M.A. in Addiction Counselling

Course description

The M.A in Addiction Counselling is designed for practitioners who hold a Level 8 degree in health or human science areas and who wish to specialise in Addiction Counselling. It is likely to be attractive to professionals who, for example, work with diverse and marginalised groups of people with addiction difficulties or are experiencing social exclusion because of the consequences of addiction. The primary focus will be working with individuals and groups but also at community and policy levels as leaders in their field.

This programme is designed for those who wish to access evidence-based interventions and create opportunities for high-quality treatment experiences for all who need them. Modules within the course are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the systems and context within which clients and their families may be best supported.

As part of this master’s programme, you will study the fundamental theories of addiction counselling; psychotherapeutic skills and engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Community Reinforcement Approaches as well as Comorbidity.  All participants will be required to take a Module on ‘Knowing Self’ within which they will have the opportunity to engage in personal psychotherapeutic experience. In addition, students will study evidence-based practice and research methods and design, complete a dissertation and engage in 150 hours of clinically Supervised Practice with clients. Students may also take one Elective Module.

All of the taught modules are designed to support you to apply all these elements of learning during the 150 hours of client work you are required to engage within a practicum module as well as in the completion of a dissertation. The programme combines both theory and practical skills in a way that supports the academic and professional development of the student.

The course commences this September and can be taken on a part-time basis over 2 years (with the exit option of a postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Counselling after successfully completing 60 ECTS).

Individual modules may also be taken on a standalone basis. Taught Modules are taken across two academic years where the modules are taught through a blended learning approach using a combination of classroom-based modules and  Virtual Classrooms as well as work-based learning. Blended learning combines face-to-face and web-based teaching and learning, which allows students to access classes in person or using on-line facilities to allow for a better work/life/study balance. In certain modules, mandatory attendance is a requirement.