MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy

Each module is 30 hours duration

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

• Theories of Addictive Behaviour: History & Current Situation
• Generic & Specific Therapy Skills for Addiction
• Drugs of Abuse: Biological, Psychological & Social Aspects
• The Motivational Interviewing Approach

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

• Behavioural Addictions: Gambling, Sex etc.
• The CBT Approach to Working with Addiction
• The Family Dimension in Addiction
• Dual Diagnosis: Common Mental Health Problems in Addiction

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

• Case Study & Dissertation

Additional Course Requirements:

• 100 hours Clinical placement / Client work
• 25 sessions with a qualified supervisor to review client work
• 20 hours Personal Therapy - 10 of these hours must be completed before commencing Client Work.

LEADING TO THE AWARD OF: 

Middlesex University MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy

Assessment: Written and practical assignments

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? 

The course is designed to give learners a working understanding of the theories, process and dynamics of addiction in an ever-changing biopsychosocial context with a strong focus on effective, evidence-based approaches to treatment and counselling. It addresses the ever-pervasive influence of the internet and how it exacerbates the deleterious effects of Behavioural Addictions such as compulsive gambling, sexual addiction and gaming. Consideration is also given to broader mental health and dual diagnosis issues.  

Fees: 

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

(€3,150 for PCI College Graduates + MU Registration Fee €1,200**)

• Year 2: €4,250
  

*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 & 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. 

Entry Requirements:

Applicants are required to hold a relevant honours degree (Level 7 NFQ or equivalent; Final grade 2.2 or above) in Counselling & Psychotherapy, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Social Care or equivalent.

Applicants who do not meet these criteria 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.

Applicants should ideally have access to opportunities for client work in their current role and be able to apply theoretical principles and practice in their current workplace.

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.

Application Process

• Send in Complete Application Form & Deposit (Online / Hard Copy)
• Copies of Transcripts (Confirming 2.2 on relevant Level 7 Degree or higher) or Copy of Career Portfolio
• and 500-word written statement on why you believe they are suitable to the course.

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

IT

Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course. 

Learning Difficulties
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.

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.  

There is an ever-increasing demand for addiction services and the demand in the public sector in particular far outstrips the available resources. There are many current and future job opportunities within the public sector – particularly in the area of drug, alcohol and gambling addiction for suitably qualified addiction professionals. Up-to-date training in evidenced-based therapeutic approaches is also becoming essential for those working in this field, as funders are increasingly concerned about outcomes and value for taxpayers’ money.

Moreover, students who graduate from the MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy will have gained the skills and knowledge to work with clients dealing with issues in a wide range of addictions including behavioural addictions.  With an increasingly wide range of addiction in society, career opportunities may also include private practice, work with voluntary organisations and mental health organisations. With addiction, it is crucial to have timely interventions that are able to meet people where they are at. The provision of increased specialist addiction capacity in private counselling & psychotherapy services and voluntary organisations will assist in dealing with the demand.

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.