Masters Degrees (Bacp)

Overview

Keele University is one of the first Higher Education Institutions to offer counsellor training in the UK and has been delivering high quality training programmes since the early 1970s.

The BACP accredited Professional Counselling Training Route/part-time MSc in Counselling Psychology is a part-time vocational training programme which builds up over three years. In Year One students complete the Certificate in Counselling and in Year Two the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. In Year Three students undertake the MSc research studies year. Successful completion of each academic year enables either progression onto the next year or an opportunity to exit with the completed qualification.

The first two years of the part-time MSc Counselling Psychology (The Professional Counselling Training Route) are accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a route of professional counsellor training. Candidates for accreditation will also have to meet all other criteria in line with BACP accreditation procedures.

- Training Philosophy
This part-time professional counselling training route is founded on a person-centred view of personhood and person-centred ways of being. In this we view the relationship in counselling as central, and support Rogers’ belief in the ‘self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients’. However, we also take a strong ‘anti-schoolism’ stance which reflects our sincere respect for other, non-person-centred practices and practitioners. Our starting point for the Keele Counselling Model is thus a unifying ethos which enables us to respect and welcome a diversity of professional skills and orientations.

Course Aims

The programme as a whole aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to support their work as professional person centred/ humanistic counsellors. It aims to integrate students’ counselling skills practice with academic study at each training level and to facilitate student learning in the areas of psychology: counselling skills, counselling related theory and self-development. The principles underpinning the programme are empowerment, holistic development, relationships and community.

- Year One: The Certificate in Counselling
This programme is an introduction to person-centred counselling theory and practice. It is suitable for individuals from a range of professional backgrounds who wish to improve their communication skills or begin training as a professional counsellor. The Certificate is an entry route onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology for those without traditional academic qualifications. On completion of the Certificate in Counselling students should have gained competencies in a wide range of professional knowledge, skills and self-development relevant to counselling practice.

- Year Two: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology
This year follows on from the Certificate in Counselling and offers professional training in counselling practice, theory and self-development. It is based on a person centred/humanistic philosophy with person-centred practice. Students are expected to undertake one hundred hours of supervised counselling practice placement. Applicants must have successfully completed the Certificate in Counselling at Keele University to access training in Year Two.

It is expected that students will progress to Year 2 in September of the year in which they complete the Certificate and, as long as they meet the requirements for progression, they are guaranteed a place on the Year 2 course starting in that September. Students may defer the commencement of Year 2 but, in this case, they would have to apply for a place and cannot be guaranteed a place in the academic year in which they wish to resume their studies.

Years 1 and 2 of the programme together constitute a BACP accredited training course. However, any other exit awards, e.g. completion of the Certificate in Counselling alone, or a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology Studies, which would not include the 100 hours of supervised counselling practice on placement, would not constitute a BACP accredited training course.

- Year Three: MSc Counselling Psychology
Year three of the part-time MSc Counselling Psychology places a particular emphasis on developing the counselling practitioner’s own research interests, including a research based dissertation.

Teaching

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, large group work, community meetings, tutorials and small group work. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential as well as academic learning methods.

Assessment

With the exception of a multiple-choice questionnaire classroom test in Year 2, all modules are assessed on the basis of coursework. The pass mark for all modules in Year 1 (Level 6) is 50% and, in Year 2 (Level 7), is 40%.

Additional Costs

In year 1 students have to attend a minimum of 8 hours of personal therapy and in year 2 a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy (Subject to approval by Senate) to complete the course and payment for this is the responsibility of the students. As a guide, costs for this on average are £35 - £45 per hour.

When completing the 100 hour placement requirement in Year 2, students also have to undertake a minimum of 14 hours of supervision for which there may also be a charge. Again, as a guide, costs for this are on average £35 - £45 per hour.
Parking is also an additional cost for students who wish to use their cars on campus. Details of student parking permits are sent out with the pre-enrolment information.

Students should also be aware that possible additional costs may be incurred when attending the compulsory non-residential Conference weekend. Refreshments and lunches are provided for the students free of charge during the weekend but there will be an additional cost should students wish to attend the Saturday evening Conference dinner and also if wishing to book local accommodation.

Read less

The Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (ADIP) provides a focused psychotherapy training that challenges and contributes to a wide range of understandings of the therapeutic encounter.

The course will prepare you for professional work in both private and institutional practice.

Successful completion brings eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional bodies.

Please note that we are not able to sponsor students on this programme for a Tier 4 visa.

Key skills, aims and objectives

Develop a comprehensive level of theoretical knowledge of a range of psychotherapy approaches
Consolidate your clinical experience into practice of an integrative approach of your choice or construction
Acquire a general level of understanding of the major systems of psychotherapy
Develop a capacity for informed reflection on your clinical practice
Engage effectively in the use of clinical supervision with peers and supervisors
Gain understanding of ethical research methods relevant to clinical practice
Achieve eligibility for professional registration as a practitioner of integrative psychotherapy

Future opportunities

The course will prepare you for advanced professional work in both private and institutional practice.

Successful completion will bring eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional bodies.

UKCP membership
The School is an accrediting organisation within the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). The ADIP is the final stage of training leading to UKCP registration. Membership requires the completion of a minimum of 450 hours of supervised clinical practice.

BACP accreditation
At the end of Year 1, you may have enough training hours to apply for individual accreditation with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). The BACP also requires candidates to show evidence of 450 hours of supervised clinical practice. Application to BACP can only be done by the individual and the School is unable to play a role in this process.

Endorsement

This course allows registration with the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

Read less

Reflecting current developments in the field, this postgraduate diploma provides quality training in an Integrative approach to Psychotherapy. It is offered part-time and is suitable for those in employment. It will provide students with a constructive and challenging learning experience which develops interconnectedness of theory, practice, research, self-awareness and personal development. It offers trainee psychotherapists a sound experience for the development of an Integrative approach that forms a critical basis for practice and has ethical and professional integrity. It aims to develop practitioners who are competent to offer high-quality Integrative Psychotherapy in a variety of contexts, appropriate to the needs of the client, organisation and society.

INDUSTRY LINKS

This is a BACP accredited professional psychotherapy training, which enables those who successfully complete it to practice as a psychotherapist.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The learning environment will be student-centred, using and sharing students' experiences to aid the learning process and encourage independent learning. Participants and tutors are co-learners. A diverse range of learning and teaching methodologies will be used, including student-led seminars, group discussion, group and individual psychotherapy practice and observation, the use of audio and DVD recording, case studies and discussion, experiential exercises, lectures, guest speakers and supervised practice.

The residential is assessed by a reflexive essay and tutor observation. Students are required to pass the observation before commencement of the course.

In the first year, students are required to submit a theoretical essay, a critique of a research paper, a DVD recording and evaluation, an ethics essay, a reflexive statement and a student-led presentation. There is also an end of year viva, or oral exam, with a personal tutor, which is based on a personal development statement that the student makes.

In the second year, students are required to submit a Case Study, an audio tape and self-evaluation, a reflexive practitioner extended essay, practice portfolio and a student-led presentation and include an account of their clinical supervision.

In the third year, students are required to submit a research proposal and a Masters dissertation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

UCLan’s Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy is BACP accredited and those who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma are entitled to practice as psychotherapists. This course provides quality professional training in Integrative Psychotherapy. It will provide students with a constructive and challenging learning experience which develops interconnectedness of theory, practice, research, self-awareness and personal development. It offers trainee psychotherapists a sound experience for the development of an Integrative approach to Psychotherapy that forms a critical basis for practice and has ethical and professional integrity. It aims to develop practitioners who are competent to offer high-quality Integrative Psychotherapy in a variety of contexts, appropriate to the needs of the client, organisation and society.

The course is divided into five main areas:
-Integrative Psychotherapy theory that builds in Year 1 from a relational and phenomenological base, drawing on key influences from the Gestalt/Dialogic, Person Centred, Emotionally Focused Therapy. In Year 2 Psychodynamic and Intersubjective influences on therapeutic process are also drawn on, as well as a consideration of the existential and transpersonal dimensions of the therapeutic relationship. Students are facilitated to establish an approach to Integrative Psychotherapeutic practice via established models (Gelso and Carter, Clarkson), supported by research, awareness and skills.
-Personal Development is interwoven in the experiential nature of the course and processed throughout. There is also a Personal Development Group every week in the first two years.
-Professional Development which includes the BACP Ethical Framework, practice-based research, note-taking, supervision, issues of difference, gender, race, sexuality, spirituality, disability, and psychotherapy contexts and themes.
-Professional Practice, which includes the use of DVDs, small group work, triads, peer and tutor observation, and a supervised placement of a minimum of 100 hours in an approved setting.
-Research via a critique of a research paper, the study of research methodology, a small research project and the writing of a dissertation in the third year. Current research is imparted throughout the course.

The first two years of the program constitute the post graduate diploma in integrative psychotherapy. The successful completion of the postgraduate diploma will enable students to claim the status of a graduate of a BACP accredited training course.

The MA dissertation may then be undertaken by those students who are able to continue, having gained at least a merit in the post graduate diploma, and who wish to undertake postgraduate research.

Applicants must be aware that Accreditation of Prior Learning is not permitted on this course.

Read less

The Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy (ADEP) provides specialist psychotherapy training emphasising the challenges, innovations and re-interpretations of the therapeutic encounter.

The course will prepare you for advanced professional work in both private and institutional practice. Successful completion will bring eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional bodies.

Please note that we are not able to sponsor students on this programme for a Tier 4 visa.

Why should I choose this programme?

Existential psychotherapy is a professional, down-to-earth form of therapy which responds to an inner prompt to find out who we really are and how we really want to live.

The emphasis is on the question of existence rather than just cognitive notions of self, experience rather than psychological theories.

The course contrasts comprehension of existential philosophy within the rational realm and apprehension of philosophy as practice within the phenomenal realm of immediate experience.

You will learn to relate and apply the philosophical underpinnings of existential psychotherapy to your life and work with clients.

Key skills, aims and objectives

‌•Undergo learning experiences in existential philosophy which manifest as ethical, existentially informed psychotherapeutic practice
‌•Engage with philosophical questions to develop a philosophical attitude and openness
‌•Develop a critically reflective perspective on existential psychotherapy from the point of view of other modalities
‌•Develop a critically reflective perspective on other modalities from the point of view of existential psychotherapy
‌•Develop a capacity for informed reflection on clinical practice
‌•Consolidate a capacity to effectively and ethically utilise supervision from peers and supervisors
‌•Gain an understanding of ethical research methods relevant to clinical practice in the field

Future opportunities

The course will prepare you for advanced professional work in both private and institutional practice. Successful completion will bring eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional bodies.

UKCP membership
The Society for Existential Analysis is an accrediting organisation within the Constructivist and Existential College of the UKCP, and registers graduates of the ADEP as UKCP registered existential psychotherapists.

BACP accreditation
At the end of Year 1, you may have enough training hours to apply for individual accreditation with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. Application to the BACP can only be done by the individual and the School is unable to play a role in this process.

Endorsement

Upon completion you are eligible to apply for registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

Read less

The programme is designed to provide an education and training in an integrative approach to psychological counselling and therapy to a level appropriate for safe, ethical and effective practice. It also aims to provide the opportunity for students to enhance and extend further their professional and academic development to postgraduate diploma level.

Topics of study on the diploma include: theory and practice of psychological counselling and therapy, model of integration, alternative models (for example, psychodynamic, person centred, gestalt and cognitive-behavioural); professional and clinical studies – including BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice; practical skills training; social context/multiculturalism; common client presenting problems; client work placement(s); clinical supervision; personal development – including the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and personal therapy.

* an integrative approach that enables students to develop their own synthesis within an integrative framework.
* a long and well established tradition of counsellor training at the university (the programme started in 1972).
* a BACP Accredited programme (one of the first in the country).
* a strong emphasis on the core qualities of counselling and practical skills training – including laboratory work in 6 interview rooms with video recording and playback equipment and full technician support.
* an emphasis on working in groups: counselling practicum, skills training, clinical supervision and peer support groups, and within the whole programme group, on interactive structured exercises and activities.
* a programme staff team with extensive clinical experience, (very) many years experience as trainers; who have written and published widely and who have or still do contribute to the work of BACP committees.
* in a School of Psychology with other staff with relevant expertise, library, book shop and canteen.
* a relatively small programme group of up to 25 students in Years/Modules 1 and 2

Read less

The MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling provides high quality BACP-accredited training, with a strong research focus. It offers an opportunity to critically and creatively evaluate current theory and practice issues.

You’ll benefit from the knowledge of experienced counsellors and psychotherapists, with senior levels of registration.

Teaching staff are also active researchers, with a range of specialisms. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to conduct independent in-depth research into a complex specialist area. In your final year, our innovative annual student conference gives you chance to share your research with peers.

The programme aims to equip you to work with self-direction and make effective decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. Many students also bring a wealth of personal experience that helps them to reflect on a range of human issues. Our excellent relationships with a range of agencies throughout the region will assist you in finding a practice placement.

More information

Staff research specialisms include: values and ethics, power and politics, person-centred approaches, phenomenology, reflexivity in research, eating disorders, addictions, crosscultural research, maternal wellbeing and eating behaviours, mother-infant mealtime interactions.

You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level.

Accreditation

The MA Psychotherapy and Counselling has received British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited course status which, on successful completion, will allow you to be added to their voluntary assured register of practitioners.

Course content

Over the first two years you study nine modules: four theory and four concerned with development as a reflective practitioner, plus research methods. In the third year, you have the opportunity to undertake small-scale research.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1 Compulsory modules

• Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories 15 credits
• Becoming a Reflective Practitioner 1a 15 credits
• Theories of Human Intersubjective Development 15 credits
• Becoming a Reflective Practitioner 1b 15 credits

Year 2 Compulsory modules

• Ethical and Cultural Issues for Psychotherapeutic Counselling 15 credits
• Becoming a Reflective Practitioner 2a 15 credits
• Integration of Psychotherapeutic Theory, Practice and Intersubjectivity 15 credits
• Becoming a Reflective Practitioner 2b 15 credits
• Research Methods 15 credits

Year 3 Compulsory modules

• Dissertation 45 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Psychotherapy and Counselling MA in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

You are encouraged to develop as an independent learner and scholar. Teaching approaches emphasise reflection and reflexivity and encourage you to bring personal and professional experience into discussion as a source of critical wisdom alongside wide reading.

Students starting in 2017 will have a teaching day of Tuesday throughout the first and second year

Assessment

Assessments include essays, oral presentations, live skills demonstrations, audio recorded extracts from client work, and reports from supervisors and placement mentors.

Career opportunities

Many of our graduates go on to combine counselling and psychotherapy with their existing professions, such as nursing or education. Some continue to work in a voluntary capacity to build sufficient supervised client hours to join the advanced category of individual BACP accreditation, while others set up in private practice.

Our graduates are highly sought after by employers within the region, many of whom are closely associated with the course as practice providers or supervisors. Many of our graduates have gone on to hold positions of responsibility as counsellors or psychotherapists within the NHS and voluntary bodies, and some have returned to us to undertake PhD research or teaching.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Read less

Accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), this course will enable you to become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist. It will help you work towards practitioner accreditation with the BACP, and can help you develop a specialist role within your current occupation.

You will gain an understanding of relational theory and practice and will learn how to apply your therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy skills with clients. Through clinical practice, you will identify your strengths and areas for development, ensuring you become a capable and self-reflective practitioner.

We help you find a suitable work placement where you will have client contact on a weekly basis and totalling 100 hours. You will also undertake 20 hours of personal counselling from a network of professional counsellors approved by our University.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: 40% of our research in the Psychology unit was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent.

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Our course can lead to a range of careers in related counselling fields including youth counselling, advice and guidance, the voluntary sector, consultancy, NHS, social work, education, and private practice.You may also want to further your studies and progress onto our MA Psychotherapy.

- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Mental Health Worker

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

We help you find a suitable work placement where you will have weekly client contact time - 100 hours in total. You will also undertake 20 hours of personal counselling from a network of professional counsellors approved by our University. Undergoing clinical supervision with a counsellor is a vital part of becoming a skilled and knowledgeable reflective therapeutic practitioner.

Core Modules

Personal and Professional Development 1 and 2
Develop the awareness and proficiency in both personal and professional competence enabling you to work effectively as a reflective practitioner employing a relational approach to counselling.

Relational Framework
You will develop a sound theroetical base allowing you to begin safe and effective clinical practice under appropriate supervision.

Becoming a Therapist
You will further develop your therapeutic interventions by learning the counselling skills, supervision and theory for practice.

Therapeutic Skills
Understand what it takes to establish and maintain an effective, collaborative therapeutic relationship within the BACP ethical framework.

Therapeutic Process and Supervision
You will develop your professional approach as a reflective practitioner by using feedback from peers, tutors, supervisors and other professionals.

Professor Ieuan Ellis

Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

"We have a long history of providing education across a wide range of professional and academic disciplines in health, applied global ethics, social sciences and related subject areas... The Faculty has a number of areas of research excellence."

Ieuan is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Faculty of Health and Social sciences. He is also a member of Academic Board, and an elected staff representative on the Board of Governors. He is also Chair of the UK Council of Deans of Health and Co-chair of the National Allied Health Professions Advisory Board. After practicing as a chartered physiotherapist in the NHS and private sector, Ieuan entered higher education working initially at Northumbria University prior to joining our University. Ieuan has held a number of leadership and management roles across health and social care education and was awarded a personal chair as Professor in Healthcare Education.

Facilities

- Interpersonal Skills Suite
We have plenty of private rooms to allow you to try out your counselling skills. They come equipped with recording facilities so you’re able to reflect on and improve your practice.

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Clinical Skills Suite
The £1 million suite has been designed to meet the learning needs of a range of health professionals, with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Read less

This multidisciplinary course aims to promote an advanced level of knowledge and understanding underpinning practice in the area of Counselling with Children Young People and their families.

Course content

This exciting course supports students in developing skills and theoretical knowledge of counselling with children, young people and their families. It is designed for individuals with a significant interest in counselling work with children, who may be practitioners from health, social or voluntary services who work in some capacity with children and young people, or who may be graduates of psychology and other cognate disciplines, social and behavioural sciences, education, health, social care and related fields.

The course is taught by experienced counsellors and therapists with a varied background, supported by some practitioners from allied professions (e.g. psychology, social work, nursing, psychiatric nursing, law and psychiatry).

Students of Counselling with Children and Young People can graduate with either a Postgraduate Diploma or an MSc.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference

The CAHMS Conference at the University of Northampton is a three day conference, and you have the option of either volunteering for a couple of hours and attending for free, or pay (last year it was about £15 per day) to cover the cost of lunches and printed materials.

Course modules (16/17)

-Understanding Mental Health in Children and Young People
-Core Skills for Working with Children and Young People
-Counselling with Children, Young People and Families
-Counselling Children, Young People and Families in Practice
-Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
-Dissertation and Research Methods

Methods of Learning

Lectures, workshops, one-to-one, private study, online activities, group work, role play.

Schedule

Formal teaching takes place and on one to two full days per week for full-time students and on one full day per week in the first year and one full day approximately every other week in the second year for part-time students.

In addition, there is a three day taught intensive session for all students three times per year (first year only). In addition to this, students will be expected to attend one-to-one tutorials at least twice per trimester.

Assessments

The assessment strategy is designed to include a broad range of assessment methods, in order to ensure that students have the maximum opportunity to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes for the programme. These include: essays, case studies, self-reflective log books, critical reviews, video recorded role plays and oral presentations. There are no examinations.

The Research Methods and Dissertation module supports the students in completing a supervised but original and independently undertaken research and it is assessed through a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation.

Facilities and Special Features

-The MSc promotes an advanced theoretical understanding of Counselling with Children and Young People, integrating opportunities to develop practical and professional counselling skills.
-The programme equips students with a working knowledge of child development, psychological difficulties in children and young people in their contexts and counselling based skills for working with them and their carers within an an eco-systemic perspective integrating Systemic Family Therapy, CBT, and Creative therapies.
-This is developed through roleplays, small group process and other skill oriented taught sessions. Supervised placement in a counselling context is mandatory to the enhancement of skills.
-In addition, opportunities for students are structured into the programme to engage in personal development, self-awareness, reflective practice and to benefit from the supervisory relationship. Our CAMH conference (see highlight video below) is an excellent example of extra opportunities available as part of the course.
-Our experienced course team includes specific expertise in CBT, systemic family therapy, Creative therapies, Play therapy and Gestalt approaches, who are able to teach students and integrated approach to counselling with children and young people.

Careers

As a professional master programme, the MSc CCYP leads to a counselling qualification and opens a range of employment possibilities up for its graduates (e.g. private practice, educational and healthcare institutions, community and youth work services, third sector organizations, residential facilities). Graduates may take the MSc as a stepping stone towards further postgraduate study (e.g. Clinical Doctorate).

For students with a first degree in psychology (which is Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) accredited) further postgraduate training opportunities will include doctoral training on British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited courses in Counselling Psychology. Graduates of the programme will be able to work as a counsellor in a range of settings such as healthcare and educational institutions, residential facilities and community and youth work agencies.

For students with a professional background (such as teaching, nursing and social work) the programme will strengthen your skills and competencies and allow you to develop a strong specialism in children’s mental health. You will have the skills to appropriately position yourself as a counsellor and will have a good critical and in-depth understanding of professional practices when working with children, young people, families, parents and carers.

Work Experience - A supervised placement practice of a minimum of 100 hours is compulsory.

On-course requirements

To count towards a professional body accreditation, such as UKCP or BACP, the course require students to undertake a supervised placement practice of a minimum of 100 hours and a minimum 40 hours of personal therapy with an approved and BACP or UKCP accredited counsellor or therapist. A student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), a professional indemnity insurance and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check are also mandatory. These requirements imply additional costs on the top of the fee.

Read less

Overview

Keele University, along with the University of Reading, was the first Higher Education Institution to offer counsellor training and has been delivering programmes in counselling since the 1970s. The full-time Masters in Counselling Psychology is a professional training in counselling. This vocational course is accredited accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a route of professional counsellor training. Candidates for accreditation must note that they will also have to meet all other criteria outlined by BACP. The details outlined below relate to the full-time programme.

This MSc programme in Counselling Psychology is founded on a person-centred view of personhood and person-centred ways of being. In this we view the relationship in counselling as central, and support Rogers’ belief in the ‘self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients’. However, we also take a strong ‘anti-schoolism’ stance which reflects our sincere respect for other, non-person-centred practices and practitioners. Our starting point for the Keele Counselling Model is thus a unifying ethos which enables us to respect and welcome a diversity of professional skills and orientations.

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, large group work, community meetings, tutorials and small group work. Within this framework students are introduced to a range of practices which are related to relevant philosophical traditions including existentialism and phenomenology. Throughout the course, students are supported to establish a sense of coherence in their own therapeutic position in line with the course philosophy and aims.

The centrality of a secure and constantly reviewed ethical position, based on the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, from July 2016), is presented to the programme members as a major personal responsibility. We accept the overwhelming evidence of the theorists that the major factor in helping human beings change in a desired positive direction is a relationship in which they feel safe, valued and challenged.

Why study at Keele

- Keele Counselling staff have a wealth of experience in providing counselling training to both UK and international students

- Keele has a thriving counselling community with students from a range of professional, cultural, social and educational backgrounds

- Staff who are up to date with current therapeutic practice, training and research

- All staff are active practitioners in counselling

- An annual Counselling Conference with internationally renowned keynote speakers and researchers in counselling

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/counsellingpsychology/

Course Aims

The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to support their work as professional person-centred/ humanistic counsellors. It aims to integrate students’ counselling skills practice with academic study at Masters Level and to facilitate student learning in the areas of psychology practice: counselling skills, counselling related theory and personal development.
The programme offers to students a thorough theoretical grounding in person-centred/humanistic counselling and an introduction to research methodology. The principles underpinning the programme are empowerment, holistic development, relationships and community.

Teaching & Assessment

With the exception of a multiple-choice questionnaire classroom test, all modules are assessed on the basis of coursework.

The pass mark for a module is 50%. The dissertation is a piece of independent research written up in 20,000 words. Masters students attaining exceptional performance (course average of at least 70% including 70%+ for the dissertation) may be awarded a distinction.

Additional Costs

- Students are required to attend a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy to complete the course and payment for this is the responsibility of the students. An average cost for personal therapy is approximately £35 - £45 per hour.

- When completing the 100 hour placement requirement, students also have to undertake a minimum of 14 hours of supervision for which there may also be a charge. Again, an average cost for supervision is approximately £35 - £45 per hour.

- Parking is also an additional cost for students who wish to use their cars on campus. Details of student parking permits are sent out with the pre-enrolment information.

- Students are also expected to pay travel costs to and from their placements.

- Students should also be aware that possible additional costs may be incurred when attending the compulsory non-residential Conference weekend. Refreshments and lunches are provided for the students free of charge during the weekend but there will be an additional cost should students wish to attend the Saturday evening Conference dinner and also if wishing to book local accommodation.

Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/

Read less

The PG Diploma Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and emphasises the integration of theory, research, practice, and self-awareness to develop competent and ethically-sound psychotherapists who adopt an evidenced-based approach.

This course is aimed at those who are interested in working towards becoming a psychotherapist with Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy as the core theoretical orientation. It is part of a group of psychotherapy and counselling courses which have an established national reputation for excellence.

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy at the University is the most comprehensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in South Wales. The curriculum is based on the Core Curriculum Reference document (2010) for training in CBT published by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and The Map of CBT Competences (Roth and Pilling, 2007).

On this course we emphasise the importance of the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy. The use of core counselling skills interwoven with the delivery of specific strategies and techniques we view as critical to the effective delivery of CBT.

The profile of CBT in the UK has grown significantly over the last 10 years. It has the strongest evidence base of all the psychotherapeutic approaches and in the current guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (often referred to as the NICE guidelines) it is the treatment of choice for many presenting psychological problems CBT is also used with children and young people with psychological and behavioural difficulties although this course is focussed on work with adults.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1679-pg-diploma-cognitive-behavioural-psychotherapy

What you will study

Year One:
- Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy: This module provides a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinning of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) and a working knowledge of the principles and basic competences for effective practice building on the generic competences used in psychotherapeutic work.

- Problem specific Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (1): This module builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the first module Fundamentals of CBP and provides an introduction to the assessment, conceptualisation and treatment of the most common presentations of depression and anxiety.

- Portfolio of Evidence Based Practice (1): This module has two key components: an understanding of research methodologies and principles, and the development of knowledge and competence to work in professional practice.

Year Two:
- Problem specific Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (2): This module builds on Module 1 and 2 and continues to develop the knowledge and skills to work with anxiety disorders. It also addresses the difficulties that can arise with engaging clients in treatment and that impede progress.

- Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy with Complex Problems: This module extends the knowledge and skills base developed in modules 1, 2 and 3 to critically examine CBP approaches to working with more complex presentations of mental health problems and to treat such difficulties by adapting and enhancing problem specific strategies to achieve best outcomes.

- Portfolio of Evidence Based Practice (2): This module builds on the previous practice module in year 1 (Portfolio of Evidence-based Practice 1) and develops further students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to research and in relation to professional practice.

The Postgraduate Diploma in CBP is part of a three year MSc Programme. After successful completion of the Diploma stage which is two years you can choose whether to proceed to the final Masters year.

Learning and teaching methods

Classes include interactive lectures with group discussion, skills workshops, video recording, role play, case discussion seminars, self awareness and self-practice, specialist workshops with outside expert speakers, seminars, research skills exercises.

Attendance:
This course takes 2 years part-time to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.

You will have classes one day a week during term time. The PG Diploma stage is taught on a Wednesday in Year 1 and on a Thursday in Year 2. Students must also allow time for work in their practice placement, which is likely to be approximately 3-4 hours per week.

There are a few additional teaching days each year outside of these attendance days. In Year 1 for 2014/15, these days are currently planned in addition to the Wednesday teaching and will be confirmed by the end June 2014:

- Thursday and Friday, 25th – 26th September 2014 (a comprehensive introduction to the course and for working in a placement)
- Thursday 28th January 2015
- Thursday 26th February 2015
- Tuesday 19th May 2015

We expect that all our students attend all teaching sessions, and there is a minimum requirement of 80% attendance in order to complete the course successfully.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

While more practice experience will be required to build the hours to achieve BACP accreditation, having successfully completed the formal training hours and assignments, graduates of the course will be ready to look for work in the field of counselling and psychotherapy with CBT as their core approach.

Former students from the course have found positions in many settings within the NHS, Higher or Further Education and in the voluntary sector. It is also possible to undertake further specialised training in order to work with children and young people, or to apply for a research PhD.

Assessment methods

A range of assessments are used at the PG Diploma stage of this course to test your knowledge, skills, self awareness and practice ability. These include essays, case studies, practice portfolios, critiques of research studies, online tests and exams. Practical assessments include in-class skills assessments, recordings of your client work and reports from your practice supervisor. You need to complete 200 hours of supervised practice

Work and Study Placements

You need to complete 200 hours of CBT practice in a suitable placement during the 2 years. Following on from the programme you will need to complete further practice hours to meet the requirements to become a BACP accredited practitioner.

You will need to find your own placement although the staff team will be able to help with this. Any placement needs to be with adults, support the use of CBT and be willing for you to record your therapy sessions. You will be given more information on this at interview. Some placements may be available in the Newport Community Counselling Service, the counselling research clinic at the University of South Wales.

- Supervision
As a counsellor/psychotherapist you need to meet regularly with a practice supervisor.This may be at an additional cost. If your placement does not provide appropriate CBT supervision. You will be given more information on this at interview

Read less

This programme is ideal if you wish to qualify and pursue a career as a professional counsellor. It's designed to enable you to develop as a reflective counselling practitioner- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-counselling/

The programme offers a full-time mode of study extending over a minimum of two years and a part-time mode of study extending over a minimum of three years.

The curriculum focuses on psychodynamic, psychoanalytic and relational psychoanalytic perspectives.

Through engagement in a range of learning contexts, including lectures, group seminars, therapeutic skills practice workshops, creative workshops, experiential group work, counselling placements, personal therapy, tutorials, independent study and dissertation supervision, students are supported in developing links between personal, clinical and theoretical knowledge.

Although the training is not an ‘accredited’ course of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), many students on the programme have chosen to complete the requirements stipulated by the BACP to become individually accredited clinical practitioners.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Lynne Brown.

Department

The Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies has human relationships at its heart.

Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies

You’ll benefit from the wealth of experience of our staff and their commitment to ensuring that you’ll leave us as a reflective, research-minded professional.

We offer programmes in Community Studies, Social Work, and Therapeutic Studies.

Our degrees are informed by our commitment to social justice and applied practices – whether you want to:

understand and challenge the ways that vulnerable individuals and groups are disadvantaged and marginalised
become a social worker, community and youth worker, therapist or counsellor
change people’s lives through dance, drama and music
You’ll benefit from the wealth of experience of our staff and their commitment to ensuring that you’ll leave us as a reflective, research-minded professional.

Skills

The programme will enable you to develop:

critical thinking, evaluation and interpretation
interpersonal and therapeutic skills
communication in a range of modes (written, spoken, interpersonal)
research skills

Careers

Suitable careers for graduates of this programme include:

counselling
teaching
support and welfare work
advocacy and mentoring

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

Read less

The University of Roehampton Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy MA is a three-year part-time postgraduate course.

Students complete a range of taught classes along with practical workshops and training. The course awards a full UK Master of Arts degree.

Summary

This programme provides the training in counselling and psychotherapy necessary to become eligible for BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) individual practitioner accreditation.

The course, accredited by the BACP, is based on an integrative relational approach to counselling and psychotherapy, which has been developed over many years by our cutting-edge teaching team. Our integrative approach, at the forefront of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice and research, incorporates aspects from three main therapeutic traditions; person-centred, cognitive and psychodynamic. You will be encouraged to explore psychological processes and experiences from these different perspectives, and recognise the theoretical, personal and cultural assumptions which influence your work.

As well as cognitive and reflective skills, you will also learn practical ways of working with your clients in a therapeutic relationship to address conscious and unconscious needs and produce a change in emotional and cognitive processes and behaviour. This involves integrating complex and advanced skills, and responding creatively to complex, novel and unpredictable situations.

Our teaching includes life-span developmental theories, therapeutic skills practice in small groups, supervision of client work in small groups, critical analysis of approaches and research into counselling and psychotherapy. You will develop a critical understanding of the role of research in the development of the counselling and psychotherapeutic disciplines, and be able to incorporate research knowledge into clinical practice. You are required to be in personal therapy throughout the course, which will help you to develop a high level of awareness of self and the therapeutic process, to be able to use this constructively in therapeutic encounters. You will be equipped with the necessary skills to work with a wide range of people with a range of psychological issues in a variety of settings.

Content

The Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy programme is taught by means of interactive lectures and seminars, experiential skills workshops, small clinical supervision groups, and personal development work. Much of your learning will be by a process of reflection on the experience of skills practiced and the use of demonstration, observation, self, peer and tutor feedback as well as a more traditional academic study.

The course emphasises the central importance of the therapeutic relationship, and builds your understanding of a variety of theories and practices, to make informed choices about therapeutic interventions suitable for the problems which clients present. Central to developing your therapeutic skills is a sustained effort of attunement to the client as well as openness to and awareness of their and your internal processes. As well as having a theoretical understanding of these processes, from the first year you will have modules allowing you the opportunity to practice your counselling skills.

Later modules in the course will familiarise you with a variety of forms of psychological assessment, so that you are able to critically evaluate the appropriateness and limitations of the procedures and underlying concepts. As many students will go on to work in a multidisciplinary team, in particular within the NHS, they need to have an understanding and working knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and classification systems, while being aware of their acknowledge limits and critiques.

You will have the opportunity to work with a placements co-ordinator to find a suitable counselling/psychotherapy placement in which to gain the depth and range of experience necessary to become a competent practitioner. Information on over 500 different counselling placements is available.

Funding

The following postgraduate funding may be available to study the Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy MA at The University of Roehampton.

UK postgraduate loans:

• English Postgraduate Loans – Offering up to £10,280 for eligible UK or EU students ordinarily resident in England, or EU students moving to England to study.
• Welsh Postgraduate Loans – Offering up to £10,280 for eligible UK or EU students ordinarily resident in Wales.
• Scottish Postgraduate Loans – Offering up to £10,000 for eligible UK or EU students ordinarily resident in Scotland.
• Northern Irish Postgraduate Loans – Offering up to £5,500 for eligible UK or EU students ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland.

Erasmus funding:

• Erasmus Masters Loans – Offering up to €18,000 for eligible students to study a Masters abroad.

Funding from FindAMasters:

• FindAMasters Scholarships – Offering up to £5,000 to new UK, EU and international postgraduates. 

Read less

Why choose this course:

• This course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), so you can be sure it's relevant and recognised throughout the profession.

• It will help you to further your career and become a BACP accredited autonomous counselling practitioner.

• You'll integrate theory with practice during the course, so you'll develop both your skills and knowledge to enable you to continue your professional development.

About the course:

This course will enhance your personal and professional development by:

• increasing your theoretical understanding
• enhancing your clinical skills
• increasing your awareness to become a 'reflective practitioner'
• deepening your personal insight.

You'll be encouraged to:

• develop your understanding of the theoretical, social, cultural and ideological contexts in which your clients perceive, confront and manage problems
• engage in in-depth consideration and analysis of major trends and orientations within integrative therapeutic work
• adopt an informed and critical approach to the professionalisation of psychotherapeutics with particular reference to ethical issues
• identify and use appropriate sources of supervision within counselling practice
• develop skills in working from an integrative position with your clients
• carry out a piece of research related to the theory and practice of integrative counselling practice (Master's stage).

Read less

Developed in reaction to the dominance of behaviourism and psychoanalysis, the humanistic paradigm emphasises the human capacity for self-determination. It holds that we have the freedom to shape and give meaning to our own lives, and helps clients to regain their independence.

The humanistic paradigm draws on concepts and ideas from phenomenology and existentialism and is a philosophy of mind.

The postgraduate diploma helps to ground your understanding of humanistic counselling in the relevant literature, clinical practice and your developing self-awareness.

It is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and therefore recognised as preparing students for work as a professional counsellor. The university itself is an organisational member of the BACP as well as the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (UCPA).

Course structure

The course consists of seven modules taught over a period of two years. Study involves one day per week at the university, seven non-residential weekends, two two-day blocks in September of the second year and two further study days.

In addition to academic study, you need to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling practice in an approved clinical placement, for example at the South Downs NHS Primary Care Trust, the Youth Advice Centre or Brighton and Sussex University counselling services.

You also need to undertake a course of personal therapy that lasts for the duration of the course, from October of year 1 to June of year 2, and we recommend that you factor in the cost of this therapy before your application.

Assessment consists of three written essays and two audio-taped assignments; one case study and a research proposal. You will also be asked to keep a reflective journal during the life of the course that focuses on academic and professional studies; clinical practice, training supervision and personal growth and development.

Areas of study

The course contains four major elements: academic and professional studies, clinical practice, training supervision, and personal growth and development.

The course is designed to:

• provide a sound base of theory and practitioner skills for persons practising counselling;
• illuminate theory and practice by drawing upon students’ personal experience;
• promote personal growth and self-awareness essential to successful counselling.

The philosophy of the course is based on the principle that there is no single presiding theory or model of counselling that commands widespread agreement and support, and that the practice of counselling cannot be separated from underlying values, theoretical assumptions and hypotheses concerning the nature of human experience and change.

Successfully completing this postgraduate diploma makes you eligible to apply to continue your studies on our Psychotherapy MSc.

Syllabus

Year 1 modules:

Humanistic Counselling Theory
Human Growth and Development
Humanistic Counselling Practice and Personal Development
Themes in Professional Practice
Process Groups

Year 2 modules:

Research Methods for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Critical Perspectives in Humanistic Counselling
Applied Humanistic Counselling Practice
Process Groups

Careers and employability

The postgraduate diploma has an excellent reputation in the locality and our students have gone on to hold counselling posts across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Others have progressed to further training or used their counselling skills in their existing professions.

If you enjoy the course and are interested in further study, you may want to consider our Psychotherapy MSc, to which all successful graduates of the PGDip are eligible to apply.

Read less

Based on the idea that mental illness is to some extent the result of repressed negative experience, psychodynamic counselling aims to expose the contents of a client's unconscious to make him or her aware of any underlying psychological conflicts.
It prioritises the therapeutic relationship and draws from the work of psychoanalysts such as Freud, Klein, Winnicott and Bion, as well as more contemporary thinkers such as Lacan, Bowlby, Kohut, Mitchell and Benjamin.

The postgraduate diploma teaches models of both long-and short-term counselling, the second of which is particularly relevant to NHS work and employee counselling schemes. It stresses the importance of developing counselling awareness through practice in workshops and provides a sound theoretical foundation to the psychodynamic approach.

The course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and therefore recognised as preparing students for work as a professional counsellor. The university itself is an organisational member of the BACP as well as the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (UCPA).

Course structure

The courses are taught on a semester system with two semesters each year.

In addition to academic study, you will need to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling practice in an approved clinical practice agency, for example at the Rock Clinic or Sussex University counselling service.

You also need to undertake a course of personal therapy that lasts for the duration of the course, from October of year 1 to June of year 2, and we recommend that you factor in the cost of this therapy before your application.

Assessment consists of four essays and three case studies. You will also keep a professional log of your clinical work and maintain a personal journal.

Areas of study

The course contains four major elements: academic and professional studies, practical training, training supervision, and personal growth and development. A strong theoretical knowledge is of great importance and considerable weight is given to canonical writers. The seminars provide a broad overview of the reading material and invite you to reflect further on it.

Psychodynamic counsellors rely on their own feelings to help make sense of the moment-by-moment changes in client sessions. This process underlies the need for a certain level of self-awareness and maturity, hence why personal growth and development is the fourth key strand on the course. This is partly met through personal development groups and partly through your own counselling or therapy.

Syllabus

Year 1 modules:

Introduction to Psychodynamic Counselling Theory: Human Growth and Development
Themes in Professional Practice
Psychodynamic Counselling Workshops
Personal Development Groups

Year 2 modules:

Psychodynamic Counselling Practice 1
Psychodynamic Counselling Practice 2
Critical Perspectives in Psychodynamic Counselling
Research Methods for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Personal Development Groups

Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma allows continuation (after successful application) on to our Psychotherapy MSc

Careers and employability

The postgraduate diploma has an excellent reputation in the locality and our students have gone on to hold counselling posts across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Others have progressed to further training or used their counselling skills in their existing professions.

If you enjoy the course and are interested in further study, you may want to consider our Psychotherapy MSc, to which all successful graduates of the PGDip are eligible to apply.

Read less