A Guide to QQI Levels, Eligibility Criteria and Pathways into Training
IICP College offers a range of QQI‑validated programmes and IACP‑accredited courses from certificate to master’s level.
What You Need to Know Before You Begin
Starting a counselling and psychotherapy course in Ireland begins with understanding the entry requirements and QQI levels. This guide breaks down what you need to qualify, where to begin and how to choose the right course for your career path.
What Is QQI?
Ireland uses the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a 10‑level system that defines the standard of every qualification from basic certificates to PhDs. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) oversees these levels and ensures they are recognised nationally and internationally. IICP College offers QQI‑validated academic programmes alongside additional professional and CPD offerings.
QQI levels help you understand:
- The difficulty of a course
- Your progression options
- How qualifications are recognised
QQI Levels Explained Simply
- Levels 1–3: Basic foundation learning (e.g. Junior Cycle)
- Levels 4–5: Entry vocational and PLC qualifications (e.g. Leaving Certificate)
- Level 6: Advanced certificates/higher certificates
- Level 7: Ordinary bachelor’s degree
- Level 8: Honours bachelor’s degree
- Level 9: Master’s degree
- Level 10: Doctorate
What QQI Level Do You Need for Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling courses in Ireland typically begin at Level 6 and progress to Levels 7–9.
1. Entry-Level Counselling and Psychotherapy Courses (QQI Level 6)
Many beginners start with a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Entry requirements include:
- A Level 5 qualification, such as the Leaving Certificate
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g. a 5.5 overall in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)), if English is not your first language (View more information about the IELTS)
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
2. Degree-Level Counselling Courses (QQI Levels 7–8)
Most professional counselling qualifications require a Level 7 or 8 degree. IICP College offers a QQI Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Entry requirements include:
- A Level 5 qualification, such as the Leaving Certificate
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g. level 6 in the IELTS), if English is not your first language. (View more information about the IELTS)
Learners can apply for exemptions under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (see below). Successful applicants will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
3. Postgraduate and Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy (QQI Level 9)
Those looking to advance or specialise in their practice can pursue a master’s degree, such as the MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy or MA in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy.
Entry requires:
- A Level 8 degree in counselling and psychology or equivalent
- Evidence of completion of 50 hours of personal therapy
- Evidence of 100 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Professional experience
Or
- An honours degree, Level 8 on the NFQ, plus a professional diploma in counselling and psychotherapy (IACP accredited).
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the application process.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathways
IICP College supports RPL for applicants who have previous accredited training and relevant professional experience. Find out more on our FAQs page.
RPL may help you:
- Gain exemptions
- Enter courses without traditional academic routes
Summary: What QQI Level Do You Need?
Where to start if you are thinking about the counselling profession
You can gain an insight into the counselling and psychotherapy profession without further commitment through our 4-month QQI Level 6 certificate. From there, you can progress to the QQI Level 8 degree, with credit awarded for the module undertaken during the certificate programme.
Alternatively, if you know you want to become a qualified counsellor
You can apply to complete the 4-year QQI Level 8 BSc honours degree (the emerging minimum standard).
If you want to specialise or advance your practice
Many therapists who have completed the degree often consider further specialised training such as one of our QQI Level 9 master’s programmes.
For professional accreditation
Complete therapy hours, supervised practice and clinical placements as required by your accrediting counselling and psychotherapy body. IACP is the accrediting body for all the above programmes.
