BSc (Hons) Counselling (top up)

The BSc (Hons) Counselling is classified as a full-time course but you will only be required to attend College for 1 day or 2 evenings per week.

Entry Requirements 
•A Foundation Degree or equivalent Counselling Diploma at Level 4 that consists of no less than 400 hours of training and a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice. 
•Two written references, one from an academic source if possible. 
•A personal statement and a GCSE Grade C/4 in English (or equivalent). 

Course Fee (Per Year): £5,750 (TBC for 2025)
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Overview
This course has been specifically developed for counsellors who are already qualified to Diploma or Foundation Degree level. It provides an opportunity for candidates to deepen their understanding of counselling theory and practice and to develop expertise in areas of specific interest. Candidates will develop their practitioner skills by reflecting on their practice and undertaking a relevant research project of their choosing. This qualification also aims to provide further professional development opportunities within an academic structure. As more people access professional support and advice for mental health issues there continues to be a rise in demand for counselling and professionally qualified counsellors. Employers recognise the value of the increased level of ability, skills and knowledge of graduate counsellors.

When you enrol, you will receive the date of your first induction session where you will receive your timetable for the academic year.

On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Counselling award, students will be awarded with a Staffordshire University degree.

What will I learn on this course? 
You will develop a deeper and more critical understanding of key ideas and concepts within counselling approaches and will have the opportunity to study modules that explore how research and theoretical models are applied to working with clients experiencing trauma, grief and loss, relationship counselling and working with Children and Young People. The Research Project is an opportunity for you to apply understanding of counselling theory and research methods in answering specific research questions of your own choosing. You will develop a detailed understanding of current counselling theory and research findings in one, narrowly focused area. You will develop skills that include literature searching, research design and planning, data collection, data analysis, and research-reporting as well as time management skills. 

Compulsory Modules: 

• Research Methods 
• Research Project 

Optional Modules: 

• Candidates choose two of the following (subject to numbers): 
• Relationship Counselling 
• Counselling Clients Experiencing Trauma 
• Counselling Children and Young People 
• Counselling Clients Experiencing Grief and Loss 

You will need to choose between Counselling Clients Experiencing Trauma and Relationship Counselling. You will also need to choose between Counselling Children and Young People and Counselling Clients Experiencing Grief and Loss. 

How will I be assessed? 

To achieve the BSc (Hons) Counselling Degree you need to demonstrate a high level of academic competence. This will be achieved through written assignments and the completion of a research dissertation which explores a topic of their choice. The assessment methods used within the programme are the most appropriate way to assess your skills and enable you to meet learning outcomes. Assessment methods are designed to develop your transferable skills. Your ability to plan, judge, communicate issues/debates, solve problems logically and develop original solutions in appraising critically the work of others and in managing your own learning are all significant contributors to determining your mark for a module. 

What will this course lead on to? 

Graduates will be equipped to gain employment as specialist professional counsellor in this growing industry. Successful graduates may also wish to set up their own professional counselling practice offering a more specialist service. 

Graduate counsellors may find employment in a range of counselling fields such as education, voluntary sector and specialist organisations. Successful completion of this BSc (Hons) Counselling Degree may lead to further study on post graduate degree courses. 

 Course Highlights: 

• Highly qualified teachers who are also current professional practitioners in a variety of therapeutic areas 
• Students will experience a contemporary curriculum which will equip them to function effectively in the current professional world of counselling 
• Students will have the opportunity to develop skills and attributes that will enhance their prospects of employment 
• This course places value on previous learning and experience and enhances learner career prospects as a counsellor 
• Learners will have the opportunity to study and share their ideas and experience through critical discussion and debate, with a wide variety of other learners currently working in different counselling settings. 

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