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.

Modules

Year 1:

• Person centred theory and practice 40 credits
• Supervision & personal development part 1 20 credits
• Mental health & society 20 credits
• Professional standards, ethics & justice 20 credits
• Introduction to research in counselling 20 credits

Year 2:

• Pluralistic practice part 1 40 credits
• Supervision & personal development part 2 20 credits
• Brain, mind and mental health 20 credits
• Intersectionality, justice & cultural awareness 20 credits
• Conducting research in counselling & psychotherapy 20 credits

Year 3:

• Pluralistic practice part 2 40 credits
• Supervision & personal development part 3 20 credits
• Contemporary issues in counselling and psychotherapy 20 credits
• Research dissertation 40 credits

Days of study for year 1 are Wednesday morning and Thursday all day.

A range of summative assessment tasks will be used to assess the Intended Learning Outcomes in each module; these range from traditional academic essays, recorded practice sessions to interactive interviews and professional practice portfolios.

Students will be supported in their development towards summative assessment by appropriate formative exercises throughout.