DURATION: Two years, part-time    START DATE: 5th October 2024 (Orientation), Lectures Commence 12th October 2024

Please note that Inductions will be held the week before the start date. You will receive full details with your timetable following your acceptance.

AWARD: Middlesex University MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy

This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.

LEVEL: Level 7 FHEQ (Comparable to Level 9 NFQ)

FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) is the UK National Framework of Qualifications.

TIMETABLE: Weekends  - Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5.30 pm (approx. 1 weekend per month from October to June) 

YEAR 1: Postgraduate Certificate – 60 Credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

• Concepts and Controversies in Understanding Addiction
• Talking Therapy Approaches 1: Essentials of Counselling and Reflexive Practice
• Biopsychosocial Aspects of Substance Use
• Talking Therapy Approaches 2: Motivational Interviewing

YEAR 2: Postgraduate Diploma – 60 Credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

• The Family Dimension in Addiction: Practice Based Considerations
• Talking Therapy Approaches 3: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Contemporary Issues in Behavioural Addiction
• Dual Diagnosis: Treatment Considerations in Mental Health and Addiction

YEAR 2: MSc Component - 60 credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)

•  Case Study and Dissertation

Additional Course Requirements

• 100 hours Clinical placement/Client work (25 hours must be completed before the end of Year 1 for those progressing to the PG Diploma)
• 25 sessions with a qualified supervisor to support client work
• 30 hours Personal Therapy
• Residential Treatment Centre Site Visit

ASSESSMENT: Continuous Assessment

There are no formal examinations, giving students more opportunities to concentrate on their assignments and their own self-exploration throughout their journey. Assignments are varied in style to account for differing learning styles of students.

ELIGIBILITY YEAR 1

Applicants should possess the maturity to reflect on their development as a person and have successfully completed and obtained a minimum grade 2.2 in one of the following:

Level 8 NFQ/Level 6 UK accredited degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy/Addiction Counselling

OR

Level 8 NFQ/ Level 6UK degree in Social Sciences (Youth Work, Social Care, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Medicine, etc.)

OR

Accredited Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy/Addiction Counselling plus Level 8 NFQ/Level 6UK degree in an unrelated area plus submission of a clinical portfolio

Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be eligible to enter the course based on prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying based on 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) must be submitted with your application.

APPLICATION PROCESS 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 they are suitable for the course.

All suitable candidates will be invited to interview 

ELIGIBILITY YEAR 2

Students who hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction 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 YEAR 2

External Applicants - Graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy:

• Send 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.

External Applicants:

• Send complete year 2 application form & deposit (online/hard copy)
• Complete course comparison form including:

         o Copy of current/previous course prospectus/course outline
         o Transcript of results of all assessments/examinations
         o Copy of all relevant qualifications
         o Completed course comparison form
         o Letter from counsellor to verify previous hours of personal therapy (if applicable)
         o Letter from supervisor to verify hours of client work with varying presenting issues (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 

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) on the basis that they obtain a minimum band score of 6 at the undergraduate level and 6.5 at postgraduate level or an equivalent score of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Cambridge, 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.

GARDA VETTING

Students will be required to participate in Garda Vetting procedures in relation to programme requirements. Garda Vetting deadlines must be adhered to. PCI College has the right to withdraw a student from the programme if they do not meet these deadlines. Garda Vetting is charged at €20.00 per person and is included in the Acceptance payment paid prior to enrolment within applicable programmes. 

IT SKILLS: 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. 

FEES 

Year 1: €4,990* (Includes all academic and administration costs and charges)

***PCI College BSc Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduates Student Discount*** €350 Off Year 1 Fees

Year 2: €4,450

Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma Prices available upon request.

*Please note that there is an additional charge of €20 for the Garda vetting process which is required prior to course entry and it is not included in the above fees.

PAYMENT PLAN

Pay in 18 monthly instalments, through the monthly payment plan.  Please note that this plan will operate by direct debit only and is inclusive of a €100.00 administration fee.  Each student must pass the progression board to enable them to move into the next year of study and the payment schedule outlined below. 

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 should complete the online application form including the Initial Deposit of €80, 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.  Applications should be completed in full and returned with the appropriate deposit for the programme of choice. Any deposit paid is deductible from the programme fees if the applicant is successful in securing a place on the programme. Applicants are entitled to a full refund of the initial deposit if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their application, and haven't attended the interview. If the cancellation is before the programme commences, any monies held will be left on account for use for the next course intake. Any monies left on the account exceeding this timeframe will be forfeited. 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.

Intake interviews will be arranged for suitable applicants. Applicants who are offered a place will be required to confirm acceptance in writing accompanied by an Acceptance Deposit of €1240 (€1220 acceptance fee and €20 Garda vetting fee). When an Applicant has accepted a place all tuition fees, including deposits, shall be fully non-refundable in all personal circumstances.

For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions page.

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! The MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy is subject to review by Middlesex University

Is this course accredited?

This course will serve professionals within the addiction field who wish to pursue accreditation with the Addiction Counsellors Ireland (ACI) The ACI does not accredit courses, it does however accredit individual applicants taking into account training, qualifications and experience. While the MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy course is not accredited, it is designed to fulfil a number of the essential ACI criteria.

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?

If, in addition to your counselling qualification, you have completed the equivalent of a Post Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counselling, you may be eligible for an exemption. Please see the tab titled ‘Entry Requirements’ for more information.

What is the duration of the course?

Two years (24 months) part time. You will receive a detailed timetable prior to the beginning of each academic year to assist with planning and managing your time.

How often do I attend?
The course will take place at weekends (Saturday and 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 of our lecturers are qualified and accredited practitioner therapists, counsellors, psychologists, in addition to skilled lecturers, and bring a wealth of real-world knowledge into the classroom.

How will I be assessed?

There are no formal examinations, giving students more opportunities to concentrate on their assignments and their own self-exploration throughout their journey. Assessment is achieved on a continuous basis with an assessment due on completion of a module. Assignments are varied in style to account for differing learning styles of students. This will include a mix of written, clinical and in-class practical assignments.

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.  If you do miss class time, you will be required to identify the topics covered and independently catch up on this missed learning. You are not permitted to miss more that 10 hours in any one module. If you miss more than 10 hours in a module, you will be required to repeat the module in the next academic year.

To book this course online, please follow the link: https://www.pcicollege.ie/master-addiction-counselling