Course Summary
The programme offers initial education and training in the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for practice in the interrelated areas of personal, education and career guidance counselling.
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 are required to hold a Primary Honours (Level 8) degree, plus three years relevant work experience.
OR
Equivalent professional qualification with three years relevant experience.
All applicants who are deemed to meet the minimum academic qualifications will be required to attend for interview.
Applicants will not be considered for interview unless all aspects of the application process are fully completed.
International Applicants
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details below.
Students are selected on the basis of:
Academic achievement or accredited prior learning.
Professional experience (three years' full or part time experience in a field broadly related to guidance is desirable).
Capacity to demonstrate at interview a vision and understanding of the role of the guidance counsellor, potential as a guidance counsellor to work with clients in response to their personal, educational and career needs and a willingness to commit to the demands of the programme.
*Please note the DE also require employees to hold:
A primary degree with subjects recognised for teaching in second level schools (please check Teaching Council) and a recognised teaching qualification.
Application Details
Applications Closing Date: 28th February 2025
There are three parts to the application process. All parts must be completed for your application to be valid and to be eligible for interview.
To apply for this programme:
All applicants should apply through .https://dcuie2.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply
Please submit the following:
Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study at undergraduate level with English translation if applicable should be uploaded with your application.
All applicants must submit a passport size photo.
A personal statement
All applicants must also provide two completed references (please see application portal)
Please ensure that you upload the required documentation. Failure to do so will render ineligibility for interview. DCU cannot accept responsibility for incomplete applications.
Applicants do not need to complete the personal statement as this requirement is fulfilled on the supplementary form.
Successful candidates please note deferrals on this programme are not permitted due to the large volume of applicants and the very strong competition for places.
Canvassing of any kind will disqualify an applicant. Furthermore, we do not discuss any aspect of an application with third parties.
Fees
EU Status Fee Part-time Yr 1 : €4,300 - Yr 2: €2,150
Non EU Fee Part time Yr 1: €8,800 - Yr 2: €4,400
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.