ATI / Glyndwr University ( University of Wales)
BA Honours Addiction Counselling
Frequently Asked Questions
Who accredits the Degree?
Who is the Programme Leader?
Who is the course for?
How long is the course?
How much is the course?
What is covered in the course?
What are the entry requirements for this course?
Will I be eligible for any exemptions?
How is the coursework assessed and are there exams?
What is the work load involved?
Will I be a qualified Counsellor if I successfully complete this course?
Where will the course be held and when?
Who organises the placements during the course?
I have been out of education for a long time. Will I be able to cope?
Do I have to know how to use a computer?
Is there a class representative? Do the students have a voice?
Who manages the Programme?
How can I be assured of the Quality of the Programme?
How do I apply for the course?
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Who accredits the Degree?
BA Honours Addiction Counselling
The programme is accredited by Glyndwr University, Wales. It is internationally recognised and quality assured and has been developed over a 12 month period of validation.
The objective of ATI and the University of Wales (Glyndwr) is to provide a fully integrated set of quality learning pathways for Irish adult learners in this important area of learning. The professional and demanding pre - degree process of academic validation is a guarantee of the degrees international status and recognition. The course represents international best practice in programme delivery, learning materials and methods, non-examination formative assessment tasks, and quality learners� services.
The Head of this department is:
Professor Christopher Alan Lewis,
Division of Psychology
Dean of the Institute for Health, Medical Sciences and Society, Glyndwr University. Top
Who is the programme Leader?
Mr Colin O Drisocoll Top
Who is the course for?
This programme has been developed for students wishing to progress in a career in the Addiction field.
The programme is distinct by not endorsing or validating any single modality or philosophy to interpret addiction or practice of addiction therapy. It will offer to students a variety of addiction theories and therapeutic approaches that are currently accepted as best practice by the majority of residential and community based treatments/strategies in Europe, North America and Australia. It will provide the student with opportunities to practise distinct therapeutic models and/or eclectic variations that can be determined and adjusted by the client's needs or as stated by varying addiction treatment centres and their philosophies.
As such, the programme will greatly enhance a student�s ability to secure employment in this mental health sector at an advanced level, and will similarly ensure that students graduate with exemplary practice skills that are suited to working in a multitude of addiction settings with varying understandings of the nature of addiction.
The programme aims to provide adult learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as Addiction Professionals in a wide variety of settings including, Addiction Treatment Centres, Addiction Counselling Agencies, Voluntary Agencies, Hospitals, Employee Assistance Programmes, Human Resources, and Community Groups. The course is also designed for those who would like to pursue a career in private practice in Addiction Counselling. It is also of interest to those who would like to develop Addiction Theory and skills to enhance their work practices, e.g. Nurses, Gardai, Probation Officers Prison Officers and Teachers. We also encourage people who have had personal experience of addiction either through addiction themselves or a family member. It is a requirement that you are at least 2 years in recovery before applying for the course. Top
How long is the course?
This is a 4 year programme of study. However, if for any reason participants need to exit the programme they can avail of awards at all levels.
- Year 1 award is a Certificate in Addiction Counselling (Equivalent to HETAC level 6)
- Year 2 award is a Diploma in Addiction Counselling (Equivalent to HETAC level 6)
- Year 3 award is a BA (Ordinary) in Addiction Counselling (Equivalent to HETAC level 7)
- Year 4 is awarded with a BA (Honours) in Addiction Counselling (Equivalent to HETAC level 8)
How much is the course?
- The course fee for the academic year 2011/12 is €4650.
- Year 2 is also €4650.
- Year 3 is €3950
- Year 4 is €3500
Students need to consider 3 additional financial costs that are not included in the programme cost.
a) Personal Therapy (Programme requirement and arranged independently by the student) Personal therapy costs vary greatly and students are advised to negotiate sliding scale prices. Students will be advised of how and where to locate possible counsellors not associated with this programme. (For year 2011/12 - average cost €25 - €55 per hour).
b) Practice Indemnity Insurance (Programme requirement and arranged independently by the student). Confirmation of practice indemnity insurance will be required from students when completing placements components in the programme. Students will be advised of the names of various insurers and the types of insurance cover available to trainee addiction students. (For year 2011 - average cost €63 - €90 per year)
c) Clinical Supervision (Programme requirement and arranged independently by the student). Clinical supervision costs vary greatly and students are advised to negotiate sliding scale rates. Students will be advised of how and where to locate possible clinical supervisors not associated with this programme. (For year 2011 /12 average cost is €55 - €65 per hour) Top
What is covered in the course?
The following modules will feature over the four years :
The following is a list of modules covered in the 4 year Programme
| Year 1 Certificate Module Title |
Year 2 Diploma Module Title |
Year 3 BA(Ord) Module Title |
Year 4 BA(Hons) Module Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relapse Prevention Therory and Practise | Dual diagnosis and Behavioural Addictions | Counselling Skills Theory and Practice Eating Disorders |
Addiction, Young People & Families |
| Models and Treatment of Addiction | Therapeutic Group Facilitation Skills | Advanced Motivational Therapies | Research Methodology | Counselling Skills Theory and Practice Bereavement and Loss | Counselling Skills Theory and Practice. Ethics |
Placement | Project Dissertation |
| Experiential Group Process 1 | Placement:Therapeutic Relationships with Clients & Working Relationships with Clients | Developing a Care Plan | Project Dissertation | Understanding Drugs | Applied Motivational Therapy in Addiction | Endings | Project Dissertation |
| Community - Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Addiction | Research and learning | Re-Examination of Self | Project Dissertation |
The programme aims to promote the development of knowledge, skills and self-awareness, not in isolation from one another but in their inter-related meanings for the whole person. There is therefore an emphasis on the integration of experience, understanding and behaviour throughout the course.
The process involved in becoming a professional Addiction Counsellor is demanding intellectually, emotionally and socially. It is not a benign process that can be managed by reading, attending lectures and writing essays, but involves the whole person. Research evidence on effectiveness of counselling shows that it is the quality of the counselling relationship and the therapeutic alliance it produces that are essential to positive outcomes.
Effective competent counsellors need considerable knowledge and skill, everything revolves around their ability to make, sustain and end sound, reliable therapeutic relationships. Client counsellor relationships can be complex and demanding. Clients can present with a multitude of difficulties, they can be angry, depressed, abusive, seductive, distraught or manipulative: the counsellor must maintain strong and ethical boundaries and contain whatever issues are presented to them.
The skilled and self aware therapist will develop a capacity to sustain such relationships and do this work, but it takes time, dedication, motivation, openness and sufficient self-esteem and emotional responsiveness to bear the challenges that training throws up.
The training involves experiential work, interacting with others in role-play and actual client work. It involves group work in which individual vulnerabilities are often revealed and worked with. Students give and receive support from others, which is essential to a safe learning environment. Students will complete a clinical placement in both year 2 and year 3. Each clinical placement is 50 hours duration. Students will be required to purchase practice indemnity insurance for the duration of clinical placements and complete clinical supervision hours for the duration of clinical placements at a ratio of 8:1 (For every eight hours completed on placement, the student is required to complete one hour clinical supervision with a qualified IAAAC recognised clinical supervisor). Please view http://www.iaaac.org/content/membershipgrades.html for additional details.
- The Bio/Psycho/Social Model of Addiction will provide the core theoretical base for the duration of the course.
- Motivational Interviewing will provide the core counselling model throughout the course
There is a strong emphasis on personal reflection, the sharing of personal experiences, and active participation in a variety of learning experiences. The course is designed to give participant an understanding of practical counselling issues as well as the key theories.
- Personal Development, Therapy, Client Work & Supervision.
Personal maturity and a high level of personal awareness are recognised as being central to the work of a Counsellor/Psychotherapist. Personal development work will be an essential component of the training.
- Experiential group process modules will be offered in year one.
- There will be a requirement to attend a minimum of 100 hours of personal therapy during the first three years of the course.
Clinical placement will take place in years two and three highlighting the practitioner element of the course. Students will be required to complete at least 100 hours of work with clients and attend a qualified supervisor to review their client work.
Course Philosophy: The educational philosophies are guided by deep commitment to the values inherent in the work of Carl Rogers and subsequent theorists and this shapes the relationship between tutors and students, with students being encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning needs whilst being robustly supported and guided by tutors. Top
The selection criteria include:
- Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
- Applications are also invited from those who do not have the above qualifications.
- In these instances, applicants will be considered on the basis of personal experience or related work experience.
- Additionally, all applicants will be subject to an interview. Top
ATI and Glyndwr University recognise prior learning for credit or exemption on this programme. If you have a Diploma in Counselling or a similar recognised Counselling and Psychotherapy or Addiction professional qualification award, you may be eligible for direct access to Year 2 or 3. Please click on this link for further information Top
How is the coursework assessed and are there exams?
There are a range of activities and tasks designed to assess the learning outcomes of the programme. Narrow closed - book examinations are not a part of the assessment criteria and this is in line with the humanistic ethos of the course.
Assessment will be by a range of methods appropriate to the module i.e. Essay, Case study, Class presentation and Learning journals. Full details of the assessment criteria will be explained fully in the course manual issued to students on commencement of the course. Lecturers in each module will also explain the relevant assessment methods for their module.
Evaluation grading and performance rubrics will be developed and provided for all students. A rubric is an evaluating tool that explicitly represents the performance expectations for an assignment. It contributes to grading coherence and consistency in journal writing, projects, oral presentations, etc. Rubrics can also provide formative feedback to support and guide learning efforts and identify strengths and weaknesses in attaining learning goals. Top
What is the work load involved?
This is an Honours degree award and the workload will reflect this. There are 6 modules per year, including placements. It is recommended that students do approx 2-3 hours of study per day. A considerable amount of work involves reflection on one's own life experience and how the learning you are undertaking is developing you as a potential Counsellor/Psychotherapist. Top
Will I be a qualified Addiction Counsellor if I successfully complete this course?
This course has been designed to fulfill the educational requirements of the Irish Association of Alcohol and Addiction Counsellors (IAAAC) for full accreditation as an Addiction Counsellor. It is important for students on this programme to understand that the IAAAC accredit individuals based on a variety of criteria, and a course such as the BA in Addiction Counselling is just one of these. Clinical Supervision both in the training process and post training are also required. The process of accreditation and the requirements will be explained to all students during the course. Please visit http://www.irish-counselling.ie/index.php/information-and-application-forms Top
Where will the course be held and when?
The course is delivered in 2 locations
- Dublin City University – Weds evenings 6 – 10pm. January 2012
- Waterford Institute of Technology – Thurs evenings 6 – 10pm. January 2012 Top
Placement starts in Year 2. Placement is of 100 hours duration over 2 years. ATI will assist in the sourcing of placement and also students can avail of their own placements in locations and at times that suit their own personal circumstances. ATI have an established a free counselling service www.aticounselling.ie. Students can avail of this service as a source of referral. ATI also has large database of participating Addiction counselling agencies. All details of the placement will be explained to students in order to ensure that placements secured are sufficient. All placements and supervisors arranged by the student themselves must be approved by ATI. Top
I have been out of education for a long time. Will I be able to cope?
The induction process, student learning handbook, dedicated services of the academic coordinator, peer mentoring scheme, etc are all designed to assist in the successful transition to effective adult learning. The research and communications module will help to reacquaint you with study skills, research, computer skills and academic essay writing. Many of our students are in a similar position to you and we see your reintroduction to education, and our support in this, as a key step in your learning process. Top
Do I have to know how to use a computer?
Yes. The course uses the University Virtual Learning system (called Moodle). Course material will be placed on this system on a weekly basis for reading or downloading so it is a vital component of the course. Class discussions will also takeplace here. We will offer a comprehensive ongoing training and support in the use of this system. Top
Is there a class representative? Do the students have a voice?
Yes there is a class representative process. Each class will be invited to elect two class representatives in the first two weeks of the course for a one-academic year tenure. Class representatives guidelines will be co � developed and provided to all students.
Student participation is a very important feature of Glyndwr University and ATI's approach to assuring and enhancing the quality of the student experience, in order for staff to:
- involve students in the decision-making processes relating to the curriculum, teaching and learning, and many other aspects of their higher education experience;
- engage with students to obtain quarterly feedback and insights in order to learn how to provide for them better in the future;
- engage in a dialogue about the learning experience, in order to develop a partnership between staff and students in solving any problems that may arise;
- support and encourage students to become more active learners.
The Student Representative for each cohort is responsible for highlighting comments of good practice and any concerns regarding the programme and of the cohort's learning experience. Training for student representatives will be available in line with Glyndwr University procedures. Top
Who manages the Programme?
There are different levels and activities of management on the course:
ATI/Glyndwr Academic Management.
Glyndwr University, Department of Psychology; Professor Christopher Lewis.
ATI Director of Education; Professor Mairtin O Fathaigh.
Programme Leaders:
BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Dr Damian Davy.
BA in Addiction Counselling: Mr Colin O Driscoll.
Regional Academic Coordinators
Dublin City University: Ms Catherine Stewart
Waterford Institute of Technology:Dr Marie Claire Van Hout.
Glyndwr University Academic Liaison:Ms Victoria Woodward.
Placement Coordinator: Ms Hilde De Block. Top
How can I be assured of the Quality of the Programme?
QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROCESS
Quality Assurance on this programme has two inter related aspects:
PRINCIPLES and PROCESS
- Glyndwr University Quality Policy and Practice has guided the entire degree design and development. The year - long (pre- course delivery) validation phase included
- Production of comprehensive programme documents.
- Validation meetings in Wales between GU academic staff & ATI personnel.
- Site visits to Ireland by GU validation team.
- Appointment of two external (Independent) validation examiners.
- Production of report by validation panel for submission to GU academic leadership.
- PROFESSIONAL INQUIRY.
- TRANSPARENT DOCUMENT GENERATION.
- CLEAR GUIDELINES.
- ROBUST PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING.
- COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH GRADE LEARNING. PATHWAY FOR IRISH ADULT LEARNERS.
Regular and on-going reviews, class visits and reports Academic Coordinators, ATI Director of Education and Academic Director on students and staff experiences.
A specially designed learners experiences of The Impact of Learning questionnaire will be distributed at the conclusion of each module. Also, a Glyndwr University student class evaluation instrument will be completed. Data and reports from these sources will assist in reviews and critiques of positive aspects of programme/module delivery, identify needed modifications, etc. A separate international research project on Adult Learners Attitudes, Motivations, Learning Styles and Perceptions of Learning Climate will be conducted during the first two years of the programme.Class representatives guidelines will be co-developed at a meeting in the first month of the programme. A further meeting will be organised at the end of each semester. Class visits by Academic Leaders and Director of Education will occur during each module.
Regular training and development seminars and documents will be provided for all ATI personnel to promote good practice in classroom teaching, coherence in evaluation procedures and lecturers roles/activities in empowering learners self-development.
Academic Management Team meetings twice each semester (Class representatives to attend these meetings)
Glyndwr Academic Liaison Ms. Victoria Woodward MA will visit each class during the semester.
Written reports by Academic Leaders and Glyndwr Quality Assurance personnel at the conclusion of each module/year.
How do I apply for the course?
Complete the online application form http://psychology.ie/application-form.html Top
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