The aim of the MA in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development is to provide a professional qualification (QQI Level 9, 90 ECTS) in guidance counselling to teachers and other relevant professionals to work in a range of settings such as post-primary, further and higher education, adult and community education and private practice. A central aspect of the programme is the development of practitioner knowledge, skills and competencies in the three areas of personal, educational and career guidance necessary to support individuals from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan. The underlying philosophy of the MA is a humanistic, person-centred approach and the counselling dimension of guidance counselling is given primacy within the course. The design of the MA has been influenced by national and international best practice in guidance counselling and involves critical engagement with contemporary theoretical, political and practical perspectives in the field. This MA is offered over two years on a part-time basis (mid-week evenings and weekends depending on location of delivery). It consists of a combination of taught modules, a professional practice placement and a research dissertation. 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. For the coming academic year 2013 - 2015, the MA in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development will be offered in the University of Limerick campus and the Carrick-on-Shannon Education Centre.
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