DCU Postraduate Guide 2026

AislingMurray Fleming DCU Institute of Education aisling.fleming@dcu.ie AislingMurray Fleming is Chair of the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling programmes in the School of Human Development. “I am interested in all aspects of career development, from examining whether it’s beneficial to ask primary school children “what do you want to be when you grow up” to exploring re-careering or career changes in later life. I am passionate about hearing people’s stories, and guidance is deeply rooted in those narratives. Our profession goes beyond supporting individuals through life’s key transitions - it’s about empowering themwith the skills, mindset, and knowledge to realise their full potential. The MSc and Grad Dip Guidance programmes offer initial education and training in the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for practice in the interrelated areas of personal, education and career guidance counselling. A key element of the programme is the strong emphasis on reflective practice and personal growth facilitated by personal counselling, placement practice experience and professional supervision to support and enable personal and professional development. Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including the primary, secondary, further education and tertiary sectors, youth and community work, adult education, employee welfare, state agencies, business, industry, health and human resources. Graduates go on to work in guidance in many varied settings.” Postgraduate Guide 10