BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies
Course Overview
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies is delivered by the Irish College of Humanities & Applied Sciences (ICHAS) and is available on a part-time basis.
This is an ICHAS course delivered at Griffith College by ICHAS.
This course has been designed for individuals who wish to become competent professional practitioners in counselling-related fields with a specific focus on 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 online 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.
Why Study Counselling & Youth Studies at Griffith College?
The BA (Hons) in Counselling and Youth Studies has many features that make it one of the leading programmes of this type in Ireland.
Course Highlights
- It is the first programme of its type to meet the new QQI Awards Standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland.
- This programme is part of a suite of programmes that have been recently validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), ensuring up to date teaching methods, programme content and quality.
- It is delivered by lecturers who work in this field, who are passionate about your education and dedicated to sharing their experience and expertise.
- The programme is recognised throughout Europe. On completion, you receive the Europass Diploma Supplement in addition to your degree parchment.
- It is part of the affordable and flexible access system within ICHAS, meaning students pay the same fees as the public college system.
- It mixes theory and practice together to provide a complete understanding of the areas.
- The programme uses both classroom-based and blended learning techniques.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
Course Details
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
Year 1 Modules
The aim of this module is to support students in their transition to becoming independent learners in higher education by enabling them to develop learning skills and strategies essential for success at this level.
The aim of this module is to introduce a range of theories central to counselling and psychotherapy placing them in their social, cultural, philosophical and historical contexts.
The aim of this subject is to teach students the attributes and foundation skills necessary to work and understand their role in areas of practice such as Counselling & Psychotherapy.
To provide students with the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge and attitude to manage the range of issues that are associated with group facilitation within the counselling/psychotherapeutic fields.
The aim of this module is to is to support learners to achieve an understanding of a range of theories of human development and to consider their application in counselling and psychotherapy contexts.
The aim of this subject is to teach students the skills, knowledge and attitude to understand the role of ethics in areas of professional practice such as Counselling & Psychotherapy.
The aim of this module is to teach students the skills, knowledge and attitude to understand the theoretical basis for normal and abnormal behavioral, cognitive and emotive responses as related to areas of professional practice such as Counselling & Psychotherapy.
The aim of this module is to teach students the skills, knowledge and attitude to understand the concept and practice of Personal Development in counselling and psychotherapeutic activities. In addition, it will introduce students to the importance of knowing themselves and the appropriate use of self within the interpersonal and therapeutic process.
Year 2 Modules
The aim of this module is to is to teach students the key evidence-based practice skills and interventions necessary to facilitate understanding and provide the basis for effective work with clients across the main theoretical approaches within Counselling & Psychotherapy.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to raise awareness of the beliefs and values of the learner’s own culture and the impact of cultural beliefs and values in practice settings. It will emphasize the importance of sharing and increasing cultural knowledge as a means of challenging ethnocentricity and inter- cultural discrimination.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concept of Case Formulation in areas of practice using Psychotherapeutic paradigms. Within the learning environment students will critically appraise the concept of formulation within psychotherapeutic traditions and compare the similarities and distinctions with more traditional medicalized diagnoses. Learners will focus on the theoretical distinctions between both approaches and examine the contribution of formulation to treatment planning and evaluation.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitude to understand the theoretical basis for the use of Psychological & Psychometric Assessment in areas of professional practice.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitude to understand Group Process in Counselling & Psychotherapy.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to a sociological perspective of adolescence focusing on the relationship between the individual and society with specific reference to the theoretical conceptualizations of youth, the role of social policy in young people’s lives, and how current social realities shape the adolescent experience.
The aim of this module is to enable students to appropriately apply a range of interventions when working with adolescents. It will emphasize the importance of structured assessment and competent application based on the theoretical underpinnings associated with a range of modalities including, CBT, REBT, Behavioural Modification Approaches, Solution Focused approaches, Person Centred approaches and Motivational Interviewing across a spectrum of issues form anxiety to life crises to anti-social behaviour. The modules will also address the attributes and skills necessary to work in the care and management of clients who present with these issues. In short, the module will specifically address the appropriateness of interventions to specified issues focusing on the practical transformation of theory to practice through the acquisition of the required skills and competencies associated with each form of intervention.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitude to understand the concept and practice of Personal Development and Self Caring Practices in counselling and psychotherapeutic activities.
Year 3 Modules
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitude to engage with Research in Counselling & Psychotherapy.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the range of evidence-based creative and expressive approaches applied in a youth context with reference to the theory and principles underpinning these therapeutic approaches and their connectivity with other modalities. It will enable students to develop and apply knowledge of alternative therapeutic models of intervention to enhance their responsiveness to clients’ needs. The modules will also address the particular techniques and skills associates with each form of therapeutic approach with emphasis on supportive factors, learning factors and action factors. Finally, students will acquire an understanding of how to appropriately integrate expressive and creative approaches with other interventions and modalities.
The aim of this module is to enable students to achieve an understanding of the manifestations of mood, stress and emotional disorders and to support students develop the attributes and skills necessary to work in the care and management of clients who present with stress, emotional and mood disturbance in areas of practice such as Counselling & Psychotherapy.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to family systems theory and its application in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice.
The aim of this subject is to provide students with an opportunity to integrate the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for the competent practice of counselling/psychotherapy. This experiential learning is undertaken at ‘Novice’ level of practice and is workplace based.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to issues faced by young people who engage in crime, deviant and anti-social behaviour in the context of how youth justice is perceived by society in general. This will include an introductory exploration of criminological theory and the workings of the criminal justice institutions focussing on latest policy and practice developments. The module will also examine trends in sentencing with specific reference to controversies surrounding the shift from detainment to community intervention and restorative forms of justice. Finally, the module will examine the breadth of causative factors with emphasis on practical intervention.
The aim of this module is to offer an experientially orientation introduction to personal psychotherapeutic experience. This module will enable learner’s develop personal insight and self-knowledge through their personal participation in psychotherapeutic processes. Students will also, through their participation as an individual and/or as a group member in such engagements, learn directly to appreciate the diversity of a client’s experience in personal therapy.
The aim of this module is to enable students to achieve an understanding an understanding of the importance of mental illness and disorder in the context of psychotherapeutic activities.
Year 4 Modules
The primary aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of ACE Awareness and Trauma Informed Practice and examine this approach as a response to addressing the impact of early trauma, toxic stress and attachment disruption when working with adolescents.
The aim of this module is to is to support learners to engage with contemporary discourses relating to the latest developments in the counselling and psychotherapy fields of practice nationally and internationally.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to understand the process of bereavement and explore issues in loss and grief.
The aim of this subject is to provide students with an opportunity to integrate the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for the competent practice of counselling/psychotherapy. This experiential learning is undertaken at ‘advanced beginner’ level of practice and is workplace based using an approved supportive structure.
The aim of this module is to act as a Capstone Module which will help the student integrate the theoretical and practice-based learning achieved across the programme. It will emphasise the importance of the integration of evidence-based practice in counselling and psychotherapeutic practice.
The aim of this module is to offer an experientially orientation introduction to personal psychotherapeutic experience. This module will enable learners’ develop personal insight and self-knowledge through their personal participation in psychotherapeutic processes. Students will also, through their participation as an individual and/or as a group member in such engagements, learn directly to appreciate the diversity of a client’s experience in personal therapy.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to foundational concepts of working with young people emphasising the essentiality of participation and empowerment when leading and managing in a youth environment. This will include a theoretical and practical exploration of the effective interpersonal communication skills required for effective leadership practice in multiple contexts including one-to-one, team and community engagements. Students will develop the required skills and approaches for the development of positive and productive relationships with an understanding of personal & professional boundaries and the skills in developing trusting relationships. Module content is also devised to provide practical skills in project management including the skills required for needs assessment, planning, project design and evaluation. Essential leadership and managerial skills will be emphasised including creativity, innovation and enterprise as well as team work, conflict resolution, self-management and accountability.
Brief Therapy for Emotional Health & Wellness
Psychoses & Personality Disorders
Inner Child Therapy
Play Therapy & Psychotherapeutic Practice
Understanding Motivational Interviewing
Understanding Community Reinforcement Approaches in Addiction Treatment (CRA)
Principles of Personality Assessment
Principles of Occupational Assessment
Theories & Practice of Mindfulness
Eating Disorders
Independent Study
Developing & Managing a Professional Practice
Recovery Approaches in Addiction
Family Aspects of Addiction
Theory & Practice of the Minnesota Model of Addiction Treatment
Adolescent Mental Health Screening
Engaging with Parents in Professional Practice
Timetables
This course is scheduled to commence in September 2025 at Griffith College Dublin's Main Campus.
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date.
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy of the timetable.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
To join the BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- be over 18 years of age
- complete and submit the application form
- applicants are required to complete an interview process, which is designed to explore your reasons for taking the programme and to ensure that it is suitable for your needs. ICHAS is committed to ensuring that the programme you are on is right for you
- complete the Garda vetting procedure
- English language proficiency certificates (e.g. IELTS of 6.0 or equivalent) if applicable. Learn more.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
Mentoring & placement support:
All applicants are required to engage in a minimum of 50 Hours of Personal Psychotherapeutic Experience (or equivalent) across the programme.
Each student will be required to undertake 200 hours of direct client work under strict Clinical Supervision arrangements.
How to Apply
Applicants under 23 years of age:
A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The College is committed to the recognition of prior learning attained both formally and informally. It may be recognised either to facilitate access to a higher education programme or to allow an award of credit as in the case of allowing exemption from a module.
It is the responsibility of the learner, to make a formal written application to the College requesting an exemption and supplying all appropriate supporting evidence i.e. transcript of results and module descriptor/syllabus including intended learning outcomes. Recognised prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis with an emphasis on academic and clinical experience.
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 3.975 (this includes a 2% PEL levy)
Flexible Payment Options
Students wishing to avail of an instalment plan should contact [email protected]
Students who opt for monthly instalments will incur an extra annual fee of €150 to avail of this facility.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to [email protected]
All fees are fully protected under our Protection of Enrolled Learners’ Policy:
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
Progression
This course, with its emphasis on Youth Studies, gives a comprehensive overview of current thinking and practice in the area. The course would be of interest to practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines: Psychology, Counselling, Social Care, etc., who may wish to deepen their knowledge and build their skills and a comprehensive understanding of this area.
Graduates of this programme have found employment in the public and private sector in organisations such as the HSE, Tusla, and in a variety of local authority, charity & voluntary settings. Youth & Community roles can include youth workers, outreach workers, family support officers, youth advocacy works, and school completion project workers.
Examples of some such organisations include Foróige, Childline, Child and Youth Councils – Comhairle na nÓg, The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), SpunOut, Youth Work Ireland, Changing Futures and UBU – Your Place Your Space
