BA in Counselling & Psychotherapy

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be 23 or over.
• Entry is by application form and interview.

This course is designed for people who wish to become professional therapists or have an opportunity to use counselling skills as part of their work (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) or simply want to broaden their qualifications. Many of our graduates enter the profession from diverse careers such as finance, engineering, and the wider world of business, as well as homemaking, nursing, teaching, and social work. It is of particular interest to people who have found counselling to be helpful.

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 application.

Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course. Workshops including essay skills will be provided to assist with the practicalities of written work. These workshops are currently provided free and attendance is mandatory.
In years 3 & 4 as degree students become more independent learners, tutorials, seminar, and career development sessions will be provided.

YEAR 1

• Personal Development
• Overview of Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories and Approaches
• Counselling Skills
• Study / IT Skills
• Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
• Special Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy

YEAR 2

• Humanistic Psychotherapy
• Personal Development
• Counselling Skills
• Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
• Strategies in Counselling & Psychotherapy
• Lifespan Development
• Placement / Supervision

YEAR 3

• Personal Development
• Counselling Skills
• Sexuality
• Loss and Bereavement
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Special Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Placement / Supervision

YEAR 4

• Research Methods in Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Professional / Ethical Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Family / Systemic Psychotherapy
• Case Study / Career Development
• Proposition Essay

Plus two of the following

• Brief Therapy
• Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
• Group Psychotherapy
• Art Therapy
• Sexual Abuse and Dysfunction
• Substance Addictions
• Workplace Counselling
• Conflict Management
• Pastoral / Spiritual Counselling

Additional Course Requirements:

• Four one day personal development workshops totalling 24 hours
• 50 hours of personal therapy during the first three years of the course
• 100 hours of work with clients
• 20 sessions with a qualified supervisor to review your client work

AWARD: HETAC BA IN COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Meets the criteria of the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Fees:
PCI College tuition fees for courses commencing in October 2012 are as follows:

Year 1 €4,950 (includes HETAC fees)
Year 2 €4,200
Year 3 €3,600
Year 4 €3,600

This course is eligible for tax relief on tuition fees.

In order to facilitate students, PCI College has introduced a monthly Direct Debit Plan. Please note that there is an extra charge of €80 for this option.

Year 1 Breakdown:

Payment	Payment Due Date	Amount
Deposit	Due with Application	€250.00
Acceptance Fee	On acceptance of place	€1000.00
Initial Payment + admin fee	3rd October 2012	€ 1190.00
Second Payment	5th November 2012	€ 370.00
Third Payment	3rd of December 2012	€ 370.00
Fourth Payment	7th of January 2013	€ 370.00
Fifth Payment	4th February 2013	€ 370.00
Sixth Payment	4th of March 2013	€ 370.00
Seventh Payment	1st of April 2013	€ 370.00
Eighth Payment	6th of May 2013	€ 370.00

Additional Course Costs
Course fees do not cover costs associated with Additional Course Requirements; Personal Therapy & Supervision.

Fees for Supervision and Personal Therapy are decided by negotiation between you and your Supervisor and Therapist. The average cost for supervision is approximately €60. Personal therapy may also average about €60 per session.

Application Process
Applicants should complete the online application form including the Initial Deposit of €250, which is deductible from course fees if the application is successful. Applicants are entitled to a full refund of the Initial Deposit if they decide to cancel within 7 days of receipt of their application. Should an application be unsuccessful, or if the application is cancelled by the applicant following this 7 day period, an administration fee of €60 is charged and the balance of €190 refunded.

Intake interviews will be arranged for suitable applicants. Applicants who are offered a place will be required to confirm acceptance in writing accompanied by a Booking Deposit of €1,000. When an Applicant has accepted a place all tuition fees, including deposits, shall be fully non-refundable in all personal circumstances.

Lecturers:

All PCI College Lecturers are highly qualified, experienced individuals who hold a minimum of a Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy and are practising Counsellors accredited with the IACP. Many hold MSc.s in specialist fields.

Students are supported through the degree programmes by our Core Tutors, making this a truly unique adult education experience.

Since our foundation we have taken the steps necessary to ensure the delivery of a quality service in an environment that is characterised by an attitude to adult learners that is supportive and encouraging. We aim to provide an experience of learning that will develop in students a hunger for reflective and critical analysis.

Our learning programmes are designed to be participative, experiential and to draw whenever possible on prior lived experience. The academic value of programmes is enhanced by a learning environment that is warm, transparent, and genuine. Learners and staff interact in a mutual effort to engage in and promote the concept of lifelong learning.

Our Core Tutors take a holistic view of the student. They provide support through one-to-one and group sessions for students facing academic and non-academic problems. In co-operation with our lecturers, and other college departments, they monitor student participation in professional degree programmes including academic assignments, clinical work, and personal development.

For a full list of our Core Training Staff, please click here.

Career Path:

Counselling is a fulfilling career and can change your life as well as others. People who become counsellors are genuinely interested in human behaviour and have a strong desire to help others improve their mental well-being. They are also skilled at interacting with people on a personal level, while maintaining a professional relationship.

Once you have completed our Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy, you have completed the training requirements for accreditation with the IACP. For full information on becoming accredited with the IACP, please click here. Established in 1981, the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) is an independent national organisation which sets, maintains and develops standards in the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. IACP is a registered Charity (CHY 6615) representing over 3,250 members.

Today more than ever there is a massive need for trained counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland. Indeed there is increased acknowledgement of the growing need for Counsellors within the HSE, Community Primary Care Groups, Schools and the Private Sector. Our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy ensures that you have equipped yourself with the necessary qualification and training to be recognised and effective. Once you have completed your professional training, there are many routes open to you; You may wish to set up a Private Practice, join an agency or work for an organisation such as the HSE, a School, a Charity or a State-Body.

If you would like to continue your education, PCI College now offer a Masters in Integrative Counselling.

What’s the deadline for Degree course applications?
There is no deadline.  The course is filled on a first come, first served basis.  We have no closing date, however, the first round of interviews are held in March each year.  Degree courses only commence in  September of each year. Those that are successful at interview are offered their first choice of time and location.  We recommend that you send in your application as soon as possible otherwise you may not get your first choice.

Can I get accredited with the IACP after completing this course?
Our Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy is the Professional Qualification and meets the accreditation criteria of the IACP.

What level on the NFQ is the course?
The BA in Counselling & Psychotherapy is awarded by HETAC and is Level 8 on NFQ.

How many are in a class?
We keep classes small in year 1 and year 2 (18 students), we aim to provide students with experiences and opportunities which will 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.

Do the College help students source the 100 hours Counselling Practice?
Yes, we have a Clinical Placement Officer who helps students find placements within organisations that we have relationships with. We also offer a Low Cost Counselling service from the college which is designed to assist students complete their necessary client work and because we believe that lack of funds should not be a barrier for people who need counselling

Are there any exams?
Yes, the course is assed by both assignments and exams.

I have been out of education awhile; I am concerned about the assignment?
We have an essay writing workshop at the start of each year to outline how to write and reference assignments properly and outline the standard expected each year. We also have readers in place which you can send your assignments to, to be checked before marking.

Are the fees taxes deductable?
Yes

Is there a Payment Scheme?
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.

Is the BA programme accredited by Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (HETAC)? 
Yes, the BA Programme is accredited with HETAC.

What job opportunities are there for counsellors/psychotherapists?
The field of counselling & psychotherapy is very broad.  Some graduates are working part-time in private practice, some are working full time in e.g. HSE or schools or addiction centres or charities etc, and some have pursued their own area of interest by providing a new service in their community.  From surveys of graduates, most are working at least part-time in counselling & psychotherapy but some are simply continuing with their original career e.g. teachers, Garda Síochána etc.