FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Requirements
Outside of attending classes, what other course requirements are there for the BSc (Hons)?
Because the BSc (Hons) is an IACP-recognised course, the following requirements apply:
- Completion of 50 hours of personal therapy over the duration of the course. Therapy must be conducted with an accredited IACP, IAHIP or BACP therapist.
- Completion of 120 hours of client work (starting at the end of Year 2 or the beginning of Year 3)
- 24 hours of one-to-one supervision outside of the course. This commences when you start seeing clients and must be with an IACP, IAHIP or BACP supervisor.
- 10 sessions of group therapy. These generally occur in Year 4 although some students choose to begin them towards the end of Year 3.
- When you start seeing clients, you are required to become a student member of IACP and obtain professional insurance.
Outside of attending classes, what other course requirements are there for the MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy?
If you are a pre-accredited or accredited member of IACP and are not seeking IACP accreditation as a result of completing this MSc, the following requirements apply:
- Completion of 100 hours of client work. As a qualified therapist who is not seeking IACP accreditation as a result of this course, these hours can be completed in your normal routine work and at your regular rate of supervision.
- If you are already IACP accredited or pre-accredited, there is no personal therapy requirement on this programme.
If you are not a pre-accredited or accredited member of IACP, and are seeking IACP accreditation as a result of completing this MSc, the following requirements apply:
- Completion of 100 hours of client work. If you are seeking IACP membership as a result of this course, these hours must be completed in an approved placement setting at a supervision ratio of 1:5.
- If you are seeking IACP membership as a result of this course, your supervisor must be IACP, IAHIP or BACP accredited.
- If you are seeking IACP membership as a result of this course, you must also complete 50 hours personal therapy concurrent with the programme. Your therapist must be IACP, IAHIP and BACP accredited.
- If you are seeking IACP membership as a result of this course, you will need to join IACP as a student member. The College will provide you with a letter for this application.
All students on this programme must set aside time each week to read, study, research and practise what they are learning.
Outside of attending classes, what other course requirements are there for the MA in Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy?
- 100 hours of client work must be completed as part of this programme. Approx. 50 hours should be with children aged 6–11, and 50 hours should be with adolescents aged 12–17. A ratio of 60:40 is also allowable if a learner prefers working with one age group over the other.
- Clinical hours must be completed in an approved setting after completion of an assessment of readiness to practise with younger clients.
- Learners must be in supervision, and clinical hours for this programme are at a ratio of 1:5, regardless of your accreditation status.
Outside of attending classes, what other course requirements are there for the Level 9 Certificate in CBT with Children and Adolescents?
Learners on this programme are required to evidence 33 hours of work-based practice with clients over eight months. A log of hours completed and a supervisor’s report must be submitted at the end of the programme. Learners must complete supervision at a minimum ratio of 1:20. Supervisors contracted to do this work must be suitably qualified and experienced to supervise. If you do not currently receive supervision in your professional practice, an additional cost will incur to learners in the form of contracting an external supervisor to provide a minimum of two sessions of supervision.
Study Time
How much time should I set aside to study?
Everyone’s study skills are different, but a good guideline is to set aside 5–10 hours per week for reading, research and practice.
We encourage learners to do ‘a little and often’. Read an article or skim a book chapter. Practise skills. Studying a small amount daily can help much more than trying to cram it in at the end.
Placement
Does the College secure placements for students?
The College works with each student to locate an appropriate placement. However, all students can secure placement with the Village Counselling Service in Tallaght if they wish to do so. Additionally, for those not located in Dublin, the College has a list of potential placement centres around the country. Every placement must be approved by the College to ensure it meets the robust clinical governance requirements necessary for a student therapist.
Placement requirements for the BSc (Hons)
- During the BSc (Hons), learners are required to complete 120 hours of client work as a trainee therapist.
- This must be completed in an approved setting, and at least 75% of the hours should be in a general counselling and psychotherapy setting. 25% can be done in an agreed area of specialisation such as Addiction or Bereavement.
- These clinical hours must be supervised by an external one-to-one supervisor. The supervisor must be IACP, IAHIP or BACP accredited, and the supervision must occur at a ratio of 1:5 hours. The cost of supervision is external to the course fees and is negotiated with your external supervisor.
- Placement only begins when a learner has submitted their application to start seeing clients and when this has been approved by faculty. Placement generally begins towards the end of Year 2 or the start of Year 3 of the course.
Placement requirements for the MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
- If you already hold IACP membership (accredited or pre-accredited), the placement requirement is 100 hours. In this instance, the hours can be completed in your routine private practice/employment and at your normal ratio of supervision as per IACP accreditation status. The cost of supervision is external to the course fees and is negotiated with your external supervisor.
- If you do not already hold IACP membership and wish to obtain it as a result of completing the MSc, the placement requirements are as follows:
- You must complete 120 hours of clinical placement in an approved placement. Please speak to the College about what agencies are approved.
- Even if you are a qualified therapist, if you are seeking IACP as a result of this programme, you cannot undertake these hours in private practice.
- 75% of the hours must be in a general counselling and psychotherapy setting. 25% can be completed in an agreed area of specialisation, such as Addiction or Bereavement.
- Your one-to-one external supervisor must be IACP, IAHIP or BACP accredited, and the supervision must occur at a ratio of 1:5 hours. The cost of supervision is external to the course fees and is negotiated with your external supervisor.
Placement requirements for the MA in Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
- During the MA programme, learners are required to complete 100 hours of client work with children and adolescents. Ideally, this will be 50% children aged 6–11 and 50% adolescents aged 12–17.
- This placement must be undertaken in and approved setting. Please speak to the College about what agencies are approved. Child and adolescent hours cannot be undertaken in your private practice.
- Regardless of your accreditation status, because this programme is designed to extend the scope of your practice to include child and adolescent therapy, your supervisor must be an accredited member of a relevant professional body and have experience of supervising clinical work with children and adolescents.
- Supervision for this programme is at a ratio of 1:5, regardless of your accreditation status. The cost of supervision is external to the course fees and is negotiated with your external supervisor.
Placement requirements for the L9 Certificate in CBT with Children and Adolescents
- Learners on this programme are required to integrate CBT into their professional practice. Completion of 33 hours of integrated practice is required. This can occur in your normal place of work.
- Supervision is at a ratio of 1:20. Supervisors must submit a formal report confirming that the supervision of 33 hours place. The cost of supervision (if not provided in your workplace) is external to the course fees and is negotiated between you and your supervisor.
Assessments
Are there exams or assignments?
Each module has a summative assessment. These will vary by module and include skills assignments, theory essays, role-plays and presentations. There are no exams.
Capstone Dissertation: Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
Learners on the BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy are required to complete a capstone Dissertation Module in fourth year. This module requires learners to complete a small piece of research. This occurs in a safe and supportive manner, with learners guided through the process via group research supervision sessions and individual supervisor feedback on draft work.
Capstone Research Portfolio: Level 9 MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
Learners on the MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy will complete a Research Portfolio in Year 2. This consists of a portfolio of four assignments, submitted throughout the year:
- Literature review
- Research paper
- Reflexive paper
- Presentation
You will be assigned a one-to-one supervisor for the portfolio, who will mentor and support you throughout the process.
Capstone Research Portfolio: Level 9 MA in Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Learners on the MA in Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy will complete a Research Portfolio in Year 2. This consists of a portfolio of four assignments, submitted throughout the year:
- Literature review
- Research paper
- Reflexive paper
- Presentation
You will be assigned a one-to-one supervisor for the portfolio, who will mentor and support you throughout the process.
Personal Therapy
What number of personal therapy hours do I have to do?
If you are doing an IACP-recognised programme, you are required to complete 50 hours of personal therapy with a fully accredited member of IACP/BACP/IAHIP.
I’ve done therapy before, but I was not training. Can that count?
No. The personal therapy requirement of the programme relates to time spent training on a programme where counselling and psychotherapy was at the core.
I’m in therapy with a pre-accredited therapist. Is that OK for the 50 hours?
The programme requirement is that you see a fully accredited IACP, IAHIP or BACP therapist. Therefore, a therapist with pre-accredited status is insufficient on this programme.
Does the College assign me a therapist?
No. You select your own personal therapist.
How do I find a therapist?
You can find a personal therapist on the IACP website or from the list provided by the College, which is located in your Moodle Supporting Documents and the Useful Resources section. The list is not a recommendation; rather, it is a compilation of suitable accredited therapists who offer a student rate. Where required, you can also consider any therapist on the IAHIP or BACP websites.
Course Queries
Can you tell me more about the BSc (Hons) programme?
Yes, the BSc is a QQI-validated Level 8 four-year programme recognised by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) as a professional award. Across all programmes, we hold at our core the importance of student support throughout the learning experience, which is evident through the quality of our programmes, the expertise of our faculty and administrative teams as well as the By-Your-Side student support programme we offer.
Learners must evidence all academic and clinical modules learning outcomes, 50 hours of personal therapy and complete a clinical placement reflecting 120 hours with adult clients in a suitable service. Personal therapists and individual supervisors must hold full accreditation status with IACP, IAHIP or BACP. There is no leeway on this requirement. The College provides support in securing suitable placements, and we know of suitable services available across the country.
Attendance
What is the attendance requirement in IICP College?
There is an 85% attendance requirement on all programmes.
Recognition of Prior Learning
I have a Level 8 degree/master’s in an unrelated field, and I am not a counsellor or psychotherapist. Am I eligible for the BSc (Hons)?
Yes, but because your Level 8 or Level 9 programme is unrelated to counselling and psychotherapeutic practice, you would need to complete the full four years required by IACP to obtain an award recognised by IACP.
I have a Level 8/Level 9 degree in humanities/social science. Am I eligible for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) entry into the final year of the BSc?
Advanced entry under RPL is possible for applicants who can evidence previous qualifications and/or professional knowledge relevant to counselling and psychotherapy. This is only awarded when the applicant can fully evidence that they have covered the learning of each of the modules in the degree. For those who have not studies counselling and psychotherapy, it is not possible to RPL into the final year.
I have a Level 8/Level 9 degree in humanities/social science, and I work in the helping professions. Am I eligible for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) entry into the final year of the BSc?
Entry under RPL is possible for applicants who can evidence previous qualifications and/or professional knowledge relevant to counselling and psychotherapy. You would need to apply under RPL so we can complete an academic audit and offer you the best entry route. This is only awarded when the applicant can fully evidence that they have covered the learning of each of the modules in the degree. For those who have not studies counselling and psychotherapy, it is not possible to RPL into the final year.
I’ve a master’s but I am not a therapist. Can I go straight into the final year of the BSc or enter the MA?
Entry under RPL is possible for applicants who can evidence previous qualifications and/or professional knowledge relevant to counselling and psychotherapy. You would need to apply under RPL so we can complete an academic audit and offer you the best entry route. A Masters in a field besides counselling & psychotherapy would not allow one to join either of the Masters.
How do I request a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) entry?
Every RPL application is unique to the applicant; therefore, each RPL request is always assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are asked to provide evidence of prior learning related to counselling and psychotherapy that reflects the learning outcomes of this programme.
Our course comparison form is designed to assist you by detailing our modules and providing space for you to indicate any prior learning that you believe aligns with the Learning Outcomes and ECTS credits for the corresponding module. When completing the form, please detail any comparable modules you have previously completed. A determination of an applicant’s eligibility for an RPL entry route is subject to a full academic audit of their complete application. This helps us ensure the RPL offered to you provides a robust, individualised learning plan tailored to your education and training needs. For further information, please email [email protected], and we will send you the RPL form.
Fees
What are the fees for the Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Studies?
€1,250.00, plus a €50 QQI fee
What are the fees for the BSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy?
€4,150.00 per year
What are the fees for the Masters in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy?
€4,350.00 per year
What are the fees for the Masters in Integrative Child and Adolescent Counselling and Psychotherapy?
€4,350.00 per year plus €1,305.00 for the final semester
Can I pay by direct debit or instalments?
Direct Debit Payment Plans are available for an additional administration fee of €50.00, and students report that having this plan affords them flexibility and manageability in fee payments.
Delivery Methods
Delivery Method: L6 Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapeutic Studies
The Level 6 Certificate is delivered using a rotational blended learning model. This means that classes rotate between onsite and online each week (if it’s a weekly cert) or each month (if it’s a block cert). This combination of on-campus and online learning offers a flexibility without sacrificing the need for experiential and practical activities to occur in the classroom. Learners will need to have access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Delivery Method: L7 Certificate in Suicide Postvention
The Level 7 Certificate is delivered using a rotational blended learning model. This means that classes rotate between onsite and online teaching inputs. This combination of on-campus and online learning offers a flexibility without sacrificing the need for experiential and practical activities to occur in the classroom. Learners will need to have access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Delivery Method: L8 Certificate in Improving Clinical Outcomes
The Level 8 Certificate is delivered using a rotational blended learning model. This means that classes rotate between onsite and online teaching inputs. This combination of on-campus and online learning offers a flexibility without sacrificing the need for experiential and practical activities to occur in the classroom. Learners will need to have access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Delivery Method: L9 Certificate in CBT
The Level 9 Certificate is delivered using a rotational blended learning model. This means that classes rotate between onsite and online teaching inputs. This combination of on-campus and online learning offers a flexibility without sacrificing the need for experiential and practical activities to occur in the classroom. Learners will need to have access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Delivery Method: BSc (Hons)
The BSc (Hons) is delivered using a rotational blended learning model, with approximately 70% of classes taking place in person at our Tallaght campus and 30% delivered online. This structure combines the benefits of face-to-face experiential learning with the flexibility of online study.
This approach ensures students can engage in the practical and skills-based activities essential to counselling training while also benefiting from a more flexible learning format. Learners will need access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Delivery Method: MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy
The MSc in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy is delivered using a rotational blended learning model, with classes rotating between onsite and online delivery.
As the programme is accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), at least 70% of teaching takes place in person, ensuring students receive the face-to-face experiential training required for professional practice. Learners will need access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Delivery Method: MA in Integrative Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
The MA in Integrative Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy is delivered using a blended learning model, with approximately 50% of teaching taking place online and 50% in person.
Classes rotate between onsite and online delivery, either weekly (weekday classes) or monthly (weekend block classes). This balanced format provides flexibility while ensuring students still participate in the experiential and practical learning essential to psychotherapy training. Learners will need access to appropriate broadband and a laptop with a mic and camera.
Deferral/Withdrawal
If I decide to defer/withdraw my offer of a place, what would I need to do?
Please contact [email protected] if you wish to defer your offer of a place on a programme before it starts.
If you are already a student and wish to apply for a deferral, please see the policy below. A student seeking a deferral will need to fill out a request form and submit it to the Awards and Assessments Office at [email protected] . If you wish to discuss this decision, please email [email protected] for guidance on this process and the implications.
Click to view the Policy and Procedure for Programme Deferral (see item 4: Progression Regulations in the menu).
Click to view the Policy and Procedure for Programme Withdrawal (see item 4: Progression Regulations in the menu).
Webinar
How do I sign up for the Webinar?
You can fill in an application form for the Webinar which can be found on our website www.iicp.ie. Once we receive your application, you will be included on the participant list and the Zoom link will be emailed to you on the day of the Webinar.
