Educational aims
The aim of this qualification is for students to develop all the skills, competences, and professional standards of a level B (within SCoPEd) counsellor for ethical therapeutic work with adults in different practice settings. The course will enable learners to integrate counselling theory and practice by learning and applying skills and knowledge in practical work with clients. During the course, they will learn about different therapeutic schools and methods and develop a detailed knowledge of at least one therapeutic approach.
The key aims of the course are to:
- balance theory and practice delivered through concurrency of practice-based and knowledge-based distance learning
- provide students with the appropriate skills, values and knowledge required to operate as an effective advanced/senior counsellor in different settings and with different client groups
- provide, through flexible learning routes that, for some modules, allow within-module choice, a range of educational experiences appropriate for honours degree students and an ability for students to develop preferred practice specialisms
- provide, through partnership and accreditation of prior learning, suitable practice-based experiences that will enable students to develop appropriate competencies for ethical and effective work with clients and evaluate their practice as a counsellor
- enable students to evaluate their own learning and development and realise their educational potential and personal development now and throughout their career.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree, you will have:
- a comprehensive understanding of the central role of the role and purpose of the therapeutic relationship
- a sound knowledge of the nature of ruptures or impasses as opportunities for expanding the understanding of the client’s or patient’s subjective experience of their difficulties
- a systematic and extensive knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical perspectives, concepts and explanatory frameworks employed within counselling
- a detailed working knowledge of at least one therapeutic approach
- an extensive knowledge and critical understanding of historical, socio-cultural, political, legal, ethical and professional concepts and theories relevant to contemporary counselling practice, with an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference
- an understanding and knowledge of contemporary counselling research and the ability to integrate relevant research findings to enhance practice, recognising the potential uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
Cognitive skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- systematically gather, evaluate, critically analyse and interpret ideas, concepts and research findings from a range of sources including current research, scholarly, and professional literature and evaluate their relevance for counselling theory and practice
- use established techniques of analysis and enquiry and deploy essential and relevant materials and strategies to inform and improve effective counselling practice
- make use of a conceptual understanding and apply the ideas and techniques you have learned to devise and sustain arguments, solve problems and develop new insights into counselling practice
- conceptualise, evaluate and take account of a range of mental health problems, symptoms of psychological distress, functioning and coping styles and devise and use a comprehensive risk assessment strategy.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- operate within professional, legal and ethical frameworks and demonstrate problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking skills, applied to counselling theory and ethical practice
- work in multi-disciplinary teams with other professionals to enhance therapeutic outcomes and communicate effectively with service users, colleagues, supervisors and social services using the full repertoire of appropriate methods and communication skills
- demonstrate personal responsibility and effective skills to ensure safe, ethical, and effective counselling in complex and unpredictable contexts in counselling practice
- reflect upon your own learning to develop as an effective and autonomous learner, including maintaining records of your personal learning and professional development.
Key skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- demonstrate achievement of the counselling competencies and proficiencies outlined in the relevant professional frameworks (and relevant for at least one therapeutic approach).
- acknowledge and reflect on the impact and demands of counselling practice on your personal health and wellbeing, engaging in self-care and accessing support when required.
- reflect on, review and audit your personal development and professional practice and identify appropriate continuous opportunities for personal and professional development.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired in a variety of ways, through:
- printed items such as specially written module texts, study guides and assignment and project guides
- a range of multimedia material
- work on original texts
- feedback on assignments.
Tutors support your learning in tutorials and day schools and through their detailed comments on assignments.