MSc in Guidance Counselling

The M.Sc. in Guidance Counselling is a two year part-time programme recognised by the DES and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) for professional practice as a guidance counsellor. 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. A key element of the programme is the strong emphasis on reflective practice and personal growth facilitated by personal counselling, placement practice experience and professional supervision to support and enable personal and professional development.

Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including the primary, secondary, further education and tertiary sectors, youth and community work, adult education, employee welfare, state agencies, business, industry, health and Human Resources.

This programme is also recognised by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) as a qualification to work as a guidance counsellor in a second level school.

Please note the DES also require employees to hold:

A primary degree with subjects recognised for teaching in second level schools (please check www.teachingcouncil.ie) and

A recognised teaching qualification.

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.

To view subjects taught on the MSc in Guidance Counselling please click here