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POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATIONAL GUIDANCE COUNSELLING (P/T)
- Qualification
- Postgraduate Diploma
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH99G
- Award Type and NFQ level
- POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 05 February 2027
Overview
This is an 18-months part-time taught postgraduate diploma which is designed to prepare qualified second-level teachers to provide and lead a school's guidance counselling service. Graduates will be equipped to lead and contribute to a school’s Whole School Guidance team.
The programme is recognised by the Irish Department of Education (DE) and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) as a professional, international qualification in guidance counselling.
The part-time programme is running in different Cycles. Accordingly, the next intake is as follows:
Cycle 3: August 2026 - December 2027 (PDEGCP)
Year 1: August 2026 – May 2027 (year-long)
Year 2: September 2027 – December 2027
Cycle 3 participants attend Maynooth University two full-days per month: one Friday from 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. and one Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. They also attend online lectures three Thursday evenings per month from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Participants also engage in school placement for one day per week during the 32 weeks (32 full school days in total) of the course.
Programme participants are responsible for arranging the school placement component of the course during which they work in close co-operation with the school guidance counsellor. Students who have a full-time qualified practicing school guidance counsellor at their current school may complete their placement at their own school. If a student's school does not have a full-time qualified practicing school guidance counsellor, they will be required to fulfil their placement at a different school.
There are no distance restrictions on the schools participants can choose for their placements. The PGDEGC part-time programme is nationwide, allowing students to choose schools across the country that best suit their academic and professional aspirations for placement.
The programme begins with two full-day induction sessions in late August and workshops (attendance is mandatory).
Intensive training in psychometric testing is scheduled for the October mid-term break in Year 2 (dates to be confirmed), and there will be additional 2 - 3 Saturday workshops for this training in the second year.
Course Duration: 18-months part-time
MU Apply Code: MH99G
Course structure
Duration: 18-months part-time (Cycle 2 and Cycle 3)
Participants attend Maynooth University two days per month (one Friday and one Saturday), three days online lectures (three Thursday evenings per month) and engage in school placement for one day in a week during the 32 weeks (32 full school days in total) of the course.
The programme (Cycle 3) begins in late August 2026 with two full days, these are induction days and attendance is mandatory.
Intensive training in psychometric testing is scheduled for the October mid-term break in Year 2 and there will be 2 - 3 Saturday workshops.
MU Apply Code: MH99G
Course Duration Cycle 3: 18-months part-time
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Guidance Counselling will qualify participants to provide and manage a school guidance counselling service.
The programme is recognised by the Irish Department of Education (DE) and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) as a professional, international qualification in guidance counselling.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in a Professional Masters in Education or equivalent qualification. Applicants must be qualified, registered second-level teachers with Route 2 registration with Teaching Council with minimum of three years’ experience of teaching and experience in areas such as pastoral care or a school care team. Experience on a whole school guidance team would be advantageous.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- Two professional written references from current school management, on school headed paper and dated within the past year.
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.