Guidance Counselling & Lifespan Development

Key programme benefits to future students

This programme is approved by the Department of Education for the purpose of appointment as a Guidance Counsellor in post-primary, further and adult education



The MA provides a professional qualification in guidance counselling. It provides training in the required knowledge, skills and competencies in the areas of personal, social, educational and career guidance across the lifespan.



The programme also provides opportunities for personal development and facilitates a reflective approach to practice. The emphasis on personal development stems from the idea that connecting to one’s own career story and understanding one’s own history, values and beliefs; we become better positioned to support others in their career journeys.



Key Fact: The focus of the MA is to qualify practicing teachers and other professionals to become qualified guidance counsellors.

Year 1

Autumn Modules

• Counselling Theory and Practice 1

• Professional Practice in Guidance Counselling (Blended)



Spring Modules

• Contemporary Perspectives on Vocational Development and Progression across the Lifespan (Blended)

• Theory and Skills of Experiential Group Learning



Summer Modules

• Theory and Practice of Psychological Assessment



Year 2

Autumn Modules

• Counselling Theory and Practice 2

• Advanced Research Methods in Guidance Counselling (Blended)

• Practicum 1: Practice Placement



Spring Modules

• Practicum 2: Practice Placement

• Dissertation 1



Summer Modules

• Dissertation 2

Applicants are requested to supply, in addition to the specified documents, two separately attached documents on MS word: (1) An up-to-date CV and (2) a 500 word Personal Statement describing their interest and reason for applying for the programme.



Candidates for this initial qualification in guidance counselling shall be required to possess either of the following:



A Degree in Education at 2.2 or above from a concurrent undergraduate programme, or a Higher Diploma/Masters in Education, or an approved equivalent professional teaching qualification

OR



An Honours Degree at 2.2 or above in a cognate discipline such as psychology, social and community work, human resources and health sciences.

Consideration will also be given to candidates in line with UL's Policy for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).



Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, they must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of UL.



As the number of places on the programme is limited the selection process is competitive and will include short listing prior to an interview.



It is a UL requirement that students taking this post-graduate programme will need to undergo a Garda clearance process.

2 years part time, blended.

Graduate careers

Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and go on to work in many different sectors, such as second level schools, adult guidance, youth and community work, third level career services, employment services, industry and private practice.