Irish College of Humanities & Applied Sciences

We are delighted to announce that ICHAS will be offering an MA in Addiction Counselling from September 2018 on a Part time basis. The programme meets the educational requirement for professional accreditation with Addiction Counsellors Ireland and Counselling Membership of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Taking a lead from the North American system, this Masters in Addiction Counselling will enable learners to critically evaluate institutionalised practices and values, and act as agents for challenge and change in their professional contexts. The programme has recently been validated by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland and we are delighted to announce this addition to our range of Master's Programmes.

This programme will provide students with both theoretical and practical opportunities for working in addiction counselling within a variety of contexts in the statutory, community and voluntary sector. The programme has been designed to facilitate students who wish to become professionally accredited by Addiction Counsellors Ireland to meet their pre accreditation criteria.

The opportunities embedded within the programme for the development and demonstration of critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge transfer should mean that graduates of the MA in Addiction Counselling will be prepared to lead, plan, educate, consult, manage, design, evaluate and advocate effectively in the contexts in which they are working.

The M.A in Addiction Counselling is designed for practitioners who hold a Level 8 degree in health or human science areas and who wish to specialise in Addiction Counselling. It is likely to be attractive to professionals who, for example, work with diverse and marginalised groups of people with addiction difficulties or are experiencing social exclusion because of the consequences of addiction. The primary focus will be working with individuals and groups but also at community and policy levels as leaders in their field.

This programme is designed for those who wish to access evidence-based interventions and create opportunities for high quality treatment experiences for all who need them. Modules within the course are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills and an understanding of the systems and context within which clients and their families may be best supported.

As part of this master's programme, you will study the fundamental theories of addiction counselling; psychotherapeutic skills and engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Community Reinforcement Approaches as well as Comorbidity . All participants will be required to take a Module on 'Knowing Self' within which they will have the opportunity to engage in personal psychotherapeutic experience. In addition, students will study evidence based practice and research methods and design, complete a dissertation and engage in 150 hours of clinically Supervised Practice with clients. Students may also take one Elective Module.

All of the taught modules are designed to support you to apply all these elements of learning during the 150 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 student.

The course commences this September and can be taken on a part-time basis over 2 years (with the exit option of a post graduate Diploma in Addiction Counselling after successfully completing 60 ECTS).

Individual modules may also be taken on a standalone basis. Taught Modules are taken across two academic year where the modules are taught through a blended learning approach using a combination of classroom based modules and Virtual Classrooms as well as work based learning. Blended learning combines face to face and web-based teaching and learning, which allows students 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 their studies. 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 will be appointed by the College.

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 Addiction Counselling has many distinctive features that make it one of the leading programmes of this type. For Example;

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

•This programme is part of a suite of programmes that have been 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.

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

•It is recognised by professionally accreditation bodies within the Psychological Therapies Forum.

•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 is agreed with the College.

•It focusses on interventions that have a proven evidence base in terms 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 facilitates access to higher level education thus increasing employment opportunities for graduates in a range of different areas where addiction is problematic.

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