BA (Hons) Level 8 Degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
This innovative part-time four year programme is validated by QQI and accredited by IACP
Entry Requirements: Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent
Starting: September 2020
Duration: Four year programme delivered on a part-time basis.
Annual Fees: €3,875
Introduction
Our four-year BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy is now accepting applications for the September 2020 intake. This innovative programme is validated by QQI and accredited by IACP, Ireland’s largest professional body. With a seamless transition from theory to practice, graduates of this programme are perfectly placed to pursue an enriching and fulfilling career as a therapist in the helping professions.
At IICP, we desire to contribute a community dimension to the development of mental health care and counselling through the use of a practical, cutting-edge and integrative model, which forms the basis for this pioneering and innovative programme. We consider that training in counselling and psychotherapy is an inter-disciplinary endeavour, a combination of art and science to include, amongst others, the disciplines of philosophy, psychology, sociology and anthropology. IICP’s core philosophical ethos, which offers a theoretical framework encompassing humanistic-existential, cognitive-behavioural and multicultural psychotherapeutic models, is a contemporary integrative framework.
This unique approach offers a broad structure to professionals who are dealing with a diverse range of clients and presenting problems. IICP offer a unique learner-centred environment. At the heart of the training provided in IICP lies the belief that people are experts in the story of their own lives. The therapeutic process can encourage the client to make effective change in relation to life direction and the ensuing process of decision making. IICP holds 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.
Who Should Apply
This course is designed for people who wish to become professional therapists, or for those who have an opportunity to use counselling skills as part of their work. The programme will also appeal to a variety of professionals who wish to augment and build upon previous training in the addiction, social care, health, education and mental health professions.
Entry Routes
- A qualification recognised at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) e.g. Leaving Certificate is required for entry onto this programme. Those with substantial life experience can also apply under our recognition of prior learning and experience policy.
- Learners will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
- Learners can apply for exemptions under RPL; however such exemptions must be applied for in advance of commencing the programme.
Student Benefits & Support
With a high level of student support, learners can attain the required skills to effectively respond to those in emotional or psychological distress. Learners are afforded the space, time and support to develop an integrative model of practice for work with clients. With established links to an on-site therapy centre, IICP offers a seamless transition from classroom to clinical practice.
Overview
The programme is delivered on a part-time basis. There are a number of options available:
- Weekly Delivery:
- Tuesday 9:30am-5:00pm
- Weekly Delivery:
- Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm
- Block Delivery (Monthly):
- Friday 6:00pm-10:00pm
- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
- Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
There is a 90% attendance requirement. There is one additional Professional Knowledge Seminar per year.
Start Dates:
- Weekly Delivery (Tuesday):
- Tuesday 22 September 2020
- Weekly Delivery (Saturday):
- Saturday 26 September 2020
- Block Delivery (Monthly):
- Friday 02 October 2020
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 BA (Hons) is a major award validated by QQI at Level 8 on the NFQ.
- IICP’s BA (Hons) is professionally accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
Credits
240 ECTS
Programme Lecturers
We have a large faculty team, including:
- Prof. Michael O’Rourke
- Dr. Eve Watson
- Dr. Linda Finnegan
- Dr. Maria Quinlan
- David O’Regan
- Dermot O’Neill
- Ann Frey
- Christy Kenneally
- Stephen Rowen
- Gayle Kearney
Protection for Enrolled Learners
This programme is covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of IICP College ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded. Current PEL arrangements consist of a 2% levy on course fees. IICP do not pass the cost of this on to learners.
Programme Structure
The programme is highly interactive and taught through role-play, lectures, group-work and audio/video presentations. The ethos of the course reflects the Quality School model of Choice Theory, Reality Therapy & Lead Management (CT/RT/LM), which promotes a warm, safe environment that is free from fear, criticism and coercion. Participants will have the opportunity to produce and participate in individual written assignments, group projects and group work.
Year 1 Semester 1
Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
Introduction to Counselling Skills
Introduction to Personal Development
The Dynamics of Addiction
Year 1 Semester 2
Theory of Counselling and Psychotherapy 1
Advanced Microskills of Counselling and Psychotherapy 1
Bereavement, Loss and Grief
Ethics and Values
Year 2 Semester 1
Theory of Counselling and Psychotherapy 2
Advanced Microskills of Counselling & Psychotherapy 2
Personal Development
Developmental Psychology
Year 2 Semester 2
Group Process and Facilitation
Couples Counselling
Professional Skills
Skills Practice & Tutorials
Year 3 Semester 1
Clinical Placement and Professional Development 1
Sexuality
Supervision
Year 3 Semester 2
Research Methods and Statistics
Clinical Placement and Professional Development 2
Practice Development
Year 4 Semester 1
Working with Children & Adolescents
Advanced Professional Practice
Applied Research Methods
Abnormal Psychology
Year 4 Semester 2
Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy
Family Dynamics and Clinical Implications
Group Therapy
Supervision Groups & Research Supervision
IICP understand that while partaking in further education is an incredibly rewarding experience it can also be a financial challenge for some students. In order to minimise the financial impact caused to students, IICP strive to keep our course fees as competitive as possible. We also provide payment plan options to facilitate learners paying the balance of their fees throughout the duration of their course.
Annual Fees: *€3,875
*(Inclusive of QQI registration fee and annual Professional Knowledge Seminar Fee)
Year One: Payment Options
(1) Pay in Full before Start of Course
Payment Type | Payment Due | Payment Amount |
---|---|---|
Application Fee | On application (non-refundable) | €60 |
Deposit | On acceptance of course offer | €1,155 |
Balance of Fees | On or before 01 September 2020 | €2,720 |
Total Paid: |
€3,935 |
(2) Payment Plan Options Available (administration fee incurred*)
- Flexible Payment Options Available. Please Contact the IICP office to find out more!
Additional Course Requirements and Costs
- Personal Therapy – Learners complete 50 hours of personal therapy over the duration of the programme.
- Clinical Supervision – Learners complete a minimum of 24 hours of one-to-one supervision over the duration of the programme.
- Group Therapy – Learners complete 10 sessions of group therapy in the final stages of the programme. Average cost: €20 per session.
- IACP – In advance of commencing clinical work in third year, learners obtain student membership of IACP and achieve successful IACP Garda vetting. Cost: €84 for membership and €30 for Garda vetting in 2019, which may be subject to change from time to time.
- Clinical Work – Learners complete 120 hours of direct one-to-one client work as part of the programme.
Learners understand that the costs of these activities are not covered by programme fees and that successful completion of the BA (Hons) is dependent on submitting the necessary evidence that these criteria are fulfilled.
Personal therapy and clinical supervision can cost from €30 per session upwards. Fees are negotiable between learners and individual therapists/supervisors.
Getting Started
You have the option of either applying online through our online application form or else by downloading an application form and sending it along with your payment to the IICP office.
ONLINE APPLICATION | DOWNLOAD (OFFLINE) APPLICATION |
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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.
- Excellent mix of theory, skills and personal development.
Available clinical placement at Village Counselling Service and/or full support in locating external placements off-site.
- Incredibly high levels of student support, ensuring that learners are continually guided and supported.
QQI Validated & IACP Accredited
- Competitively priced course fees with payment plans available.
What former students say about this Programme
I nearly choose another college to attend but after talking to a few practicing therapists I was highly recommended to come to IICP College. So, despite not knowing a huge amount about the institute I took the leap. I’m utterly grateful to have chosen IICP and thankful for the recommendations which swayed my decision. So far, I’ve found the lecturers to be knowledgeable, fun, kind and what really stands out for me is that each and every one of them really just want us all to do well. It’s incredibly lovely to study in such a supportive environment. It is also a friendly and warm place to be. I look forward to coming each week, I’ve met some cool people and if your reading this, I’d suggest you come here too! You won’t regret it.