Counselling involves talking and listening to clients about their emotions, relationships, thought processes, patterns of behaviour or life events, such as bereavement, addiction, divorce, health issues or job concerns. Counsellors help clients to understand themselves better and find their own solutions to resolve or cope with their situation or issues. Counsellors play a crucial role in improving the health and wellbeing of people in society. The purpose of this course is to provide systematic training in counselling theory and practice at a level that prepares participants to counsel in a variety of settings and to use various counselling approaches.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:

• Be over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of entry.
  AND
• Hold a Leaving Certificate or equivalent with a minimum of 2 x H5 and 4 x 06/H7.
  OR
• Hold a full QQI (level 5) award with a minimum of 3 distinctions.
  OR
• Have completed a recognition of prior learning (RPL) process with the college (applicants, who hold other qualifications and/or experience, may be considered for a place on this undergraduate course). Evidence must be presented in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Informal and experiential learning includes non-accredited education, work based training and relevant life/work experience. This learning is assessed, and this in turn leads to being considered for a place on the course.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must provide two written references from any of the following; Employers, Gardai, Solicitors Office, Academic Course Directors or other sources in relation to both professional and personal conduct.
• Vetting by An Garda Síochána is a mandatory requirement for this programme. Recommendation from interview panel (score above threshold).
• Mature applicants who do not have Leaving Certificate/QQI level 5, or equivalent may also be required to attend a mature student assessment at MTU.
• Medical certification and references will be required on application. Where applicable, applicants must be a minimum of 2 years post a personal recovery process or treatment before applying for this course. Please note: Where a student at any stage of the course demonstrates active substance misuse the student will be required to defer their course for 1 year while working towards regaining sobriety.
  

Download: Medical Certificate of Competence for the BA in Counselling with Addiction

This BA (Honours) in Counselling with Addiction course is a collaborative course between the Munster Technological University and Cuan Mhuire/Galilee House of Studies. Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s ‘largest multi-site provider of residential detoxification and treatment for those suffering from addiction (www.cuanmhuire.ie). Galilee House of Studies is an established provider of a higher education undergraduate diploma course in counselling located in Athy, Co. Kildare.

The course will be delivered by a team of experienced practising addiction counsellors and third level academic staff in Galilee House of Studies, Athy, Co. Kildare (Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3) and the Munster Technological University, Co. Kerry (Year 3), with practice placement undertaken in Cuan Mhuire’s residential centres or other relevant clinical sites across Ireland (Year 4).

Students will have the opportunity to seek their own practice placement sites, however MTU/Cuan Mhuire/Galillee House of Studies will ultimately be responsible for ensuring that all students secure an appropriate practice placement site. Student accommodation inquiries can be made to Galilee House for availability and a nightly B&B rate.

Counselling is a growing and evolving profession in Ireland and internationally. Also, addiction in recent years is becoming an increasing problem in Ireland, with the Government pledging to increase funding in the area of mental health initiatives as part of the national counselling service.

Counsellors may work with individuals, couples, families or groups, and may provide counselling face-to-face, over the telephone or online. There are significant employment opportunities in the various specialised areas, such as addiction, victim support, marriage guidance, bereavement, substance abuse, homelessness, youth and community. Many counsellors work in private practice, private or public residential and non-residential youth and adult centres, schools, colleges, hospitals etc. Some choose to work in a specialized way, for example, by employing methods such as cognitive behaviour therapy or psychodynamic counselling.

On completion of the programme, graduates will also be accredited with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI) and the National Association of Pastoral Counselling and Psychotherapy (NAPCP).