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.