Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content

Student Login

Forgot your Password?
Back to Navigation



BSc (Hons) in
Counselling and Psychotherapy Upgrade Programme for Qualified Counsellors

For qualified counsellors who want to gain an honours degree in just two years

-outstanding individual support;  unique classroom setting (experiential and theoretical)
-enhance existing qualifications
-achieve an honours Bachelor of Science degree validated by Middlesex University (Level 8) 

Application procedure: To ensure a place on the course of your choice, PCI College strongly recommends that you enrol early by completing an application form including the course comparison form. Applications must be accompanied by a Processing Fee of €250 which shall be fully non-refundable in all personal circumstances. This fee is deductable from course fees if the application is successful.

Interviews will be arranged for BSc Upgrade Students at a time to be agreed. At this interview you will discuss a plan of action comprising the steps that you need to take in order to complete the BSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy degree course. We will also evaluate your personal readiness to undertake this course. If you require any clarification, please contact us on info@pcicollege.ie or 01-4642268.

  • Accreditation: BSc (Hons) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy is validated by Middlesex University.

  • Venue: Available one afternoon in West Dublin (Mon, Tues or Thurs)  or Kilkenny (Tues or Wed) or alternate weekends in Dublin, Cork, Athlone or Limerick 

  • Duration: Two year part-time programme

  • Award: Middlesex University BSc (Hons) in Counsellingand Psychotherapy

  • Tuition Fees: Please download the application form for details of fees and application process. In order to facilitate students, PCI College introduced a Payment Plan. The course can be paid in 3 fixed payments due in September, November & February. There is no extra charge for this option.

  • Specific Entry Requirements: See below

  • Who should consider our upgrade course?  This course is designed for qualified counsellors (including Diploma graduates from other counselling and Psychotherapy training institutes) who wish to add to their qualifications and gain an honours degree.

PCI College

"We aim to provide students with experiences and opportunities which enable them to develop their potential in a supportive, stimulating and challenging environment, where ideas are discussed freely and where there is a sense of sharing in a continuing process of self-discovery. PCI College attracts students from a range of ages, backgrounds and professions. Each student brings a depth of experience and diversity to PCI College, and we our privileged to have lecturers and trainers of high quality, with a wide range of expertise, plus a dedicated and welcoming administrative team who provide important backup and support for the people who study with us." Eoin Stephens, College President

About the Course

The course is Integrative in approach. There are no formal written examinations. Each course module (30 hours) is assessed separately, usually by a written assignment. Upgrade students enter the degree programme in year three and receive exemption from year one and year two modules. Any year one or year two module that was not exempted can be taken as a catch up module.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed:

  • A foundation course in counselling skills or equivalent e.g. in-service training with a substantial counselling element and
  • A diploma with counselling and psychotherapy at its core.
Please note that all applicants must have successfully completed a Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy to be eligible for the Upgrade Programme.

Applicants must supply supporting documentation to verify completion of:

  • 50 hours of personal therapy
  • At least 100 hours of work with clients
  • 20 sessions with a qualified supervisor to review client work.

Entry is by application form and interview

Course Content

YEAR 3

  • Family/Systemic Counselling: Theory & Skills
  • Clinical Placement - Part 2
  • Research Methods
  • Personal & Professional Development

YEAR 4

  • Clinical Placement - Case Study
  • Proposition Essay or Extended Proposition Essay

Plus one or two other modules:

  • Brief Therapy
  • Advance Psychodynamics
  • Advanced CBT
  • Group Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Sexual Abuse & Dysfunction
  • Substance Addictions
  • Workplace Counselling
  • Conflict Management
  • Pastoral/Spiritual Counselling

AWARD : MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY BSc (Hons) in COUNSELLING and PSYCHOTHERAPY (Level 8 NFQ Framework)