Guidance Counselling & Lifespan Development - MA

During this programme, you will:  

• Develop specialised skills in the essential elements of professional guidance counselling to support individuals in social and personal development, educational progression, lifelong learning and career development. 

• Gain practical experience in guidance counselling through a professional placement or a ‘practicum’ in year two. 

• The Master’s places a strong emphasis on your personal development, fostering self-awareness and insight to enhance your understanding of the guidance counselling process with individuals at all life stages. 

• Qualify as a professional who is collaborative, reflective and ethically aware of professional standards in guidance counselling. 

Watch the programme webinar to hear from the Course Director, Dr Petra Elfthorp.

Key information:  

• Complete part-time over two years. 

• Delivered on campus. Some modules are delivered partly online. You will find more details for each module below.  

• Designed for working professionals and those with other commitments. 

• Modules taught during autumn, spring and summer semesters. 

• You will have an average of six hours of lecture time per week. This will include lectures on six Saturdays, and twelve mid-week evenings. 

• In the summer semester of Year 1, your modules will be delivered on campus in daytime hours between Monday and Friday. 

• In the spring semester of Year 2, lecture hours are reduced to support you to complete your placement and research. 

• Option to exit after the final spring semester in year 2 with a Graduate Diploma. 

• Continue to summer semester for MA qualification. 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Year 1  

Autumn Semester  

• Counselling Theory & Practice 1 (EN6221) on-campus lectures. Introduces students to counselling theory and practice.  

• Professional Practice in Guidance Counselling (EN6141) Mix of online and on-campus lectures. Explores the key areas of professional practice in guidance counselling within a lifelong guidance counselling context. 

Spring Semester 

• Theory and Skills of Experiential Group Learning (EN6192)  On-campus lectures. Develops techniques to engage clients in personal and social, educational and career learning and development through group-based processes. 

• Contemporary Perspectives on Vocational Development and Progression across the Lifespan (EN6093) Mix of online and on-campus lectures. Develops the knowledge base, skills and competencies pertinent to the role of the Guidance Counsellor. 

Summer Semester 

• Theory and Practice of Psychological Testing (EN5320) On-campus lectures. Develops skills and knowledge for the selection, administration and feedback of assessment tests in the practice of guidance counselling. 

Year 2  

Autumn Semester 

• Counselling Theory & Practice 2 (EN6114) On-campus lectures. Focuses on expanding the counselling micro skills relevant to the client's needs in the context of guidance counselling practice. 

• Advanced Research Methods in Guidance Counselling (EN6091) Mix of online and on-campus lectures. Introduces practitioner-based research methods in the field of guidance counselling. 

• Practicum 1: Practice Placement (EN6124) provides students with first-hand experience of guidance counselling practice in an educational setting. 

Spring Semester 

• Practicum 2: Practice Placement (EN6015) provides first-hand experience of guidance practice in an external professional setting. 

Summer Semester 

• Dissertation (EN6044) engages the student in research on a topic related to the guidance counselling profession. 

• Dissertation (EN6006) enables the student to complete the research dissertation. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in Education or a discipline such as psychology, social and community work, human resources and health sciences, or a Higher Diploma/Professional Masters in Education, or an equivalent teaching qualification. 

• The university will shortlist applicants and invite those shortlisted to an interview. Offers will be made following a successful interview. 

• Garda clearance is required 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Personal Statement – 500 words describing your interest and reason for applying for the programme. 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €6,600 per annum*

Non-EU €14,500 per annum*

*Year 2 fees are subject to change 

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa.  

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).   

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

The Guidance Counselling Masters can lead graduates to the following careers and sectors:   

• Guidance Counsellor in post-primary, further, higher and adult education
• Guidance counsellors in secondary schools are required by the Department of Education to hold a recognised post-primary teaching qualification as well as a qualification in guidance counselling.
• Private practice
• Professional studies
• Research 

Stuart Moloney,  graduate of the MA Class of 2024.  

“Embarking on the MA in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development in University of Limerick has been transformative for me. Having an academic and professional background outside of Post Primary Schools enhanced the course experience. The comprehensive curriculum delved into the intricacies of counselling techniques and career theories, equipping me with valuable skills to support individuals at various life stages. The program's emphasis on practical application of theory and insightful faculty guidance has shaped my ability to make a meaningful impact in this area of work.” 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.      

Online Information Sessions 

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“Embarking on the MA in Guidance Counselling and Lifespan Development in University of Limerick has been transformative for me. Having an academic and professional background outside of Post Primary Schools enhanced the course experience. The comprehensive curriculum delved into the intricacies of counselling techniques and career theories, equipping me with valuable skills to support individuals at various life stages. The program's emphasis on practical application of theory and insightful faculty guidance has shaped my ability to make a meaningful impact in this area of work.”

- Stuart Moloney, currently a 2^nd year student on the MA