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Different course options

Study mode

Full time

Duration

2 years

Start date

16-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Counselling Skills (General)

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and skills as a counsellor, and is especially suited to those considering a career as a practising counsellor. Counselling is a talking therapy with two major strands: firstly, helping people cope with emotional and relational difficulties and, secondly, facilitating personal growth.

In the first term of the programme, and informed by the reflective scientist-practitioner model, students are introduced to counselling theory and ethics, and are taught and practice counselling skills. Due to the course leading to a professional qualification in counselling, much of the learning is experiential where students can develop their counselling skills as well as how to apply theory to their work.

The primary theoretical and philosophical approach the programme teaches in the person-centred approach with an emphasis upon the importance of intersubjectivity and the therapeutic relationship. In the second term students can gain practical experience as trainee counsellors, learn about relevant clinical research paradigms, and are introduced to methods for reliably assessing a client's response to counselling, including the use of measurement tools such as questionnaires.

The second year will focus on the MSc, where students can develop a range of research skills and engage in a research project in relation to counselling.

Following completion of the PG Diploma Counselling (first year), students can apply for individual registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) pending completion of professional practice hours.

How You Study

The programme is designed to develop students' theoretical knowledge, therapeutic competency, and formation as a professional counsellor. In the first term, students will have teaching for four days a week that will focus on development of core counselling skills and acquisition of theory. In the second term, teaching will reduce to two days a week and students will also be expected to develop their skills as a professional counsellor through engaging in a placement.

How You Are Assessed

Students are assessed through a range of assessment types and formats. These include essays, case studies, presentations, counselling role plays, research reports, research proposals, and a portfolio.

Career Opportunities

Following successful completion of the PG Diploma at the end of the first year, students can apply for individual registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) pending completion of professional practice hours.

Students completing the full MSc may choose to pursue a career in research and academia.

Modules

This module aims to develop students' understanding of the Reflective Scientist-Practitioner Model, and will expose them to the skills required to embed their counselling practice within the evidence base. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the research process, different types of research designs common for clinical settings, their engagement with the scientific literature, and how to communicate research findings to different types of audiences.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£11,520

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£17,600

Entry requirements

Students need to have First or upper second class honours degree. All offers made to those still completing a BA/BSc are contingent upon applicants meeting these requirements; Candidates are required to have experience of working in a helping and caring role in either a paid or voluntary capacity. This experience should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to support individuals in distress and also engage in listening and communication skills. Evidence must be provided of previous counselling skills practice, including one of the following: Level 2 or 3 counselling certificate; Successful completion of a higher education module that includes a core element of assessed counselling skills practice; A written reference from an employer or tutor that demonstrates you application, proficiency and use of interpersonal and listening skills in a counselling context; Equivalent.