Counselling, BSc (Hons)

Counselling, BSc (Hons)

Counselling, BSc (Hons)

The BSc (Hons) in Counselling is a work-based professional training course focusing on person-centred pluralistic counselling practice within contemporary society.

As a student, you will have an opportunity to explore how to integrate a pluralistic approach to counselling into a Rogerian person-centred foundation of theory and practice.

The programme focuses on four professional training foundations:

  • Professional practice
  • Personal development
  • Counselling and society
  • Research and academic skills in counselling
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Duration:
Full-time: 3 years
Start date:
September 2024
Location:
Winter Gardens
Course codes:
Institution: W47
Course: BSCO
Campus: Winter Gardens
Awarding institution:
Bath Spa University
Course fees:
Full-time: £8,900 per year
Additional information about this course:
Students on this course also need to complete supervised placement hours and there may be additional costs for this external supervision. Students will also need to pay for a minimum of 20 hours of personal counselling over the duration of the course. All students are also required to obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an additional cost of £50 and pay £82 per year for student membership of the BACP. After the top up is discontinued in 2025, students can still join the BSc(hons) programme at level 6 to act as a top up (with suitable prerequisites)
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Delivered in partnership

This course is delivered in partnership with...
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Assessment

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Professional practice

As a student you will develop the core skills needed to become a professional, registered counsellor by completing a supervised work-based placement. This will enable you to apply for registered membership with the BACP on completion of the required hours. The course aligns itself with the main regulatory bodies SCoPed framework for training and enables you progress through the therapist bands with further training.

Personal development

You will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of personal development activities, including an annual residential, weekly personal development groups and other reflective tasks and assignments. These opportunities will encourage you to develop the self-awareness and reflectivity needed to become a counselling professional.

Counselling and society

Students will engage with the therapeutic community through supervision, membership of a professional body, continuing professional development and research activities. As a student you will also be introduced to issues that affect psychological well-being and inclusion in wider society and will be encouraged to develop and promote inclusive and cultural competencies. You will also be introduced to aspects of inequality within mental health provision and will be encouraged to explore aspects of privilege and advantage and the impact this may have on therapeutic practice.

Research and academic skills in counselling

We recognise that research is an important skill for the practising counsellor/psychotherapist and you will develop your knowledge and skills of how to understand, interpret and conduct research in this area. We also offer support for your academic, personal and career development throughout the programme as well as having access to a professional network consisting of guest speakers and work-based learning opportunities. Working closely with professionals, employers and placement providers, will offer the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career path. It is envisaged that graduates from this programme could apply for Masters level courses in counselling, or work in private practice or within multidisciplinary healthcare settings.

Quick Stats

The BSc (hons) in Counselling is a work-based professional training course focusing on person-centred pluralistic counselling practice within contemporary society.
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Full-Time

Meet our Team
Student - Claire Plewss image
Claire Plews
Curriculum Coordinator - Counselling
Claire has been in private practice as a solution-focused psychotherapist and supervisor since 2002. She has a Master’s Degree in the Psychology of Education from the University of Bristol and a BSc(hons) in Sociology and Psychology from Plymouth University. Over the last 20 years Claire has also gained a large wealth of experience in teaching psychology and delivering training to counselling professionals, both for local organisations and universities, has taught on the FdSc and BSc(hons) counselling programmes since 2017. Claire’s particular interests lie in the area of anxiety disorders and early intervention within mental health and education. For over a decade Claire has taught extensively on a nationwide CPD programme focusing on OCD and CBT interventions and has fronted an initiative for local health professionals for early intervention in mental disorders. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice from UWE, is a fellow of Advance HE and is in her fifth year of studying for a Doctorate in Education at the University of Bristol exploring adolescent perceptions of mental health provision in education.
Student - Matt Thackers image
Matt Thacker
Lecturer - Counselling
Matt works in private practice as a counsellor and supervisor and has a small private practice. Matt has a BA (Hons) in Cultural Studies, a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a postgraduate certificate in Supervision, and an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice in which he conducted research exploring white psychotherapists attitudes towards their own racial identity. He works integratively, and has a particular interest in bereavement work, working with trauma, and working with men. Matt is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in academic practice at Liverpool University.
Student - Siouxsie Bytheways image
Siouxsie Bytheway
Lecturer in Counselling
Siouxsie has a private practice providing integrative counselling to children, young people and adults in Cheltenham and Stroud town centres. She has an FdSc and BSc in Counselling from University Centre Weston, a Diploma in Counselling Children and Adolescents from Iron Mill College, and an MSc in Psychology and Post Graduate Certificate in Research Methods from the University Gloucestershire. Prior to qualifying as counsellor, Siouxsie worked across a range of mental health and social housing settings in Southwest England, roles including Housing Officer, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer and managing Gypsy/Travelers sites for the local authority. She is currently a PhD researcher at the University of Gloucestershire undertaking research exploring intimate partner violence and abuse in queer relationships.
Student - Penny Osbornes image
Penny Osborne
HE Lecturer in Counselling
Penny is a registered psychotherapist and applied behaviour analyst who works within a person-centred framework. In her practice she combines Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles with body-based movement practices to develop and further clients’ social, emotional, and behavioural health and wellbeing. She has a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy from Canterbury Christ Church University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health and Social Care from the University of the West of England and a BSc (hons) Degree in Counselling Psychology from Southampton Solent University. Over the last 18 years Penny has worked with children and adolescents in home and school settings, online with adult carers and siblings of looked-after children, and provided 1-1 and group therapy within addictions counselling and outpatient services.  Her interests lie in the areas of anxiety, developmental disorders, trauma, PTSD, and medically unexplained symptoms. Penny has guest spoken at PhD seminars and academic conferences and is in her 5th year of studying for a Doctorate in Psychotherapy at Middlesex University exploring therapist experiences and perceptions of working online.
Student - Steve Heighams image
Steve Heigham
Lecturer - Counselling
Steve has taught counselling at UCW since 2005 part time, at level 2, level 3, Diploma and foundation degree level. He has a degree in teaching (BEd), a degree in Psychology (BSc), an Advanced Post graduate diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, and an MSc in Evolutionary psychology. He was a special needs teacher for 22 years before lecturing in Psychology and counselling in further and higher education colleges. Steve has a small private practice in Bristol, offering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and integrative counselling. He is also a volunteer counsellor for HELP organisation. Steve is currently developing his research interest and practice on empathy and its evolutionary origins.
Student - Rachel Brittons image
Rachel Britton
HE Counselling Work Placement coordinator
Rachel has a small private practice working with adults. She has an FDSC and BSC in Counselling from University Centre Weston. Rachel has contributed to re designing both the Level 2 and 3 Counselling Programmes at Weston College and has taught on both and the partnership courses at the University of the West of England for the last 4 academic years. Rachel has completed her Level 4 Teaching and Learning Diploma and is currently undertaking her Level 5 Diploma with City and Guilds.
    Student Spotlight
    Meet our team
    Student - Claire Plewss image
    Claire Plews
    Curriculum Coordinator - Counselling
    Read more...
    Student - Matt Thackers image
    Matt Thacker
    Lecturer - Counselling
    Read more...
    Student - Siouxsie Bytheways image
    Siouxsie Bytheway
    Lecturer in Counselling
    Read more...
    Student - Penny Osbornes image
    Penny Osborne
    HE Lecturer in Counselling
    Read more...
    Student - Steve Heighams image
    Steve Heigham
    Lecturer - Counselling
    Read more...
    Student - Rachel Brittons image
    Rachel Britton
    HE Counselling Work Placement coordinator
    Read more...
      Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.
      Student - Claire Plewss image
      Claire Plews
      Curriculum Coordinator - Counselling
      Claire has been in private practice as a solution-focused psychotherapist and supervisor since 2002. She has a Master’s Degree in the Psychology of Education from the University of Bristol and a BSc(hons) in Sociology and Psychology from Plymouth University. Over the last 20 years Claire has also gained a large wealth of experience in teaching psychology and delivering training to counselling professionals, both for local organisations and universities, has taught on the FdSc and BSc(hons) counselling programmes since 2017. Claire’s particular interests lie in the area of anxiety disorders and early intervention within mental health and education. For over a decade Claire has taught extensively on a nationwide CPD programme focusing on OCD and CBT interventions and has fronted an initiative for local health professionals for early intervention in mental disorders. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice from UWE, is a fellow of Advance HE and is in her fifth year of studying for a Doctorate in Education at the University of Bristol exploring adolescent perceptions of mental health provision in education.
      Student - Matt Thackers image
      Matt Thacker
      Lecturer - Counselling
      Matt works in private practice as a counsellor and supervisor and has a small private practice. Matt has a BA (Hons) in Cultural Studies, a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a postgraduate certificate in Supervision, and an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice in which he conducted research exploring white psychotherapists attitudes towards their own racial identity. He works integratively, and has a particular interest in bereavement work, working with trauma, and working with men. Matt is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in academic practice at Liverpool University.
      Student - Siouxsie Bytheways image
      Siouxsie Bytheway
      Lecturer in Counselling
      Siouxsie has a private practice providing integrative counselling to children, young people and adults in Cheltenham and Stroud town centres. She has an FdSc and BSc in Counselling from University Centre Weston, a Diploma in Counselling Children and Adolescents from Iron Mill College, and an MSc in Psychology and Post Graduate Certificate in Research Methods from the University Gloucestershire. Prior to qualifying as counsellor, Siouxsie worked across a range of mental health and social housing settings in Southwest England, roles including Housing Officer, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer and managing Gypsy/Travelers sites for the local authority. She is currently a PhD researcher at the University of Gloucestershire undertaking research exploring intimate partner violence and abuse in queer relationships.
      Student - Penny Osbornes image
      Penny Osborne
      HE Lecturer in Counselling
      Penny is a registered psychotherapist and applied behaviour analyst who works within a person-centred framework. In her practice she combines Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles with body-based movement practices to develop and further clients’ social, emotional, and behavioural health and wellbeing. She has a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy from Canterbury Christ Church University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health and Social Care from the University of the West of England and a BSc (hons) Degree in Counselling Psychology from Southampton Solent University. Over the last 18 years Penny has worked with children and adolescents in home and school settings, online with adult carers and siblings of looked-after children, and provided 1-1 and group therapy within addictions counselling and outpatient services.  Her interests lie in the areas of anxiety, developmental disorders, trauma, PTSD, and medically unexplained symptoms. Penny has guest spoken at PhD seminars and academic conferences and is in her 5th year of studying for a Doctorate in Psychotherapy at Middlesex University exploring therapist experiences and perceptions of working online.
      Student - Steve Heighams image
      Steve Heigham
      Lecturer - Counselling
      Steve has taught counselling at UCW since 2005 part time, at level 2, level 3, Diploma and foundation degree level. He has a degree in teaching (BEd), a degree in Psychology (BSc), an Advanced Post graduate diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy, and an MSc in Evolutionary psychology. He was a special needs teacher for 22 years before lecturing in Psychology and counselling in further and higher education colleges. Steve has a small private practice in Bristol, offering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and integrative counselling. He is also a volunteer counsellor for HELP organisation. Steve is currently developing his research interest and practice on empathy and its evolutionary origins.
      Student - Rachel Brittons image
      Rachel Britton
      HE Counselling Work Placement coordinator
      Rachel has a small private practice working with adults. She has an FDSC and BSC in Counselling from University Centre Weston. Rachel has contributed to re designing both the Level 2 and 3 Counselling Programmes at Weston College and has taught on both and the partnership courses at the University of the West of England for the last 4 academic years. Rachel has completed her Level 4 Teaching and Learning Diploma and is currently undertaking her Level 5 Diploma with City and Guilds.
        Meet our Team

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          The BSc (Hons) in Counselling is a work-based professional training course focusing on person-centred pluralistic counselling practice within contemporary society.

          As a student, you will have an opportunity to explore how to integrate a pluralistic approach to counselling into a Rogerian person-centred foundation of theory and practice.

          The programme focuses on four professional training foundations:

          • Professional practice
          • Personal development
          • Counselling and society
          • Research and academic skills in counselling
          Available courses