About Counselling Psychology, MSc - at Trinity College Dublin
The M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology is an intensive two year full time year round course which offers graduates in psychology a professional training in Counselling Psychology. The course is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland.
The first year provides basic theoretical and therapeutic skills training, and significant personal development experiences. Major instructional blocks (5-6 weeks, 5 full days per week October & November; 2 full days per week in classes thereafter) are combined with practical experience in the form of 2 days per week experiential work on supervised placement. Students follow the placement site’s calendar, not that of the college, so continue their practical work during term breaks, past the end of the academic term, and in second year, begin before the start of Michaelmas term, according to their assigned placement.
The second year of the course involves further supervised practice (2 days per week) in a different placement, advanced study seminars 2 days per week, continuation of personal development sessions, and a research dissertation on a topic related to counselling psychology.
During both years students make academic and case presentations, and engage in 1:1 and small group supervision and skills training via video and audio recordings.
The Course Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the course. Lecturers and Supervisors are all practicing Psychologists or Therapists.
Entrance qualificationsApplicants must hold a degree in Psychology with not less than second class honors or equivalent (e.g. Dip.Psych.) when they start the course. Applicants must also provide evidence of related work, or volunteer experience in a helping or supportive capacity. Students must secure membership in their professional organization, e.g. PSI, BPS, APA, prior to commencing on the course. (Irish students must join PSI.) International students are very welcome to apply.
Course aim and contentThe MSc course in Counselling Psychology provides theoretical, practical, research, and personal development modules. During the first year the focus is on therapeutic skills training, case management and theoretical input on the primary approaches to counselling psychology. In second year the emphasis is on further theoretical knowledge and more advanced counselling skills. Students also undertake a major research project, finalised as a written Dissertation. Every student has a minimum of 2 placements during the course.
In first year placements run from November to June or so, and in second year from September through May. Students are, however, encouraged to continue in a placement throughout the summer months, and or begin their 2nd year placement early. Placement dates and hours are consistent with the site’s, not the college calendar and are agreed between the Supervisor, Trainee and The Course.
AssessmentIn both years there is continuous assessment including personal development, personal process and case study reports, reports from course supervisors, and in May of year one, a Theories Essay Exam. Second year students begin their research in the summer after their first academic year and submit their written dissertation early in July of their final year. Course and Site Supervisors must also pass students on their practical skills. Students must perform at a satisfactory level in all components of the course in order to rise with their year. Both academic and practical competence is necessary conditions of graduation.
No marks are final until approved by the Course Examination Board which meets in September.
