Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Introduction

Mental health interventions and appropriately qualified individuals trained to oversee those interventions continue to grow in importance in Ireland. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is generally seen as one of the best psychotherapeutic approaches to support and treat individuals to cope with a range of mental health issues. This Master's in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is regarded as one of the most innovative programmes of its kind in Ireland. The programme sets out to develop professional practitioners who can work individually in professional practice or as part of multi-disciplinary team in a range of settings using CBT approaches

As part of this Masters programme, you will study the fundamental theories of cognitive behavioural therapy as well as advanced cognitive behavioural skills. There is also a module specifically supporting you to understand psychopathology. In addition you will study evidence based practice and research methods and design.

All of these modules are designed to support you to apply all these elements of learning during the 200 hours of client work you are required to engage with in a practicum module as well as in the completion of a dissertation. The programme combines both theory and practical skills in a way that supports the academic and professional development of the learner.

The course was revised in 2015 and is validated by Quality and Qualification Ireland (QQI) who have overall responsibility for the quality of 3rd level academic programmes in Ireland.

The course commences each September and can be taken on a full time or part-time basis. Likewise, individual modules may also be taken on a stand alone basis. Taught Modules are taken across two twelve week terms through a combination of classroom based modules as well as some that are blended. Blended learning combines face to face and web based teaching and learning, which allows the learner to access classes in person or using on-line facilities to allow for a better work/life/study balance. In certain modules mandatory attendance is a requirement.

What supports will I have?

At ICHAS, every lecturer and member of staff is committed to excellence in education and professional practice. Each Module has a Module Leader who works with students to enhance their learning and will provide formative and summative feedback throughout every module. Each programme has a Programme Co-ordinator and in addition you will have direct access to the Programme Leader and the Director of Graduate Studies.

The Dissertation and Practicum are central elements of the Masters programme. Each student will undertake these modules under the direction of an Academic and Practicum supervisor respectively for these modules.

Who Awards My Qualification?

On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding body for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the NFQ. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally. See www.qqi.ie for further information.

The MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has many distinctive features that make it one of the leading programmes of this type. For Example;

•It meets the new QQI Award Standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland.

•This programme is part of a suite of programmes that have been recently re-validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), ensuring the quality of its teaching and assessment strategies, programme content and quality.

•It is delivered by lecturers who are experts in the fields of study within the Programme.

•Recognised nationally and internationally. On completion you will receive the Europass Diploma Supplement in addition to your degree parchment.

•It is professionally accredited by professional bodies within the Psychological Therapies Forum.

•It designed to be affordable. Fees associated with the programme are significantly lower than comparable programmes in publically funded Irish Colleges and Universities.

•It adopts a Flexible structure, meaning that students may study at a pace and duration that fits in with their lifestyle demands – students may study on a modular basis or spread the period of their studies over a timeframe that suits them.

•It teaches topics that have a proven evidence base of effectiveness.

•It combines a well balanced match of theory and practice.

•This course facilitates a progression route to PHD and professional doctorate level programmes.

•It provides higher level education to increase employment opportunities for graduates in a range of different areas including; working with young people, women at risk of domestic violence, the elderly and those with mental health issues etc.

•It utilises blended learning approaches offering a flexible approach for all students through face to face and on-line learning.

•It is an Irish based quality assured Masters level qualification.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for this course?

To undertake the M.A in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, applicants must meet the following requirements;

•Applicants are normally expected to hold a minimum of a second class honours degree (2.2) at Level 8,or its equivalent in a related discipline. The nature of the programme allows for the consideration of candidates from a variety of backgrounds. Those with relevant experience will also be considered through our Recognition of Prior Learning Processes (RPL). Applicants are also required to complete a short interview. All applicants are expected to be fluent and competent in both written and spoken English. In the case of overseas applications, students will have to provide certification of competency in English indicating a minimum score of 6.5 IELTS.

•Applicants are required to:

Be over 18 years of age.

Complete and submit the completed application form and provide all requested information.

Complete an interview process, which is designed to explore your reasons for taking the programme and to ensure that it is suitable for your needs.

Complete the Garda vetting procedure.

If you have any queries in relation to this course then please contact the college on 061 216288 or email us on info@ichas.ie where we will be only too pleased to assist you.

Applicants intending to access lectures online must have suitable equipment and broadband access as specified on the blended learning information page.

This programme requires learners to participate in practice placements that will bring them into contact with individuals who have potential vulnerability and in which they will be in a position of trust. In the interest of public trust and confidence, procedures are in place to ensure that only applicants who can demonstrate suitable motivation and characteristics are eligible for selection or progression.

Duration

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Number of credits

Total Credits 90

Careers or further progression

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the M.A. in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, students will be qualified to access Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

There are numerous avenues for the application of expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with new areas of employment opening up all the time. Traditionally it has been seen as a one to one profession but in the last decade this has changed hugely. Now graduates of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be found in areas such as schools, colleges, prisons, hospitals , palliative care and of course in Private Practice.

The Government has committed to increased funding of mental health initiatives as part of the national counselling service.For many the opportunity to work in private practice as a professional Cognitive Behavioural Therapist is hugely important.

This qualification offers many opportunities for employment and with the introduction of statutory regulation, the importance of QQI element of this programme should not be underestimated.

Further enquiries

ICHAS
Walton House,
Lonsdale Rd.,
National Technology Park,
Castletroy
Limerick
info@ichas.ie
+353 (0)61 216 288

Subjects taught

How can I complete this Course?

Students can complete this course on either a full-time or part-time basis. Class participation for classroom based teaching normally requires attendance on 1 evening per week (6pm to 10pm) and Saturdays (9.30am to 4.30pm) over 2 semesters in the academic year (September to December and January to April).

Full-time students commit to the programme for one year and complete their taught modules including the Practicum and Dissertation in that period of time.

Part-time students commit to the programme for two years and they normally complete their taught modules in the first year and spend their second year working on their Practicum and Dissertation. Please refer to timetables for exact times and dates.

The programme is taught using a combination of classroom based and blended learning techniques. This allows the learner to access classes in person or using on-line facilities. In certain modules attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Structure of Course

The Programme is divided into Modules each of which has Educational Credits (ECTS) associated with them. Each Module may also be taken on a stand alone basis. It is also important to note that students who complete 60 ECTS and who wish to exit the programme without completing their Dissertation may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The course covers a range of subjects which are structured to develop competent professional practitioners. The subjects covered are designed to be both practical and theoretical as per the table below:

MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Approaches
Cognitive & Behavioural Approaches in Therapeutic Interventions
Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Skills
Innovations in CBT Practice
Understanding Psychopathology
Evidence Based Practice & Research
Research Methods and Design
Elective Module
Practicum
Dissertation
Total Credits 90

How will I be assessed?

The programme has been designed to enable learners to demonstrate their academic and reflective learning in appropriate ways. The assessment strategy accommodates different learning styles and therefore the programme assesses learners using a range of practical assignments, essays, learning journals, examinations, reflective exercises and projects.

The completion of a research based dissertation is a central part of the Masters programme and each student is supported by an academic supervisor for the entire period of their dissertation.

Course fee

€7,950 – €8,950

The tuition fees for the Full -Time programme are €7,950 (completed over 1 year) or €8,950 where the programme is taken on a Part time basis (completed over 2 years). Students can pay in instalments and all fees are fully protected under our Protection of Enrolled Learners' Policy.