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:
1.A primary degree with subjects recognised for teaching in second level schools (please check www.teachingcouncil.ie) and
2.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.
Why DCU
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.