Counselling and Psychotherapy

This postgraduate programme trains you to become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist, equipping you with advanced therapeutic skills across a range of modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. You explore human development, mental health theory, ethics, and the neuroscience of trauma alongside intensive clinical work. A typical week combines lectures and seminars with personal therapy hours — a requirement for accreditation — and supervised client work in placement settings. Placements are arranged in HSE primary care services, community mental health centres, and private practice environments. Some programmes offer opportunities to engage with European partners through Erasmus exchanges or international clinical training frameworks.

Entry to an accredited MSc in Counselling or Psychotherapy typically requires an Honours Bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) in psychology, social work, nursing, or a related health or humanities discipline, usually at 2.1 or above. Some programmes accept applicants with a Level 8 in other fields provided they hold a recognised counselling skills foundation certificate or diploma. A prior undergraduate degree in psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland is advantageous for certain routes. Mature applicants with substantial relevant professional or voluntary experience in mental health or community settings are actively considered. Access routes via HEAR or DARE are available at the undergraduate feeder stage, and Springboard+ funding may support fees on selected programmes. You will be interviewed and assessed for personal suitability, as emotional resilience and self-awareness are essential for entry.

Demand for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland continues to grow, driven by rising referral rates within HSE PCCC (Primary Care, Community and Continuing Care) and increased public awareness of mental health. Accreditation with IACP or ICP is essential for independent practice and is increasingly required by employers. Private practice is a viable pathway, particularly in urban areas, though building a caseload takes time and ongoing CPD investment. Graduates with HSE placement experience are well placed to secure salaried positions in primary care or addiction services.