Course Overview
The course prepares students to work as counsellors in the field of health and social care, private practice and within a number of Counselling services provided by the voluntary agencies. As a Humanistic programme the emphasis throughout the three years initial training will be on developing the counselling relationship, the self-awareness and development of the therapist, to be able to work effectively, ethically and safely with a range of complex presenting issues and client population, whether in time-limited or longer term work.
The theoretical approach integrates the philosophical and theoretical positions of found within the family of Humanistic therapeutic approaches, such as Person Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Existential and Emotion-focused therapy. These approaches are strengthened by introducing theories of attachment form the psychodynamic tradition and mindfulness from Eastern philosophy.
The programme will contextualise contemporary counselling within the wider field of mental health and consider the main influences and debates currently associated with the diagnosis and provision of service.
In addition to the therapeutic theories developed through the 'schools' of psychotherapy, the programme will consider the 'specialisms' that can be applied to specific presenting issues such as trauma, depression, eating distress, anxiety. And will consider 'populations' such as gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, intersectionality of identity and the implication for the therapeutic process. In this the programme takes looks at the politics of psychotherapy and its place in the twenty first century amongst the claims for a more humane and humanitarian world.
The master's dissertation will allow you to develop your particular interest at masters level.
Key Features
On leaving the programme you will have a professional qualification which will enable you to get employment as a psychotherapist, enter the field of health and social care or set up in private practice.
Modules
Level 4
- Therapeutic Theories
- Maintaining a framework for practice
- Personal development 1
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Research methods
- Practicum 1
Level 5
- Contemporary Mental Health
- The Therapeutic Process
- Personal development 2
- Professional Relationships
- Practicum 2
Level 6
- Personal Development and Professional Profile
- Counselling Specialisms and Populations
- Counselling Major Project
- Practicum 3
Level 7
- MA Dissertation
- Research Methods
- The Counselling Reflexive Practitioner
Professional Accreditations
Students who successfully complete the first three years of the programme, including the practice requirements may apply for individual accreditation to the BACP (or another applicable accrediting body) and may apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Course Tutor(s)
- Carol Hughes
- Ruth Groff
- Catherine Slade
- Andrea Williams
- Bev Cole
- Cath Hancox
Assessment
The range of assessment tasks have been designed to reflect academic skills and professional practice competency. The assessment could include:
- Essay writing
- Case Study Report
- Presentation
- Reflective report
- Dissertation
- Skills development
Career Opportunities
The programme seeks to develop appropriate, effective, ethical and evidence-based competence, so that graduates of the programme can develop professionally to work in the field of health and social care and other related professions
Further Information
There are a number of additional requirements you need to take into consideration for this programme.
Counselling Placement:
This involves finding a placement in a counselling organisation to who you will offer your voluntary services so that you can accomplish the 100 hours of supervised clinical practice. Programme staff will support and help you to find a placement. It is recommended that you allow for three or four hours a week to fulfil this requirement.
Supervision:
Please note also that there is a duty to comply with the BACP's trainee counsellor's supervision requirement of a minimum of one and a half hours a month. This would normally be provided by the placement organisation, if not you may need to pay for this yourself.
Professional requirement:
You will also be required to become student members of the BACP and to take out student indemnity insurance.
Because of the nature of the programme you will need to satisfy a BDS check.
Personal requirement:
During the course of the programme you will need to accomplish twenty five hours of personal therapy, which will have a cost.
Related Courses
- BA Counselling Skill and Interdisciplinary Studies
- BA Counselling Studies and Psychology
- MA Equality and Diversity in Society
- MA Youth and Community Work
- MSC Applied Social and Health Psychology
Additional Costs
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:
- Stationery
- Books
- Fieldwork
- Clothing
- Printing and copying
- Student Membership of the BACP
- Student Indemnity Insurance
- DBS Check
- Personal Therapy Session Costs
