Overview

Application Deadline:  24 May 2013

Master of Arts (MA) in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development
(Level 9, 90 ECTS credits)

Introduction

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.

The programme is offered over two academic years on a part-time basis (mid-week evenings and weekends depending on location of delivery).  It consists of a combination of taught modules across the two years, as well as a professional practice placement and a research dissertation in Year 2.  The curriculum includes an off-campus residential weekend in Spring Semester of Year 1 and two Summer School modules in Year 1 (one module per full week).   The average tuition contact time per week for each of the first four semesters is six hours, with a reduction to three hours in Semester 2, Year 2 to take account of the demands of undertaking a research dissertation.  However, the programme requires a significant level of personal commitment from participants in terms of attendance, contribution, self-directed learning and their own time management.

This new programme is under review by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for the purpose of appointment as a Guidance Counsellor in post-primary, further, and adult education.  This qualification does not provide graduates with a recognised teaching qualification as required by the Teaching Council.

Programme in PDF Format

Contact

Department: Education and Professional Studies
Dr. Lucy Hearne,    
Course Director,     
Lucy.hearne@ul.ie     
++353-61-202931

Graduate Profile

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.

Programme Content

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.

Entry Requirements

Candidates for this initial qualification in guidance counselling shall be required to possess either of the following:

• A Degree in Education at 2h2 (NQAI recognised) 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 2h2 (NQAI recognised) 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.

The number of places on the programme is limited.  Selection is a competitive process 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.

Further information on the MA is available at:  /web/WWW/Faculties/Education_%26_Health_Sciences/Departments/Education_and_Professional_Studies/Programmes

What to Include with your Application

• Full degree transcript and certificates/awards (including English translation if applicable)
• English language qualifications (if English is not your first language) 
• A copy of your birth certificate/passport

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.