DURATION: Part-time, 3 months    START DATE: 3rd March 2025    END DATE: 31st of May 2025

AWARD: PCI College Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy

TIMETABLE: Spring Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy 2025

Classes take place weekly on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm*.

The final day of the course will take place on Saturday 31st of May 2025 from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Please note that course orientation will be held half an hour (6 pm - 6.30 pm) before the first class on the 3rd of March 2025. You will receive full details with your timetable following your acceptance.

*Timetable is subject to change.

You can book this course online, using the booking form above, or you can download the application form in the Download section, and send it to us by email.

 
FUTURE INTAKES: Summer & Autumn 2025 - Join our mailing list here to be contacted when course dates are announced. 

We also have a Blended Learning Certificate available for those who would like to study at their own pace from home.

The course is divided into two parts:

• Part 1: Personal development and introduction to counselling skills
• Part 2: Theories, skills and integration

ELIGIBILITY 

Applicants should feel that they possess the maturity to reflect on their own development as a person. All candidates are required to satisfy the English language requirement. 

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 5.5 at certificate level, 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.

IT SKILLS: students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course

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.

Counselling is a fulfilling career and can change your life as well as the lives of others. People who become counsellors are genuinely interested in human behaviour and have a strong desire to help others improve their mental well-being. They are also skilled at interacting with people on a personal level while maintaining a professional relationship. 

Upon completion of the certificate course, students will be invited to apply to our Middlesex University BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 6 FHEQ - comparable to Level 8 NFQ). The PCI College BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy is fully accredited by the IACP in all PCI College venues. You can see more information here about professional accreditation. 

Please note that successful completion of the Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy course does not guarantee automatic admission to the BSc Counselling & Psychotherapy programme. Places on the BSc programme are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To increase your chances of securing an interview slot for the BSc programme, we strongly encourage you to apply for the BSc (Hons) course as early as possible. Early application will help ensure that you are considered for an interview before all available places are filled.

Today more than ever there is a massive need for trained counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland. Indeed there is increased acknowledgement of the growing need for counsellors within the HSE, Community Primary Care Groups, schools and the private sector. Our BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy ensures that you have equipped yourself with the necessary qualifications and training to be recognised and effective. Once you have completed your professional training, there are many routes open to you; you may wish to set up a private practice, join an agency or work for an organisation such as the HSE, a school, a charity or a state body. 

FEES 

Full Course: €1,155

APPLICATION PROCESS

> Please note that, as the course date is approaching, applications must be accompanied by the full course fees.

Applicants are invited to complete and return the online application form. Applications must be accompanied by an initial deposit of €450, which is deductible from course fees if the application is successful. The balance of the fee of €705 is payable in full before the course commences. Applicants are entitled to a refund if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their application and/or booking, and/or didn't start the first class. Please note that the name used on your application needs to be the same name that you have on your passport.

Fees are non-refundable in all personal circumstances. The College makes every effort to avoid altering course times, course commencement and conclusion dates. However, should any changes be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest opportunity. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that the class does not proceed. 

For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions page.

Can I go straight into the degree programme?

The certificate course or equivalent (see below) is a prerequisite for our BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Equivalent:
• Work/volunteer training with a substantial counselling element.*
• Level 7+ qualification in psychology, social care, social work, psychiatric nursing or equivalent. If you're unsure of your qualification, please contact us directly at enquiries@pcicollege.ie. 

*Entry onto the BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy may require catch-up work to be completed. This is based on an assessment of your prior learning, which will be discussed at interview.

Moreover, for those considering a career in counselling, a certificate course is an essential stepping stone to prepare for a professional qualification. It will help you develop an understanding of counselling and will help you decide whether it is the right career choice for you.

Can I automatically do the degree programme after completing a certificate course?
Upon completion of this course, students will be invited to interview for our Middlesex University BSc (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy (Level 6 FHEQ - comparable to Level 8 NFQ) which fully meets the training criteria of the IACP. Entry is by application and interview. 

What is the difference between the various start dates of the certificate course?
All of our foundation courses are 75 hours and are exactly the same content. 

Can I do the certificate course as a standalone course?
Of course! This is an enjoyable and challenging course developed for those who want to enrich their own personal development as well as for those planning to pursue a career in counselling and psychotherapy.

How is the course assessed?
There is one written assignment (book review with personal reflection), submitted at the end of the course, plus attendance requirements 

I am on Social Welfare. Is there any funding available?
As we are a private college, there is no specific funding available. However, people do receive funding due to their own personal circumstances. Contact your local Citizens Information Office for more information. 

What’s the deadline for certificate course applications?
There is no deadline.  The course is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.