How can I complete this Course?

The Programme can be completed on a Part-time basis over two years (6 semesters) and is delivered using a blended learning approach, with both traditional face-to-face contact and synchronous delivery through the VIRI classroom (Zoom).

Lectures will normally be timetabled on one evening per week from 6pm-9pm and on approximately eight Saturdays, 9:30am-4:30pm per academic semester.

As mentioned the programme has been scheduled to facilitate blended learning. Classes will be delivered through synchronous delivery which will involve classroom-based sessions, which will also be available on-line synchronously through a VIRI classroom, allowing students to log on to live classes.

Bearing in mind the benefits to students of collaborative and peer learning, and the importance of intellectual discourse and peer support, face-to-face classroom-based learning will also occur alongside the synchronous on-line delivery. The more practical elements of the programme will require students to attend in person.

Learners  engage in work-based learning and will be required to undertake 120 hours of a Professional Placement as part of the programme.

Structure of Course:

The Programme is divided into 9 modules each of which has Educational Credits (ECTS) associated with them (please see a list of the individual module titles and the associated credits below).

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

The programme has been designed to enable learners to demonstrate their academic and reflective learning in appropriate ways. Each module requires completion of an assessment type which will normally consist of 1 or 2 components. The assessment strategy accommodates different learning styles and therefore the programme assesses learners using a range of practical assignments, including; 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.

It is also important to note that learners who complete 60 ECTS and who wish to exit the programme without completing their Dissertation may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Counselling

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 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 Module 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 bodies 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 Addiction Counselling, students will be qualified to access  Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

What are the entry requirements for this course?

• 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.
• The minimum English language proficiency requirement for this programme is B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5.
• Garda Vetting is a requirement for all successful applicants.
• All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the Programme.

Completion of the programme will facilitate  graduates to meet professional accreditation requirements for professional practice in Addiction Counselling.

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.
• Student may seek Professional Accreditation with Addiction Counsellors 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.

This progrmme is offered on a part-time 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 €8,200 (this includes a 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 Requirements and 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.