Guidance Counselling

Dublin City University's Institute of Education are delighted to offer our Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling as an outreach programme in Kilkenny.

This 1.5 year part-time programme is recognised by the DE* and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) for professional practice as a guidance counsellor. The programme offers initial education and training in the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for practice in the interrelated areas of personal, education and career guidance counselling. A key element of the programme is the strong emphasis on reflective practice and personal growth facilitated by personal counselling, placement practice experience and professional supervision to support and enable personal and professional development.

Academic Structures
Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling
This information is provisional & subject to change.
Part-time Programme Structure

Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
HDO520 Foundational Skills in Guidance Counselling 10 Year long 0 100 1
HDO521 Int. Frameworks for Guidance Practice I 5 Year long 0 100 1
HDO522 Human Development across the Lifespan 5 Year long 0 100 1
HDO5240 Career Develo - Theory, Prac, Research & Poli 10 Year long 0 100 1
HDO526 ICT and Guidance 10 Year long 0 100 1
HDO583 Theory & Skills of Exp Group Process & Behavi 10 Year long 0 100 1

Year 2 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
HDO5280 Guidance Counselling Practice Placement 10 Semester 1 0 100 2

Applicants are required to hold a Primary Honours (Level 8) degree, plus three years relevant work experience.
OR
Equivalent professional qualification with three years relevant experience.

All applicants who are deemed to meet the minimum academic qualifications will be required to attend for interview.

Applicants will not be considered for interview unless all aspects of the application process are fully completed.

International Applicants
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details below.

Students are selected on the basis of:

Academic achievement or accredited prior learning.

Professional experience (three years' full or part time experience in a field broadly related to guidance is desirable).

Capacity to demonstrate at interview a vision and understanding of the role of the guidance counsellor, potential as a guidance counsellor to work with clients in response to their personal, educational and career needs and a willingness to commit to the demands of the programme.

*Please note the DE also require employees to hold:
A primary degree with subjects recognised for teaching in second level schools (please check Teaching Council) and a recognised teaching qualification.

Applications Closing Date: 29th February 2024

There are three parts to the application process. All parts must be completed for your application to be valid and to be eligible for interview.

To apply for this programme:

All applicants should apply through .https://dcuie2.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply

Please submit the following:

Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study at undergraduate level with English translation if applicable should be uploaded with your application.

All applicants must submit a passport size photo.

A personal statement

All applicants must also provide two completed references (please see application portal)

Please ensure that you upload the required documentation. Failure to do so will render ineligibility for interview. DCU cannot accept responsibility for incomplete applications.

Applicants do not need to complete the personal statement as this requirement is fulfilled on the supplementary form.

Successful candidates please note deferrals on this programme are not permitted due to the large volume of applicants and the very strong competition for places.

Canvassing of any kind will disqualify an applicant. Furthermore, we do not discuss any aspect of an application with third parties.

1.5 Years Part-time.

The programme is designed to support participants wishing to engage in initial education and training as guidance counsellors and to enhance the in-career development of existing practitioners. Graduates are currently employed in various settings such as second level schools, adult guidance (including employment by ETBs), youth and community work, third level career services, employee welfare, industry, health sector, rehabilitation services, and private practice.