UNIVERSITY VALIDATION

PCI College provides a number of programmes including our BSc Honours degree, two Master’s programmes and an Advanced Diploma, all validated by Middlesex University. Holding a qualification with University validation holds a certain amount of status due to the standard of lecturing and programme design and is nationally and internationally recognised. Our academic standards are set in partnership with Middlesex University and are monitored on an ongoing basis and subject to QAA standards and audits. Our BSc programme is awarded at Level 6 on the UK FHEQ framework, comparable to Level 8 on the Irish NFQ system. Recognised academic validation is an increasing requirement within the Counselling & Psychotherapy professions and as the Irish government move towards statutory regulation, a level 8 honours degree from a University or a QQI provider is expected to be the minimum standard. The IACP has stated that from 2018 only Level 8 accredited courses will be recognised, which includes our University validated BSc.

ACCREDITED COURSES

Our BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy programme is accredited across all locations by the Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP). In addition, our Certificate Counselling & Psychotherapy and Blended Learning Certificate programme are accredited by the National Counselling Society (NCS) in all locations. 

The IACP is Ireland’s largest, and most well-recognised accreditation body for counsellors & psychotherapists. GP’s, state-bodies, HSE professionals and others usually specifically request IACP accreditation when referring clients to counsellors.

NATIONWIDE CLASSES

PCI College provides our students with the opportunity to study at venues, around the country, with part-time class timetables and online resources to facilitate students’ busy lives. At this time PCI College is providing ‘Live’ Online Classes to facilitate our student’s ability to study and learn with us while dealing with the Global Pandemic. We aim to make our courses as accessible as possible, with not only providing seven regional locations to study but the ability for us to come together and focus on excellence and innovation in contemporary academic knowledge and ethical practice whilst dealing with external social distances constraints. While we passionately believe in classroom learning for our profession, we support learning online along with complementary supports such as online library access, e-submissions for assignments and a web-based Student Portal to connect our student body and faculty together around the country.

STUDENT-FOCUSED TRAINING

PCI College has a person-centred, student-focused approach. This is at the heart of our teaching ethos and means that we work hard to ensure every student receives a high standard of education and training, in a supportive and empowering environment. Training as a counsellor & psychotherapist is a rewarding and life-changing journey but it can be challenging at times. We understand the commitments and sometimes sacrifices that students make along this journey and we do our utmost to support you every step of the way.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Since our foundation, we have prioritised the delivery of a service characterised by an attitude to adult learners which is supportive and encouraging, as well as developing in students a hunger for reflective and critical analysis. Our programmes are designed to be participative and experiential, drawing whenever possible on prior lived experience. The academic value of our courses is enhanced by a learning environment that is warm, transparent and genuine. Learners and staff interact in a mutual effort to engage in and promote the concept of lifelong learning. PCI College provides students with online access to a student portal with course timetables and content, on online library and a dedicated email account. Students are invited to note any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia on their application and can expect to be provided with advice and support to complete their chosen course. Students connect with their Core Tutors throughout the degree programme making this an exceptionally supportive adult education experience. In cooperation with lecturers and other college staff, Core Tutors monitor student participation in professional degree and postgraduate programmes including academic assignments, clinical work and personal development.

PRACTITIONER LECTURERS

Our lecturers are experienced, qualified practitioners with expertise and training in a wide range of psychological and psychotherapeutic areas. Most importantly, all of our lecturers are practising counsellors. Our lecturers bring their own valuable experience which students can learn from. This is combined with thorough training in the skills and personal development that are essential for therapists to be effective professionals.

UNRIVALLED REPUTATION

PCI College has been providing counselling & psychotherapy training since 1991. We have trained thousands of counsellors & psychotherapists and have an unrivalled reputation for high academic quality, experiential courses that teach practical skills for professional practice.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

PCI College offers an approach which combines experiential, ‘Live’ online or classroom-based learning with up-to-date theory and approaches across all our programmes. Our degree programme is taught in a face-to-face online or classroom environment and we support students with their 120 hours of client work practice. As a professional therapist, you need to be fully comfortable with both theory and practice when you counsel clients. Our unique teaching approach ensures students gain skills and knowledge which they have practised, tried and tested througout their training.