Course Summary
There is a growing awareness of the widespread harm caused by addiction to individuals, families and communities. This training is part of an evolving shift from over-reliance on medical based models of treatment to those of psycho-social interventions and talking therapies.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should possess the maturity to reflect on their development as a person and have successfully completed and obtained a minimum grade 2.2 in one of the following:
Level 8 NFQ/Level 6 UK accredited degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy/Addiction Counselling
OR
Level 8 NFQ/ Level 6UK degree in Social Sciences (Youth Work, Social Care, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Medicine, etc.)
OR
Accredited Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy/Addiction Counselling plus Level 8 NFQ/Level 6UK degree in an unrelated area plus submission of a clinical portfolio
Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be eligible to enter the course based on prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying based on prior learning, must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study. This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) must be submitted with your application.
ELIGIBILITY YEAR 2
Students who hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy (PCI College or equivalent) may apply for entry to Year 2 of the course.
Students who do not meet these criteria may be eligible to enter Year 2 on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying on the basis of prior learning must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study. This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) and be must be submitted with your application.
Language Requirements
All candidates are required to satisfy the English language requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English and who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate may satisfy the requirement through the completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) on the basis that they obtain a minimum band score of 6 at the undergraduate level and 6.5 at postgraduate level or an equivalent score of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Cambridge, which denotes a very good skill level of English. It should be noted that these are the minimum requirements in English and PCI College may set higher requirements in each case.
Garda Vetting
Students will be required to participate in Garda Vetting procedures in relation to programme requirements. Garda Vetting deadlines must be adhered to. PCI College has the right to withdraw a student from the programme if they do not meet these deadlines. Garda Vetting is charged at 20.00 per person and is included in the Acceptance payment paid prior to enrolment within applicable programmes.
IT Skills
Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course
Additional Entry Requirements
Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.
Application Details
Fees
Year 1: 4,990* (Includes all academic and administration costs and charges)
Year 2: 4,450
Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma Prices available upon request.
*Please note that there is an additional charge of 20 for the Garda vetting process which is required prior to course entry and it is not included in the above fees.
Payment Plan available.
Additional Course Costs
Course fees do not cover costs associated with additional course requirements (personal therapy and supervision). Fees for supervision and personal therapy are decided by negotiation between you and your supervisor and therapist. The average cost of supervision is approximately 60. Personal therapy may also average about 60 per session.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
On successful completion of this programme, graduates decide on the course of action most appropriate to their needs and ambitions. The programme aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to build a successful career within this Addiction Counselling specialism. Graduates from this programme have a wide variety of career avenues to choose from. PCI College offer student support and guidance in exploring their career options through the provision of an additional career focused workshop.
The following avenues are open to them:
Avenue 1
Graduates may choose to continue working in employment settings where Talk Therapy skills related to Addiction are essential if they are to serve their clients in a more truly comprehensive way.
Avenue 2
Graduates may gain employment in the Public Sector, Government-funded agencies and other organisations that promote and facilitate addiction recovery, for example, HSE settings, Residential Treatment Centres, Addiction and Recovery Services, Social Care settings, etc.
Avenue 3
Graduates will obtain skills transferable to managerial positions in addiction, health and community services.
Avenue 4
Graduates may increase their existing private practice services as counsellors/therapists who specialise in addiction.
Avenue 5
Graduates may market themselves as having specialist skills in working specifically with behavioural addiction, motivational interviewing, the family in addiction and dual diagnosis.
Avenue 6
Graduates may pursue accreditation status with Addiction Counsellors Ireland (ACI) or other accredited organisations.
Avenue 7
A number of graduates choose to use their learning from this programme as a stepping-stone to further study in addiction, counselling or the social sciences, for example doctoral studies.
Validation
The MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy is subject to review by Middlesex University as part of our external quality assurance procedures. Our university validated programmes are developed, delivered and assessed by PCI College and awarded by and quality assured by Middlesex University. A qualification from Middlesex University London is internationally recognised both within the EU and outside the EU. Brexit will have no impact on these facts.
Duration
Weekends - Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5.30 pm (approx. 1 weekend per month from October to June)