Structure of Course

On acceptance of their place on the course, learners would be required to attend for induction day. This covers all aspects of the programme content, delivery, assessment, and requirements. Induction provides the learner with an opportunity to become familiar with the environment, peers, and faculty members.

All learners complete this course on a part-time basis over 2 years. Attendance would normally require attendance in person (either in class or on Zoom) on 1 evening per week (6pm to 10pm) and Saturdays (9.30am to 4.30pm) over 3 semesters in the academic year from September to July. The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning via Zoom where this allows,  but skills-based components do require a certain amount of in-person attendance and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques via Zoom. This allows the learner to access classes in person or using online facilities. In certain skill-based modules attendance will be a mandatory requirement.

Each learner would study and submit for assessment 3 Modules in Semester 1 (15 ECTS). The focus of these modules are designed to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the Principles and Practices of a range of Psychotherapeutic approaches (5ECTS), Skills and Competency focused learning (5 ECTS), the application of a range of modalities of practice (5ECTS) and are assessed on this work within the same Semester. Learners will also commence their ‘Knowing Self’ Module in Semester 1 and complete it in Semester 4 (5ECTS).

In Semester 2, learners will take a total of 10 ECTS of material, which focuses on Group Work as applied within a range of Modalities (5 ECTS). In addition, learners take a shared module to focus on Understanding Psychopathology (5ECTS) and commence their Practicum (Work-Based Learning) module, in which they are required to engage in 200 Hours of Modality Specific direct client work. This is a linear Module (15ECTS) and assessment of this occurs on a continuous basis until the end of Semester 5. Learners engage in structured Individual Clinical Supervision across this period and are also supported through Internal Group Supervision. All learners are required to undertake and complete pre-requisite modules (10 ECTS)  prior to commencing their Practicum Module.

The Dissertation Module commences in Semester 2 and is due for completion and submission in Semester 5 and learners continue to engage in Placements during Semester 3 under Clinical Supervision arrangements.

In Semester 4, learners are also taught a 10 ECTS Module on Research Methodologies and Design to support them with their Dissertation Module which is a Linear Module that commences in Semester 2. Likewise, all learners take an additional 5 ECTS Elective Module in Semester 4, where they can choose a theoretic Module associated with the Other Streams or one 5 ECTS Module from a list of common Elective Modules.

In Semester 5 learners will complete their practice-based learning (15 ECTS) and their Dissertation(30ECTS) – a total of 45 ECTS.

The following are the modules that have to be completed on this course which means a total of 90 ECTS have to be completed for the Award of MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy ( Family Therapy)

How are learners assessed on this course?

This course has been designed to enable learners to demonstrate their academic and reflective learning in appropriate ways.The assessment strategy comprises a range of assessment tools and approaches to allow for valid assessment of differing learning outcomes as well as for valid assessment of differing learning styles and situations.   The range of assessment tools or approaches is also chosen to complement the proposed teaching strategies that jointly best allow inference of learner attainment of the learning outcomes as evidenced in demonstration of relevant knowledge, skill, or competence.  Assessment tasks normally include:

• Written Assignments (e.g. Essay, Written Report, Research Proposal)
• Projects (Individual and Group)
• Practical Assignments
• Individual and group presentations
• Terminal Examinations
• Learning Journals or Portfolios

At the start of each academic year, learners also receive a Programme Handbook, which supplements the Student Handbook.  The Programme Handbook contains the specific academic information relevant to the individual’s programme, notably module descriptors, learning outcomes, associated assessment strategies, booklists, and academic calendars are published on the LMS.  The academic calendar details lecture commencement and conclusion dates, as well as assignment submission dates and examination week dates. This is published on the LMS for learners and lecturers.  Additionally, modular content on the LMS includes details on the assessment strategy derived from the validated programme document.  Within the first week of each module, learners receive relevant assignment briefs for the modules being completed in that semester.  The assignment briefs provide learners with details of the assessment tools being employed, the learning outcome(s) which have been designed to measure their knowledge acquisition and what criteria will be applied to assess performance, and the deadline and means of submission.

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

Assessment and Standards (Revised 2013) refers to the use of either complete programme stages or modules as Capstone entities, specifically stating “Capstone modules and stages are designed to provide an opportunity for learners to integrate learning attained in other modules and stages. They are always necessary. An example of a capstone module is the process by which a learner produces a dissertation under supervision.”

Within that context, the Dissertation Module is identified as an appropriate capstone module for the MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy programme.  This module will afford learners the opportunity to draw upon personal, aesthetic, empirical, and other patterns of knowing and forms of learning and integrate these with theoretical components of their learning across the full programme.  It will afford learners the opportunity to demonstrate a synthesis of such learning. In this module learners will be assessed by means of a completed Dissertation.

What supports are available to learners

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 learners 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 learner 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.

Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?

On successful completion of the MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy, learners will be qualified to access  Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

What are the entry requirements for this course?

This programme is designed for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of Counselling related programmes as well as, nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the human condition.

The knowledge, skills and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 Programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Human Science Level 8 degree.

Those who have completed other relevant education programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard can also be considered. If you wish to apply for this programme, please click on the ‘Apply Now” tab. All applicants undertake a selection interview to support applicants to make an informed decision regarding their choice of programme and to ensure suitability

Applicants should be driven by a desire to be leaders and agents for change; recognising the special contribution that professional psychotherapists using an Integrative approach can make to individuals , their families and communities in supporting individual recovery, wellbeing and also at policy and preventative levels in terms of public health models, thus enriching the lives of individuals and communities. Candidates will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.

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. A member of the Admissions team will be happy to assist you

This course has a curricular structure which provides a modularised and scaffolded developmental structure across the duration of study which is designed to contribute to the requirements of relevant Professional Associations for professional Accreditation in Counselling and/or Psychotherapy.

During the development of this programnme the College were  cognisant  of the Accreditation requirements of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists; the National Association for Professional Counselling & Psychotherapy (formerly the National Association for Pastoral counselling & Psychotherapy) as well as the guidance on training standards for Psychotherapy issued by the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP).

The EAP stipulates that training may take a number of routes but must not (in total) be less that 3,200 hours, which may be spread over a minimum of seven years, with the first three years being the equivalent of a relevant university degree. The later four years must be in a training or alternatively it may be conducted as a 5-year full-time academic education and training in psychotherapy, organised by a university, which must contain all the theoretical and practical elements defined by the EAP.

Some other useful features of the course are as follows

• This programme is congruent with the objective of providing accessible and flexible programmes to adult learners and has been designed with particular emphasis on the use of blended learning technologies to support traditional classroom learning
• This programme supports learners to develop personally & professionally to enable them to achieve a Masters Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy focusing on Family Therapy.
• Develop learners knowledge, skills & competence to an appropriate level of ‘Higher Order Practice’
• Modules within the programme are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills and an understanding of the systems and context within which individuals may be best supported.
• The programme provides progression opportunity to complete a range of Programmes at Level 10 nationally and internationally.

This programme is offered on a part basis only and there are options around the payment of tuition fees with payment plans  available to learners.

A central component of the ICHAS vision is the provision of flexible and affordable education for all.

The tuition fees for the programme are €7,800 (this includes 2% PEL levy). In addition, students who opt for monthly instalments will incur an extra fee of €150 to avail of this facility. All fees are fully protected under our Protection of Enrolled Learners’ Policy.

Protection of Enrolled Learners’ Policy : All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

Additional Costs

Please be aware that Personal Therapy and Clinical Supervision have to be completed as part of the programme and the  costs associated with these are extra and not included in tuition fees.