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

*25 hours to be completed by the end of Year 1.

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 degree (Level 7 NFQ or equivalent; Final grade 2.2 or above).

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 services, with suitably qualified personnel, will assist in dealing with this demand.

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, we 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. 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 & Psychotherapy is not government regulated yet and so it can be difficult to navigate. Our MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy 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 1000s 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. 

What level is this course?

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. As we stated, our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy is accredited by the IACP. The course is not accredited by a professional body. Individuals seeking professional accreditation should consult the relevant bodies website.

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 at weekends (Saturday & Sunday, approx. 1 weekend per month from October to June) and the full provisional timetable will be available shortly.

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

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 classes?
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.