Blended Learning Programme
Level 9 Master of Science in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
Developed in conjunction with Visiting Professor John McLeod, this innovative Master’s provides a comprehensive understanding of both Pluralism & Research. (QQI Validated and IACP Accredited)
- Starting: September 2025
Delivery: This programme is facilitated through monthly three day blocks (usually Friday to Sunday)
Language requirement:Â If English is your second language you are required to submit an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) cert at Level 6.5, or equivalent. For more information please click HERE
Duration: 2 Years
- Annual Fees: €4,350
- Apply Online: Click here to apply
Introduction
Developed in conjunction with Visiting Professor John McLeod, this programme aims to enable existing professionals working within the field of counselling and psychotherapy to achieve a Master of Science in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.
A pluralistic perspective is an integrative approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy that embraces and considers multiple causes and responses to psychological distress. The aim of the programme is to equip practitioners with an up-to-date, cutting edge training to meet the needs of contemporary society. It also aims to identify and develop leadership and collaborative qualities in those involved in therapeutic practice. Graduates from this programme will have the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to act as research-practitioners.
The programme aims to enable graduates to analyse their own practice and the profession as a whole. We strive to facilitate learners in the creation of evidence-based solutions to the current problems they face as individual practitioners and dilemmas that exist within the profession. As pluralism is the unifying theme in the programme, the programme will foster a spirit of enquiry where learners will engage in the pursuit of multiple truths, drawing from diverse disciples, approaches and orientations.
Who Should Apply
This two year programme will be of interest to practicing therapists who wish to extend their existing qualification in Counselling & Psychotherapy to Master’s Level, or who are progressing from another counselling and psychotherapy training programme.
Entry Requirements
- If English is your second language you are required to submit an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) cert at Level 6.5, or equivalent. For more information please click HERE
- An honours degree, Level 8 on The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), in counselling and psychotherapy, or equivalent and evidence of completion of 50 hours of personal therapy and 120 hours of supervised clinical practice.
OR
- An honours degree, Level 8 on the NFQ, plus a professional diploma in counselling and psychotherapy (or equivalent).
Learners will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
Minimum Technological Requirements
For both the fully online and for the blended learning programme, you will need to have:
- Appropriate broadband to be able to upload and download;
- A desktop computer or laptop that is capable of using zoom;
- A webcam and microphone;
- A web browser; and
- Word processing package
Overview
This part-time programme consists of nine modules over two years. It is a taught Master’s with a strong research component. The programme utilises a continuous assessment strategy and learners accumulate credits though a variety of assessments over the duration of the programme.
Blended Learning Delivery
This programme is delivered via blended learning, whereby students rotate monthly between onsite and online. Onsite classes take place in our Tallaght Campus. Our blended learning classes are run as tutorials, that involve students and their lecturer logging into our online learning platform Moodle and use the online portal Zoom™ simultaneously.
Zoom™ provides and integrative online environment for students and Lecturers to interact and engage in the learning. This platform facilitates discussion polls, sharing of slides, videos resources and much, much more.
To foster more intimate learning environments the use of breakout rooms is also implemented, allowing for the safe and experiential triadic learning practice that we have found so successful.
All of our sessions are accessible through computer and mobile devices and we have a structured and robust technology department to support all faculty and students through their online learning journey. To encourage flexibility, and the best practice, we also record all our sessions, these are made accessible only to the students in that class to review content whenever is convenient to them!
Student Benefits & Support
We hold that it is not enough to simply teach the skills of counselling and psychotherapy. Learners are given the space to learn, practice and be supported as they develop for themselves a style and model of counselling which is both personal and effective.
Assessment
Learners are assessed through a continuous assessment strategy, which includes a variety of mediums such as individual and group projects, skills training assessments, case studies and process recordings, written assignments, essays and a dissertation.
Validation & Accreditation of Award
This master’s programme is accredited by IACP.
This master’s programme is a major award validated by QQI at Level 9 on the NFQ.
Credits
Start Dates
- Starting: September 2025
- The programme is facilitated through monthly three day blocks (usually Friday to Sunday)
Programme Lecturers
We have a large faculty team, including:
- Professor John McLeod
- Dr. Marcella Finnerty
- Dr. Linda Finnegan
- Mr. David O’Regan
- Mr. Dermot O’Neill
- Mr. Chris McConnell
- Mr. Craig Barry
- Ms. Paula Lawlor
- Ms. Pam Patchell
- Mr. Mark Tolan
Protection for Enrolled Learners
Programme Structure
The programme allows learners to engage in an in-depth analysis of pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy. Pluralism holds that different clients will want and need different things at different times. It considers that there is no one approach.
The programme entails training pluralistic theory and skills, engagement in learning in other approaches (i.e. CBT, ACT). There is a strong focus in practitioner research and an exploration of philosophical and sociological concepts.
The programme contains the following nine modules over the duration of two years.
A Pluralistic Framework For Counselling And Psychotherapy
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy
Pluralistic Clinical Skills
Pluralism in Psychotherapy: Multiple Perspectives, Multiple Possibilities
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Advanced Research Methods
Philosophical Underpinnings To Counselling And Psychotherapy
Practice Based Issues In Counselling And Psychotherapy
Research Portfolio
Overall Programme Fees
(Inclusive of QQI registration fee of €200 and the annual Professional Knowledge Seminar Fee)
- Application Fees: €100 (non – refundable)
- Year One Fees: €4,350*
- Year Two Fees: €4,350
*Following successful interview a deposit of €1,305 is required to secure your place.
Year One: Payment Options
(1) Pay in Full before Start of Course
Deposit
Balance of Fees
Total
(2) Payment Plan Options Available (administration fee incurred*)
- Flexible Payment Options Available.
Please Contact the IICP office to find out more!
Extra Costs
- Except where stated, course fees cover tuition only. Learners on this programme must also complete clinical work and engage an individual supervisor for this work. Supervision fees are negotiable between learners and individual supervisors.
- Students entering the MScPCP under RPL and seeking IACP accreditation must complete the full personal therapy and clinical placement requirements. Personal therapists and individual supervisors must be fully accredited with IACP, IAHIP or BACP. (Please see the BSc overview ‘additional costs’ section for further details).
- Those seeking IACP accreditation via the Masters, will also be required to successfully complete IACP GV, which incurs a fee. Please note, successful Garda Vetting is required to complete the course.
- An additional cost of the programme is student professional indemnity insurance, which ranges from €90-160 per annum. Learners who are IACP student/pre-accredited/accredited can avail of the IACP discount scheme.
Getting Started
Applications to this course are done online using the link below. If you have any queries, please contact the office on 01 4664205 or 087-9055330.
Simply click the below button to be brought to our online application process. When prompted, please select ‘Validated & Accredited Courses’, then select ‘MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy 2025’ and complete the form.
If you have any trouble at any stage of the application please click here to get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Why choose this Programme?
- Ideal course for anyone looking to pursue a career in counselling and psychotherapy.
- Co-developed by internationally renowned expert, Professor John McLeod.
- Competitively priced course fees with payment plans available.
QQI validated, ensuring the highest quality content and delivery.
- Incredibly high levels of student support, ensuring that learners are continually guided and supported.
What former students say about this Programme
Immense learning, every module taught in a clear and open manner. Thanks to the lectures and college staff I kept going. There was so much support, care and guidance. Amazing experience. Thank you!
The whole programme was fascinating. Support could not be improved upon. There was always a sense that support was readily available with no sense of judgement or pressure. John is an incredibly inspirational teacher!
The huge support offered by Professor John Mcleod and all at IICP was so invaluable as I progressed through this programme.
I found the flexibility shown in relation to the workload very useful. The academic support given throughout the course was excellent
I really enjoyed this course and learning. The journey provided valuable new learning and insights both on a personal and professional level. Thank you – it has been a fantastic journey
This course has challenged me on a personal and professional front. I’m left with more options for further work but also left me feeling confident to pursue these goals. Words don’t do this justice and I imagine as time moves on I’ll have an even deeper appreciation for it down the road
Doing the MA has been a fabulous experience. The level of support offered has been so helpful. I have learned so much in a wonderful environment. While it has been challenging, the facilitators and my peers have been a constant source of support, encouragement, information and fun. Thank you!