Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy

Through research-informed teaching and reflective practice, students strengthen their ability to collaborate with clients and deliver effective, personalised therapeutic interventions.



Developed in conjunction with Visiting Professor John McLeod, this programme aims to enable existing professionals working in the field of counselling and psychotherapy to achieve a Master of Science in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.



A pluralistic perspective is an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy that embraces and considers multiple causes and responses to psychological distress. The aim of the programme is to equip practitioners with up-to-date, cutting-edge training to meet the needs of contemporary society. It also aims to identify and develop leadership and collaborative qualities in those involved in therapeutic practice. Graduates from this programme will have the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to act as research practitioners.



The programme will enable graduates to analyse their own practice and the profession as a whole. We strive to facilitate learners in the creation of evidence-based solutions to the problems they face as individual practitioners and dilemmas that exist within the profession. Because pluralism is the unifying theme of the programme, it fosters a spirit of inquiry where learners engage in the pursuit of multiple truths, drawing from diverse disciplines, approaches and orientations.



Course Benefits

Ideal course for those seeking to pursue a career in counselling and psychotherapy

Co-developed by internationally renowned expert Professor John McLeod

Competitively priced course fees with payment plans available

QQI validated, ensuring the highest quality of content and delivery

High levels of student support, ensuring learners are continually guided and supported



Overview

This part-time programme consists of nine modules over two years. It is a taught master’s with a strong research component. It is facilitated through monthly three-day blocks (usually Friday to Sunday). It uses a continuous assessment strategy, and learners accumulate credits through a variety of assessments throughout the programme.



Blended Learning Delivery

This programme is delivered via blended learning, whereby students rotate monthly between onsite and online. Onsite classes take place in our Tallaght campus. Our blended learning classes are run as tutorials, which involve students and their lecturer logging in to our online learning platform and using Zoom simultaneously.



Zoom provides an integrative online environment for students and lecturers to interact and engage in learning. It facilitates discussion polls, slide sharing, videos, resource sharing and much more. To foster more intimate learning environments, breakout rooms are also used, enabling safe, experiential triadic learning.



All our sessions are accessible on computers and mobile devices, and our dedicated IT department supports faculty and students throughout their online learning journey. To promote flexibility and best practice, all sessions are recorded and made accessible exclusively to students enrolled in the class for review at their convenience.



Student Benefits and Support

We believe that it is not enough to simply teach the skills of counselling and psychotherapy. Learners are given space to learn, practise and be supported as they develop their own style and model of counselling, which is both personal and effective.

Year 1

A Pluralistic Framework for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Pluralistic Clinical Skills

Pluralism in Psychotherapy: Multiple Perspectives, Multiple Possibilities

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Advanced Research Methods



Year 2

Philosophical Underpinnings to Counselling and Psychotherapy

Practice-Based Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Research Portfolio

Applicants will need:



An honours degree (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in counselling and psychotherapy and evidence of completion of at least 50 hours of personal therapy and 120 hours of supervised clinical practice

Or



An honours degree (Level 8 on the NFQ) together with a professional diploma (Level 7) in counselling and psychotherapy (or equivalent)

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to submit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate at Level 6.5 or equivalent. (View more information)



Learners will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.



Minimum Technological Requirements

You will need to have:



Adequate broadband for uploading and downloading

A desktop computer or laptop capable of using Zoom

A webcam and microphone

A web browser

Word processing package

Next Intake(s): Autumn 2026