BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies
Course Overview
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction 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 addiction studies.
Delivered through a blend of classroom and skills-based learning, this course offers flexible in-person and online options. It supports a better work/life/study balance while building the confidence, skills, and competencies needed for a career in addiction-focused Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Why Study Counselling and Addiction Studies at Griffith College?
The BA (Hons) in Counselling and Addiction Studies has many features that make it one of the leading programmes of this type in Ireland. The syllabus covers a diverse combination of theory and competence development.
- In-Depth Curriculum: Covers mental health, addiction theory, substance and non-substance addictions, and recovery approaches.
- Flexible Blended Learning: Combines online and in-person classes for better work/life/study balance.
- Hands-On Skills Training: Mandatory in-person attendance for key skill-based modules.
- Supervised Clinical Placement: 200 hours of direct client work under clinical supervision.
- Personal Development: Includes 50 hours of required Personal Psychotherapeutic Experience and ongoing support through dedicated modules.
Intake Dates
- Limerick - Full-Time, Part-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
- Limerick - Part-Time, Full-Time - September 2026
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2026
What students say
"My experience was truly transformative. The course was professional and deeply authentic, which inspired me to pursue further studies with the college on the Certificate in Addiction Studies (Gambling). The faculty’s support helped me gain a better understanding of the complexities of addiction and how to apply therapeutic modalities in real-world settings. Working with people in addiction matters deeply to me, and this programme has given me the tools and confidence to make a real difference in my community and also in my own private practice and treatment centres."
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies
Course Details
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies (NFQ level 8) is delivered by the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS) at Griffith College Dublin, http://ichas.ie and is available on a part-time or full-time basis over a four year period. This course is highly interactive and 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 addiction studies.
Addiction affects all areas of our society at all levels and its effects on individuals, families and society, in general, can be devastating. Trained professionals are required as part of the National Strategy to help improve addiction services and support those who are striving towards recovery. The decision by Government to proceed with statutory regulation of counselling and psychotherapy will enhance future employment prospects for graduates.
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 in 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 provide the learner with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of Addiction. Learners will focus on theoretical explanations, epidemiological considerations as well as personal and familial consequences, over the period of the Module and will be required to appraise the evidence base for a range of explanatory theories.
The aim of the module is to facilitate students to explore and critically evaluate the concept of non-substance related addictions. Learners will focus on the theoretical evidence for non-substance use related disorders being categorized as addictions.
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 the module is to facilitate students to acquire the knowledge necessary to comprehend the principles of the key psychosocial intervention approaches in addiction practice. Learners will be required to appraise the evidence base for a range of treatment approaches.
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 the module is to facilitate students to explore and critically evaluate the concept of non-substance related addictions. Learners will focus on the theoretical evidence for non-substance use related disorders being categorized as addictions.
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 individuals in addiction contexts.
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 the module is to facilitate students to acquire the knowledge necessary to identify, work with and refer clients on for appropriate treatment of biological and physiological disorders related to alcohol and other drug use. Learners will be required to appraise the evidence base for a range of explanatory theories.
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 provide students with the opportunity to understand the process of bereavement and explore issues in loss and grief.
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 professionalacademy@griffith.ie 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 Addiction 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.
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.
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.
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: Full-Time
Limerick Campus
€4050.00 (this includes a 2% PEL levy)
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin Main Campus
€4050.00 (this includes a 2% PEL levy)
Limerick Campus
€4050.00 (this includes a 2% PEL levy)
Flexible Payment Options
Students wishing to avail of an instalment plan should contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie
Students who opt for an instalment plan 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 professionalacademy@griffith.ie
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
The programme is highly interactive and is designed for learners who wish to begin their educational and learning journey in the fields of Counselling and Psychotherapy specifically to work in addiction settings. It is specially designed for those who aspire to develop professional’s competence to work with diverse and marginalised groups of people or individuals with complex needs.
The primary focus will be working with individuals and groups but also to prepare learners to contribute at community and policy levels as practitioners in their field. This programme is for those who wish to break down barriers of access to evidence-based intervention and create opportunities for high-quality treatment experiences for all who need them.
Graduates of this programme can be found working in the private and public statutory sector in organisations such as Tusla, HSE, Merchants Quay Project, Peter McVerry Trust, Irish Prison Service, Aiseiri, and other areas of addiction practice. Graduates have also found employment in community-based organisations, working with individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction as members of multi-disciplinary teams in health, settings within the private, community, and voluntary sectors.
