Course Details
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Brief Description
The focus of the MA is to qualify practicing teachers and other professionals to become qualified guidance counsellors. The professional Guidance Counsellor brings to bear specific skills in counselling individuals in the areas of personal, social, educational and career development. In order to fulfil their roles as Guidance Counsellors effectively, participants on the programme will be educated in a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies within the context of a lifelong learning framework. The strong focus on personal development on the programme strives to promote self-understanding and insight for a deeper appreciation of the counselling process. Consequently, participants are required to avail of external supervision provided by an accredited counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist in each academic year. Details of which will be explained to participants on the programme.
Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and go on to work in many different sectors, such as second level schools, adult guidance, youth and community work, third level career services, employment services, industry and private practice. Please note that the Department of Education require guidance counsellors in secondary schools to hold both a recognised post-primary teaching qualification and a guidance counselling qualification. Further information about the qualification requirements for various settings.
More information on the programme description.
Applicants are requested to supply, in addition to the specified documents, two separately attached documents on MS word:
(1) An up-to-date CV and (2) a 500 word Personal Statement describing their interest and reason for applying for the programme.
Applicants may be shortlisted and interviews will be arranged after the closing date.
The focus of the professional MA in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development is to qualify practicing teachers and other professionals to become professionally qualified Guidance Counsellors competent to practice in a range of settings. The professional Guidance Counsellor employs specific skills with individuals in the areas of personal, social, educational and career counselling. To fulfil this role, trainees on the programme are educated in a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies in the context of a lifelong learning framework.
There is a very strong focus on the trainee’s personal development on the MA programme which aims to promote self-awareness and insight for a deeper appreciation of the guidance counselling process with clients across the lifespan. Therefore, it is a requirement of the programme that trainees avail of external counselling provided by an accredited counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist in each academic year of the MA programme. Details of which are provided to trainees when they commence on the programme.
Programme Delivery
The programme is offered over two academic years on a part-time basis. It consists of a combination of seven taught modules, professional practice placements in Year 2 and a research dissertation in Year 2. The average class contact time per week for each of the first three semesters of the programme is 6 hours, with a reduction in Semester 2 of Year 2 to take account of the demands of undertaking a research dissertation. It is important to note that this professional programme requires a significant level of personal commitment from participants in terms of attendance, contribution, self-directed learning, assignment work and their own time management.
This MA programme is approved by the Department of Education for the purposes of employment as a guidance counsellor in the post primary and further education sector. But please note that the Department of Education require guidance counsellors in secondary schools to hold both a recognised post-primary teaching qualification and a guidance counselling qualification. For further information about the qualification requirements for various settings in Ireland, please click here.
Programme Centre: University of Limerick.
For information on the Exit Award: Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development click here
The curriculum is underpinned by an andragogical approach that aims to develop graduates who are knowledgeable, self-directed, articulate, collaborative, reflective and ethically aware of professional standards in guidance counselling.
| Modules | Delivery | Year / Semester |
| EN6221 Counselling Theory & Practice 1 (9 ECTS) | 6 Saturdays 100% face-to-face | Year 1, Sem 1 |
| EN6141 Professional Practice in Guidance Counselling (6 ECTS) | 12 mid-week evenings 33% face-to-face 67% online | Year 1, Sem 1 |
| EN6192 Theory and Skills of Experiential Group Learning (9 ECTS) | 6 Saturdays 100% face-to-face | Year 1, Sem 2 |
| EN6093 Contemporary Perspectives on Vocational Development and Progression across the Lifespan (6 ECTS) | 12 mid-week evenings 33% face-to-face 67% online | Year 1, Sem 2 |
| EN5320 Theory and Practice of Psychological Testing (6 ECTS) | Mon-Fri office hours 100% face-to-face | Year 1, Summer |
| EN6114 Counselling Theory & Practice 2 (9 ECTS) | 6 Saturdays 100% face-to-face | Year 2, Sem 1 |
| EN6091 Advanced Research Methods in Guidance Counselling (6 ECTS) | 12 mid-week evenings 33% face-to-face 67% online | Year 2, Sem 1 |
| EN6124 Practicum 1: Practice Placement (6 ECTS) | N/A | Year 2, Sem 1 |
| EN6015 Practicum 2: Practice Placement (6 ECTS) | Year 2, Sem 2 | |
| Dissertation (27 ECTS) (EN6044+EN6006) | N/A | Year 2, Sem 2 and Summer |
Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.
Applicants are requested to supply, in addition to the specified documents, two separately attached documents on MS word: (1) An up-to-date CV and (2) a 500 word Personal Statement describing their interest and reason for applying for the programme.
Candidates for this initial qualification in guidance counselling shall be required to possess either of the following:
- A Degree in Education at 2.2 or above from a concurrent undergraduate programme, or a Higher Diploma/Masters in Education, or an approved equivalent professional teaching qualification
OR
- An Honours Degree at 2.2 or above in a cognate discipline such as psychology, social and community work, human resources and health sciences.
Consideration will also be given to candidates in line with UL's Policy for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, they must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of UL.
As the number of places on the programme is limited the selection process is competitive and will include short listing prior to an interview.
It is a UL requirement that students taking this post-graduate programme will need to undergo a Garda clearance process.
What to Include with your Application
- Full degree transcript and certificates/awards (including English translation if applicable)
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- An up-to-date CV in word format
- A 500 word Personal Statement describing your interest and reason for applying for the programme
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
- If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
EU €6,400 per annum*
Non EU €14,000 per annum*
*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change
Note: This programme is not eligible for a study visa as it is offered on a part time basis.
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)
Graduate of this programme have availed of opportunities to work as qualified guidance counsellors in the post-primary, further, higher and adult education sector, public employment sector and private practice. They have also progressed into further professional studies and research.
“Embarking on the MA in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development in University of Limerick has been transformative for me. Having an academic and professional background outside of Post Primary Schools enhanced the course experience. The comprehensive curriculum delved into the intricacies of counselling techniques and career theories, equipping me with valuable skills to support individuals at various life stages. The program's emphasis on practical application of theory and insightful faculty guidance has shaped my ability to make a meaningful impact in this area of work.”
- Stuart Moloney, currently a 2nd year student on the MA