1. MASTER OF ARTS in GUIDANCE COUNSELLING AND LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
2018 Entry
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

2. Programme Contacts Programme Director: Dr. Lucy Hearne,
Programme Administrator:
Mairead Condon,
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

3. Programme Aims
Provide practicing teachers and other relevant professionals with a recognised professional qualification in guidance counselling
Support development of relevant knowledge, skills and competencies in guidance counselling on a Level 9 programme (i.e. UL; DES; IGC; QQI)
To promote self-understanding and personal insight of trainees in order for them to be able to deliver an effective guidance counselling service to clients across the lifespan
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

4. Core Learning Outcomes
Development of theoretical knowledge, skills and competencies within a personal/social, educational and vocational guidance counselling framework across the individual’s lifespan
Acquisition of personal leadership skills to manage an effective, contemporary guidance counselling service
Cultivation of critical awareness of ethical and professional issues in practice
Gain knowledge of practitioner-based research methodologies to contribute to growth of evidence-based research
Growth in independent learning, critical thinking and integration of theoretical concepts within everyday practice and specific research contexts
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

5. Programme Delivery Locations for 2018: University of Limerick Campus
Curriculum:
Total of 13 modules =
* 9 taught classroom-based modules + 2 practice placement modules and 2 dissertation modules
7 of the 9 taught modules delivered in Autumn and Spring semesters of Year 1 & 2 (across a 12 week semester)
2 of these taught modules (5 full days per module) in Summer of Year 1, approximately at end of June/early July
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

6. Programme Curriculum Year 1: Semester 1 Year 1: Semester 2
Year 1: Summer Semester
EN5311 Counselling Theory & Practice 1 (6 ECTS) *
EN5331 Psychology of Human Development (6 ECTS) *
EN6091 Advanced Research Methods (6 ECTS) *
EN6141 Professional Practice in Guidance Counselling (6 ECTS) *
EN6142 Theory & Skills of Experiential Group Learning (6 ECTS) *
EN5320 Theory & Practice of Psychological Testing (6 ECTS) *
Year 2: Semester 1
Year 2: Semester 2
Year 2: Summer Semester
EN5313 Counselling Theory & Practice 2 (6 ECTS) *
EN5321 Guidance in Adult & Continuing Education (6 ECTS) *
EN6143 Dissertation 2 (18 ECTS)
EN6093 Contemporary Perspectives on Vocational Development & Progression Across the Lifespan (6 ECTS) *
EN6034 Practicum 2: Educational Practice Placement (3 ECTS)
EN6133 Practicum 1: Educational Practice Placement (3 ECTS)
EN6044 Dissertation 1 (12 ECTS)
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

7. Programme Delivery (Semesterised Timetable)
Two Years (2018 – 2020) in UL
Per 12 Week Semester
1 module x 12 weeks (Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9.30pm)
1 module x 6 Saturdays (Saturdays 9am to 4pm)
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

8. Year 2: Practicum Placement
Practicum Placement of 96 hours in a guidance service
To be completed under direct mentorship of a qualified Guidance Counsellor on site in the placement location
In Year 2 - from middle/end of August to end of April in Year 2.
Trainees secure their own placement during Year 1 for August of Year 2.
It is separate to any other professional work they are involved in, e.g. teaching hours
Can be in post-primary, adult guidance sector, public employment sector, further or third level education.
Advisable to have planned for this placement well in advance of Year 2.
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

9. Year 2: Dissertation Focus on practice-based research project
Empirical enquiry method
Word count: 20,000 words
Trainee assigned research supervisor in Year 2
Submission of dissertation in Autumn Year 2
Research Methods training provided in Year 1 (EN6091 Advanced Research Methods)
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

10. Personal Counselling Requirement
Trainees complete 6-10 personal counselling sessions with accredited Counsellor, Psychologist or Psychotherapist in each academic year (from September of Year 1 onwards)
It is a specific requirement of the programme to gain the qualification and in line with best practice in the guidance profession.
Trainees source and pay for this counselling support themselves
Record of attendance submitted to Course Director at end of each year
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

11. Learning Supports Handbooks: UL and MA programme specific
Online Sulis site for resources, communication and assignment uploading
UL Library Facilities: Textbooks, Online Journals/Databases, Induction by library staff, EHS Faculty Librarian
Harvard / UL Referencing System “Cite It Right” to be used in all course work, - see UL library website
1-2 Tutorials per Semester outside of class time in Year 1
UL Careers Centre
UL Disability Support Service
Regional Writing Centre
UL ITD Services
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

12. For Consideration by Applicants
MA is a professional training programme that requires a significant level of commitment outside of class attendance hours – at least 6 hours additional study time
Academic and professional rigour expected – continuous reading, personal engagement, commitment to group learning process
Balancing of other commitments – work, family, travel, extra-curricular activities
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018

13. Further Information
National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE): Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC): Department of Education and Skills (DES):
Dr. L. Hearne, SoE, 2018