Guidance Counselling

Introduction
The M.Sc. in Guidance Counselling is a two year part-time programme recognised by the DES 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.

Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including the primary, secondary, further education and tertiary sectors, youth and community work, adult education, employee welfare, state agencies, business, industry, health and Human Resources.

This programme is also recognised by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) as a qualification to work as a guidance counsellor in a second level school.

Please note the DES also require employees to hold:

A primary degree with subjects recognised for teaching in second level schools (please check www.teachingcouncil.ie) and

A recognised teaching qualification.

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.

Programme
The overall aim of this programme is to provide students with a standard of excellence in the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for practice in the field of personal, education and career guidance and counselling;

You will be educated and trained to develop a systematic and coherent framework for practice within your organisation;

Through strong reflective practice, you are encouraged and supported to develop responsibility for personal and professional development, and learn how to identify and mobilise resources across a network of external agencies and the wider community.

Students come from a broad range of professional backgrounds which enhances the shared practice and experience of learners.

Our innovative and learner-centred approaches enable the guidance community to respond to the many challenges and opportunities now facing the profession.

It encourages personal development and professional practice competence through group supervision.

It develops transferable skills in the application of new technology to the field of guidance and counselling.

You can engage in supervised research in an area of guidance and counselling which is of personal and professional interest.

To view subjects taught on the MSc in Guidance Counselling please visit the Provider's website.

Requirements
General Entry Requirements
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 Applications
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.

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

NEXT STEPS
Make an Application
To apply for this programme:

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following date:

Closing: 11th February 2022.

- All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.

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.

1. Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

2. The following supplementary form (click to download from website) must be fully completed and emailed to mscgc@dcu.ie.

3. All applicants must also provide TWO COMPLETED REFERENCES (click to download from website). Please ask your nominated referees to complete and email to mscgc@dcu.ie.

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

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

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

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

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

2 years part-time.

Careers
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.