Technologically Facilitated Therapeutic Engagement

Course description

This newly validated Certificate in Technologically Facilitated Therapeutic Engagement is validated by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications and is 20 ECTS. The programme specifically aims to increase student awareness and enhance relevant skills associated with online/e-therapy practice. The programme is delivered by experienced lecturers who have both therapeutic experiences of working from an online platform and also the pre-requisite I.T understanding regarding ethical awareness/Data storage/Informed consent and therapeutic context within this modality of practice.
The programme addresses the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their professional competence in these contexts, and also develop personal and professional capacity and collaborative problem solving, underpinned by evidence-based practice and reflection.  It also helps provide leaders in professional practice who are capable of engaging with and initiating necessary professional discourse regarding evolving means of therapeutic engagement.

This certificate programme is designed primarily for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of counselling and psychotherapy related programmes as well as, nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the use, effectiveness and appropriateness of technologically enabled and facilitated therapeutic engagement.

Applicants should be driven by a desire to be leaders and agents for change; recognising the special contribution that technology can make to individuals, their families, and communities in supporting individual wellbeing, recovery, thus enriching the lives of individuals and communities.

Course Structure

Learners can complete this course over 12 weeks. The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning via Zoom and in-person mandatory attendance for skills-based workshops.

Learners have to complete four modules on this programme which amount to 20 ECTS .

The modules and associated credits relating to the Certificate in Technologically Facilitated Therapeutic Engagement are as follows

• Theoretical Perspectives Module (5 ECTS),
• Skills & Competencies Module  (5 ECTS
• Principles of Technologically Facilitated Therapy (5 ECTS).
• Skills & competencies associated with Technologically Facilitated Therapy  (5 ECTS)

On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by (QQI) Quality and Qualifications Ireland. QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding body for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the National Framework of Qualifications. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally.

 Entry Requirements

The knowledge, skills, and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8 Degree.

Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.

Applicants will normally have a minimum of two years of experience in areas of relevant practice such as a helping or caring role, or related leadership or teamwork role. This could include experience gained in helping roles within undergraduate studies.

All applicants are required to be over 23 years of age and will be required to complete the Garda vetting procedure and 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. These arrangements are in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012-2016 which species a statutory requirement for all learners on programmes that include placements.