory in counselling and psychotherapy, up to date approaches in child and adolescent mental health, lifespan development, family systems and trauma.

I am a Professional Counsellor, am I entitled to any exemptions?
No, there are no exemptions for Year 1 entry to this course. As we said, this is comparable to NFQ Level 9 course so it is a step up academically from your degree. 

What is the duration of the course?
Two years (24 months) part-time.  

How often do I attend?
The course will take place on weekends (Saturday and Sunday, approx. 1 weekend per month from October to June) and the full provisional timetable will be available shortly.

What will I learn?
You will learn the theoretical background and practical skills to work with children and adolescents in a therapeutic setting, with particular emphasis on working through creative approaches. Exploring creative media such as art, sand play, therapeutic storytelling, drama, music and other approaches, this course places significant emphasis on experiential learning and the acquisition of key skills for work with young clients.  The programme will teach you current theory in counselling and psychotherapy, up to date approaches in child and adolescent mental health, lifespan development, family systems and trauma. You will also have the opportunity to put all this new knowledge and skills to practice by engaging in clinical placement work of 100 hours over the duration of the course.

Are my lecturers also therapists?
Yes – all our lecturers are practising therapists and bring a wealth of real-world knowledge into the classroom.

How many people will be in the class?
There is a maximum of 18 students in the class. This supports our experiential and collaborative approach to teaching.

Do I need to buy any materials?
No. All class materials will be provided. Students are required to purchase/gain access to core and supplementary reading texts

How will I be assessed?
Assessment is a combination of written and in-class practical assignments. There are no exams.

What happens if I miss class time?
As much of the work is done within the classroom, we encourage you to make every effort not to miss class. However, we understand that there are certain circumstances that cannot be avoided. If possible, notify the lecturer in advance if you are going to miss class.  85% attendance is required to complete a module. If you fall below this (but above 70%), you will be allocated some written catch-up work by the lecturer to complete the module. However, if your attendance is below 70%, you must repeat the module.