Course overview
The programme will enable you to critically engage with the various theoretical frameworks and concepts relevant to the context and practice of counselling work. Additionally it will facilitate you to work with the relief of psychological suffering and enable you to support clients in developing their self-awareness, self-worth and coping strategies in order to manage their lives more effectively. Throughout the course you will develop relevant transferable skills such as critical enquiry, analysis, and capacity for independent learning.
What will I learn
Units in the programme may include:
YEAR 1
• Personal and Academic Development
• Counselling Skills
• Counselling Theories
• Introduction to Research
• Developing Counselling Skills in Clinical Practice
• Developmental Psychology
YEAR 2
• Continuing Personal Development and Professional Practice
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Models of Practice
• Research Methods in Counselling
• The Philosophy of Mind and the Theories of
Consciousness
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
How will the courses be assessed?
Assessment takes place at the end of each unit and is in the form of essays, reports, portfolios, presentations, seminar papers and seminar presentations.
Entry requirements
Candidates are selected on the basis of their ability to cope with and benefit from the programme. Their suitability can be demonstrated either through previous educational achievement or through experience and aptitude.
Admission by prior qualification will normally require one of the following:
Level 3 Counselling
Access
Access to Higher Education Diploma - 60 credits, of which at least of which at least 45 must be achieved at level 3 (from 2010, with merit) and with an appropriate combination of modules
Access to Higher Education Diploma & modular achievement with 24 credits at level 3 (from 2010, with merit)
Open College level 3 qualifications (obtained in or before 2008) at 50% or above
NVQ level 3 in relevant vocational areas
At least 160 UCAS tariff points (60 points from AS alone; at least 100 points should be obtained from A2s, AVCE, GNVQ Advanced or Scottish Highers)
Relevant work experience/ professional qualifications
All students will be required to have a current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate
All students will require 2 hours per week paid or voluntary work in a relevant counselling setting (100 hours over the 2 years)
Mature entry
Prospective mature students without prior academic qualifications in relevant subjects may be asked to demonstrate their suitability for the programme by researching and producing a 1200 word essay on an appropriate topic including the importance of personal awareness and the three main approaches to counselling
which the applicant would need to complete and bring to a second interview.
All students will be interviewed for their suitability for the programme.
Progression
On completion of FdA Counselling Studies, students can progress to BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies, subject to a successful interview. This course is also based at the Accrington campus.