Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy

There is a growing awareness of the widespread harm caused by addiction to individuals, families and communities. This training is part of an evolving shift from over-reliance on medical based models of treatment to those of psycho-social interventions and talking therapies.

Applicants should possess the maturity to reflect on their development as a person and have successfully completed and obtained a minimum grade 2.2 in one of the following: Level 8 NFQ/Level 6 UK accredited degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy/Addiction Counselling OR Level 8 NFQ/ Level 6UK degree in Social Sciences (Youth Work, Social Care, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Medicine, etc.) OR Accredited Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy/Addiction Counselling plus Level 8 NFQ/Level 6UK degree in an unrelated area plus submission of a clinical portfolio Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be eligible to enter the course based on prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying based on prior learning, must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study. This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) must be submitted with your application. ELIGIBILITY YEAR 2 Students who hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Counselling & Psychotherapy (PCI College or equivalent) may apply for entry to Year 2 of the course. Students who do not meet these criteria may be eligible to enter Year 2 on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying on the basis of prior learning must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study. This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) and be must be submitted with your application. Language Requirements All candidates are required to satisfy the English language requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English and who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate may satisfy the requirement through the completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) on the basis that they obtain a minimum band score of 6 at the undergraduate level and 6.5 at postgraduate level or an equivalent score of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Cambridge, which denotes a very good skill level of English. It should be noted that these are the minimum requirements in English and PCI College may set higher requirements in each case. Garda Vetting Students will be required to participate in Garda Vetting procedures in relation to programme requirements. Garda Vetting deadlines must be adhered to. PCI College has the right to withdraw a student from the programme if they do not meet these deadlines. Garda Vetting is charged at €20.00 per person and is included in the Acceptance payment paid prior to enrolment within applicable programmes. IT Skills Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course Additional Entry Requirements Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.