BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies

It focuses on the skills, knowledge and approach necessary to work within the youth context, with emphasis placed on the link between theory and practice.

• The syllabus covers a diverse combination of theory and competence development. It focuses on areas such as understanding mental health and issues directly affecting young people such as education, health, inequality, racism, suicide and addiction. It is taught using a combination of classroom-based and skill-based learning that allows the learner to avail of blended learning to access classes in person or using on-line facilities to allow for a better work/life/study balance while equipping the learner with the confidence, skills and competencies to work in the addiction area of Counselling & Psychotherapy. While much of the course can be accessed online, in certain modules, mainly Skills Based, attendance is a mandatory requirement.
• Having a student-centred approach that offers mentoring and placement support is a cornerstone of this course. Therefore, during work-based learning, each student will be required to undertake 200 hours of Direct client work under strict Clinical Supervision arrangements. All students are supported with Personal Development Modules in the early stages of the Programme and are required to engage in a minimum of 50 Hours of Personal Psychotherapeutic Experience (or equivalent) across the programme. PPE may commence from the Second Semester of Stage 2 of the programme and will continue until Programme Completion.
• BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies (NFQ level 8) is delivered by the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) and is available on a part-time and full-time basis over a four year period. This course is highly interactive and is a leading academically based professional programme for those wishing to develop the skills and expertise necessary to become competent practising counsellors in the area of youth work with a focus on youth intervention modalities. Practitioners working with young people are frequently required to be competent in the use of counselling skills. Providing exceptional support for students the programme is led and delivered by lecturers who have extensive experience and practical knowledge of the skills required to work professionally in the area.
• The programme is taught using a combination of classroom based and blended learning techniques. This allows the learner to access classes in person or using on-line facilities. In certain modules attendance may be a requirement.
• Students will gain practical experience on all aspects of counselling which can later be applied both personally and professionally
• Students will learn key life skills including the value of respect and genuineness, listening and understanding communication
• Blended learning techniques allow the learner to access certain classes via on-line facilities
• Small class sizes ensure that you get the one-on-one attention needed to perfect your counselling skills
• ​It is expected that the minimum educational entry requirements for counselling will be set at Honours Degree Level 8 NFQ and that entry to the practice of Psychotherapy will require a minimum qualification level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Enrollment Cycles

• September 2023