Counselling & Psychotherapy - Cognitive Behavioural Modalities (CBT)

The programme is designed primarily for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of counselling and psychotherapy related programmes as well as graduates of disciplines such as, nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the human condition and the contribution of advanced level Counselling and Psychotherapy practice.



It is taught using a combination of classroom-based and skill-based learning in practice settings. The programme utilises Blended learning for theoretic elements of engagement and thus allows the learner to access classes in person or using on-line facilities to allow for a better work/life/study balance while equipping the learner with the confidence, skills and competencies to work in the area of Counselling & Psychotherapy.



Successful completion of the programme provides learners with a QQI awarded Masters qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Modalities of Counselling & Psychotherapy.



It is especially suited to those who work with (or seek to work with) individuals, families and communities exposed to or experiencing psychological/psychosocial challenges in a range of health or social care environments and enable them to specialise, lead and work for better outcomes for individuals with complex needs.



The programme responds to the increasing and expanding demand for evidence-based practice using recognised modalities of Counselling & Psychotherapy. More fundamentally it also equips leaders in the field of Counselling & Psychotherapy to respond to ever-changing social and cultural needs and to act autonomously in often unpredictable and ill-defined professional contexts.



Moreover, it enables students to employ counselling & psychotherapy competencies as tools for prevention and rehabilitation/recovery, based on cognitive behavioural philosophies by creating and modelling learning opportunities where all learners can participate successfully within the context of their own strengths and abilities.



This course will facilitate graduates of undergraduate counselling & psychotherapy related programmes as well as those from cognate areas or applicants with appropriate professional training (through RPL routes) who wish to study towards the completion of Level 9 studies on a programme that has been benchmarked against both the training standards set by the European Association of Counselling (EAC) and the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP).



Completion of the programme will assist graduates who wish to meet professional accreditation requirements for professional practice.



Structure of Course

On acceptance of their place on the course, learners are required to attend an induction day. This covers all aspects of the programme content, delivery, assessment, and requirements. Induction provides the learner with an opportunity to become familiar with the environment, peers, and faculty members.



All learners complete this course on a part-time basis over 2 years. Attendance would normally require attendance in person (either in class or on Zoom) on 1 evening per week (6 pm to 9 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm) over 5 semesters. The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning via Zoom where this allows, but skills-based components do require a certain amount of in-person attendance. This allows the learner to access classes in person or using online facilities.



Who Awards My Qualification?

On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding bodies for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the NFQ. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally. See www.qqi.ie for further information.



Semester 1

Each learner would study and submit for assessment 3 Modules in Semester 1 (15 ECTS). The focus of these modules are designed to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the Theories of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy(5ECTS) The Skills & competencies in Cognitive Behavioural Modalities (5 ECTS) and the application of a range modalities of practice (5ECTS). Learners will also commence their ‘Knowing Self’ Module in Semester 1 and complete it in Semester 4 (5ECTS).



Semester 2

In Semester 2, learners will take a total of 20 ECTS of material, which focuses on Group Work as applied within CBT Modalities (5 ECTS), Students will also complete a module on Understanding Psychopathology (5ECTS).In this semester learners are also taught a module on Research Methodologies and Design (10ECTS) to support them with their Dissertation Module which is a Linear Module that commences in Semester 2 for completion at the end of the programme.



Students can also commence their Practicum (Work-Based Learning) module, in which they are required to engage in 200 Hours of clinically supervised (Modality Specific) direct client work. This is a linear Module (15ECTS) and assessment of this occur at the end of Semester 5.



Semester 3

Students continue to engage in Placements (Work Based Learning) and Knowing Self during Semester 3 (summer semester).



Semester 4

Students take an additional 5 ECTS Elective Module in Semester 4, where they can choose a theoretic Module associated with the Other Streams or one 5 ECTS Module from a list of common Elective Modules and submit assessments for the Knowing Self module.



Semester 5

In Semester 5 learners will complete their Placement (work-based learning) (15 ECTS) and their Dissertation(30ECTS).

The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to completed for the Award of MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Modalities)



Name of Module Semester Mandatory / Elective ECTS (Credits)

Theories of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 1 M 5

Research Methodologies & Design 2 M 10

Skills & competencies in Cognitive Behavioural Modalities 1 M 5

CBT Modalities & Therapeutic Group Work 2 M 5

Understanding Psychopathology 2 M 5

Elective 4 M 5

Knowing Self 1-4 M 5

Applications of Contemporary Cognitive Behavioural Approaches 1 M 5

Practicum 5 M 15

Dissertation 5 M 30

What are the entry requirements for this course?



• This programme is designed for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of Counselling related programmes as well as, nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the human condition.



• The knowledge, skills and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 Programme.



• Applicants will normally have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Human Science Level 8 degree.



• Those who have completed other relevant education programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard can also be considered.



• All applicants undertake a selection interview to support applicants to make an informed decision regarding their choice of programme and to ensure suitability.



• Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

How will I be assessed?


The programme has been designed to enable learners to demonstrate their academic and reflective learning in appropriate ways. The assessment strategy accommodates different learning styles and therefore the programme assesses learners using a range of practical assignments, essays, learning journals, examinations, reflective exercises and projects.


The completion of a research based dissertation is a central part of the Masters programme and each student is supported by an academic supervisor for the entire period of their dissertation.

Total Credits 90

2 Years (Part Time). Available at our Dublin and Limerick Campuses.

€6,165 – €7,165

Start Date: Sept 2025

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy, learners will be qualified to access Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).