BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies
Course Overview
BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies is about understanding the complex lives of young people and learning how to support them with empathy, insight, and professional care.
This is an ICHAS course delivered at Griffith College by ICHAS.
The BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Youth Studies offers a practice-based and academic pathway for those who want to work as professional counsellors with a special focus on youth development and wellbeing.
Students explore key theories of human development and mental health alongside in-depth modules on the challenges facing young people today, including inequality, addiction, education, and emotional health. Practical skills training and personal development are embedded throughout the course, preparing learners for supervised clinical work and ethical practice in real-world settings.
Why Study Counselling & Youth Studies at Griffith College?
The BA (Hons) in Counselling and Youth Studies is for those who want to make a difference in the lives of young people through professional therapeutic practice. It provides a strong foundation for working in youth services, schools, community settings, or private practice.
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Graduates meet the academic requirements to progress toward accreditation with relevant professional bodies.
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Students gain valuable real-world experience through supervised client work and personal psychotherapeutic development, helping them grow both professionally and personally.
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Learners are supported through mentoring, reflective practice, and personal development modules, creating a space for academic and emotional growth.
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Courses are delivered by experienced practitioners with backgrounds in counselling, psychotherapy, youth work, and psychology, who bring real-world relevance to each class.
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A combination of online lectures and in-person workshops allows students to balance study with work or personal commitments.
Course Highlights
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Focused specialism in youth mental health and development.
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Combines theory, practical skills, and personal development.
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Supports progression toward professional accreditation.
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Delivered by active professionals in the field.
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Includes supervised placement and psychotherapeutic experience.
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Delivered through a blend of online and in-class delivery.
Intake Dates
- Limerick - Full-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
- Limerick - Part-Time - September 2025
Course Details
This programme is available to be taken on a full-time or part-time basis over 4 years. Each academic year consists of two 12-week semesters. Semester 1 runs from September to December and Semester 2 from January to April.
The part-time programme is delivered using a mix of blended/online learning, as well as skills-based classroom learning.
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.
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 introduce students to a sociological perspective of adolescence focusing on the relationship between the individual and society with specific reference to the theoretical conceptualizations of youth, the role of social policy in young people’s lives, and how current social realities shape the adolescent experience.
The aim of this module is to enable students to appropriately apply a range of interventions when working with adolescents. It will emphasize the importance of structured assessment and competent application based on the theoretical underpinnings associated with a range of modalities including, CBT, REBT, Behavioural Modification Approaches, Solution Focused approaches, Person Centred approaches and Motivational Interviewing across a spectrum of issues form anxiety to life crises to anti-social behaviour. The modules will also address the attributes and skills necessary to work in the care and management of clients who present with these issues. In short, the module will specifically address the appropriateness of interventions to specified issues focusing on the practical transformation of theory to practice through the acquisition of the required skills and competencies associated with each form of intervention.
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 this module is to introduce students to the range of evidence-based creative and expressive approaches applied in a youth context with reference to the theory and principles underpinning these therapeutic approaches and their connectivity with other modalities. It will enable students to develop and apply knowledge of alternative therapeutic models of intervention to enhance their responsiveness to clients’ needs. The modules will also address the particular techniques and skills associates with each form of therapeutic approach with emphasis on supportive factors, learning factors and action factors. Finally, students will acquire an understanding of how to appropriately integrate expressive and creative approaches with other interventions and modalities.
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 this module is to introduce students to issues faced by young people who engage in crime, deviant and anti-social behaviour in the context of how youth justice is perceived by society in general. This will include an introductory exploration of criminological theory and the workings of the criminal justice institutions focussing on latest policy and practice developments. The module will also examine trends in sentencing with specific reference to controversies surrounding the shift from detainment to community intervention and restorative forms of justice. Finally, the module will examine the breadth of causative factors with emphasis on practical intervention.
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 adolescents.
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 this module is to provide students with the opportunity to understand the process of bereavement and explore issues in loss and grief.
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 introduce students to foundational concepts of working with young people emphasising the essentiality of participation and empowerment when leading and managing in a youth environment. This will include a theoretical and practical exploration of the effective interpersonal communication skills required for effective leadership practice in multiple contexts including one-to-one, team and community engagements. Students will develop the required skills and approaches for the development of positive and productive relationships with an understanding of personal & professional boundaries and the skills in developing trusting relationships. Module content is also devised to provide practical skills in project management including the skills required for needs assessment, planning, project design and evaluation. Essential leadership and managerial skills will be emphasised including creativity, innovation and enterprise as well as team work, conflict resolution, self-management and accountability.
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.
Full-time option:
The full-time programme is normally scheduled over three consecutive days per week (over 12 weeks of each Semester) at ICHAS College Limerick from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Part-time option:
The part-time programme is normally scheduled on 1 evening per week (6 pm to 9 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 4.30 pm) over the 2 semesters, September to December and January to April, from Griffith College Limerick and Griffith College Dublin.
The part-time programme utilises a Blended Learning approach, which facilitates students to access classes in person or using online facilities. In certain modules (mainly skills based), attendance is a mandatory requirement.
The course covers a range of subjects, which, when taken together, provide a syllabus designed to develop competent professional practitioners. The subjects covered are designed to be both practical and theoretical.
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 Youth Studies, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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All applicants must be over 18 years of age and are required to undergo Garda Vetting
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Applicants will be required to have basic IT literacy, skills, and competence.
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For non-native speakers of English, a C score in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or an equivalent IELTS score of 6.0 is required.
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All applicants will be required to attend an online interview
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Provide any information requested by the Institute, e.g. provision of personal references
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Undergo Garda vetting procedures
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All applicants will be subject to the College’s ‘Fitness to Practice’ policy, which is set out in detail in the Programme Handbook and on the website
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Candidates who hold a relevant QQI Level 5 qualification with a Distinction in at least three modules will qualify for entry to the programme.
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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.
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.
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
This course, with its emphasis on Youth Studies, gives a comprehensive overview of current thinking and practice in the area. The course would be of interest to practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines: Psychology, Counselling, Social Care, etc., who may wish to deepen their knowledge and build their skills and a comprehensive understanding of this area.
Graduates of this programme have found employment in the public and private sector in organisations such as the HSE, Tusla, and in a variety of local authority, charity & voluntary settings. Youth & Community roles can include youth workers, outreach workers, family support officers, youth advocacy works, and school completion project workers.
Examples of some such organisations include Foróige, Childline, Child and Youth Councils – Comhairle na nÓg, The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), SpunOut, Youth Work Ireland, Changing Futures and UBU – Your Place Your Space
