MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy Year 2 Pathway
This course pathway only applies only to applicants who already hold relevant qualifications
This Year-2 pathway is designed for experienced practitioners who already hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy (PCI College or equivalent), or who can demonstrate equivalent professional learning and clinical experience through a structured RPL process. It allows you to enter the MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy at the Postgraduate Diploma stage and complete the full Master’s award in a focused timeframe.
Rather than repeating Year 1 study, this pathway builds on your existing knowledge and experience. You’ll engage with advanced clinical modules, specialised therapeutic applications and complete the dissertation component that underpins the MSc qualification.
Who is this course for?
This route is ideal if you:
- Hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy or an equivalent postgraduate credential.
- Are an experienced practitioner in counselling, psychotherapy, healthcare, social work or a related field, and can provide evidence of relevant prior learning and clinical practice.
- Want to complete the MSc without repeating the foundational certificate stage.
If you do not hold the formal postgraduate certificate, but you have significant professional experience and learning in addiction counselling, you may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Your application should include a career portfolio that clearly shows your experience, skills and readiness for advanced study in this field.
What are the benefits of doing this course?
Once enrolled in Year 2, your learning will focus on specialised practice and the research dissertation:
Postgraduate Diploma | Advanced Modules
You will engage with in-depth modules that explore complex areas of addiction work, including:
- The Family Dimension in Addiction: Practice Based Considerations
- Talking Therapy Approaches to Addiction using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Contemporary Issues in Behavioural Addiction
- Dual Diagnosis: Treatment Considerations in Mental Health and Addiction
These modules deepen your clinical competencies and prepare you to apply evidence-based approaches in diverse settings.
MSc Research Component
Alongside the diploma modules, you will complete the MSc dissertation and case study. This independent research project is a core part of the Master’s award and strengthens your ability to integrate theory, research and clinical insight into your professional practice.
Clinical Practice and Supervision
Clinical practice remains a key part of the programme. Year 2 students are expected to continue accruing placement hours and work under qualified supervision. This ensures your theoretical learning is grounded in real world therapeutic practice and helps refine your reflective and relational skills.
Requirements include clinical placement hours, personal therapy, and supervision sessions with an accredited external supervisor, all designed to support safe, ethical and effective practice.
What will you learn?
Completing the Year 2 pathway leads to the MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy award from Middlesex University. Graduates will:
- Have advanced therapeutic skills tailored to addiction counselling and recovery work in a range of settings.
- Be equipped to engage complex presentations including behavioural addictions, dual diagnosis and family dynamics.
- Be prepared to make meaningful contributions to practice, policy discussions and service development in addiction and related fields.
The qualification is internationally recognised at UK Level 7 (comparable to Irish NFQ Level 9) and supports continued professional development and, where applicable, accreditation with specialist bodies such as Addiction Counsellors Ireland (ACI).
Year 2
Postgraduate Diploma – 60 Credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)
- The Family Dimension in Addiction: Practice Based Considerations
- Talking Therapy Approaches to Addiction using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Contemporary Issues in Behavioural Addiction
- Dual Diagnosis: Treatment Considerations in Mental Health and Addiction
Additional Course Requirements Title
- 100 hours Clinical placement/Client work (25 hours must be completed before the end of Year 1 for those progressing to the PG Diploma)
- 25 sessions with a qualified supervisor to support client work
- 30 hours Personal Therapy
- Residential Treatment Centre Site Visit
Assessment
Continuous Assessment
There are no formal examinations, giving students more opportunities to concentrate on their assignments and their own self-exploration throughout their journey. Assignments are varied in style to account for differing learning styles of students.
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. Language certifications must have been issued within the last two years at the time of application. 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.
Fees
Applicants should complete the online application form including the initial application fee of €80. This application fee is separate from the tuition fees, should your application be successful. This application fee is non-refundable if it has been longer than 14 days after the application has been received, or if you have been interviewed and deemed to be an unsuitable candidate for the programme you applied for.
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.
***PCI College BSc Counselling & Psychotherapy Graduates Student Discount*** €350 Off Year 1 Fees
Course Fees – Republic of Ireland
Course Total
Payment Plan
Pay in 18 monthly instalments, through the monthly payment plan. Please note that this plan will operate by direct debit only and is inclusive of a €100.00 administration fee. Each student must pass the progression board to enable them to move into the next year of study and the payment schedule outlined below.
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.
Career Path
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.
Application Process
Year 2 applicants should complete the online application form within the comparison course table, including the application fee of €100.
Intake interviews will be arranged for suitable applicants. Applicants who are offered a place will be required to confirm acceptance accompanied by an Acceptance Deposit of €1270. When an Applicant has accepted a place all tuition fees, including deposits, shall be fully non-refundable in all personal circumstances.
FAQ’s
What does ‘validation’ mean for this course?
It means that upon graduation, you will have achieved an internationally recognised FHEQ Level 7 (Comparable to NFQ Level 9) University Qualification that is continuously examined externally and academically quality assured by Middlesex University. You can join the 1000s of successful Middlesex University Graduates in London for their impressive Graduation Ceremony where your great achievement will be deservedly honoured!
Is this course accredited?
This course will serve professionals within the addiction field who wish to pursue accreditation with the Addiction Counsellors Ireland (ACI) The ACI does not accredit courses, it does however accredit individual applicants taking into account training, qualifications and experience. While the MSc Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy course is not accredited, it is designed to fulfil a number of the essential ACI criteria.
What level is this course?
Currently, the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (the IACP) do not accredit specialist training courses. However, we work closely with the IACP and keep abreast of all developments with them. As we stated, our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy is accredited by the IACP. The course is not accredited by a professional body. Individuals seeking professional accreditation should consult the relevant bodies website.
I am a Professional Counsellor, am I entitled to any exemptions?
If, in addition to your counselling qualification, you have completed the equivalent of a Post Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counselling, you may be eligible for an exemption. Please see the tab titled ‘Entry Requirements’ for more information.
What is the duration of the course?
Two years (24 months) part time. You will receive a detailed timetable prior to the beginning of each academic year to assist with planning and managing your time.
How often do I attend?
The course will take place at weekends (Saturday and Sunday, approx. 1 weekend per month from October to June) and the full provisional timetable will be available shortly.
Are my lecturers also therapists?
Yes, all of our lecturers are qualified and accredited practitioner therapists, counsellors, psychologists, in addition to skilled lecturers, and bring a wealth of real-world knowledge into the classroom.
How will I be assessed?
There are no formal examinations, giving students more opportunities to concentrate on their assignments and their own self-exploration throughout their journey. Assessment is achieved on a continuous basis with an assessment due on completion of a module. Assignments are varied in style to account for differing learning styles of students. This will include a mix of written, clinical and in-class practical assignments.
What happens if I miss classes?
As much of the work is done within the classroom, we encourage you to make every effort not to miss class. However, we understand that there are certain circumstances that cannot be avoided. If possible, notify the lecturer in advance if you are going to miss class. If you do miss class time, you will be required to identify the topics covered and independently catch up on this missed learning. You are not permitted to miss more that 10 hours in any one module. If you miss more than 10 hours in a module, you will be required to repeat the module in the next academic year.