Masters Degrees (Counselling And Psychotherapy)

The MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy has been designed to serve as professional qualification for students seeking a career as a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist working in the statutory and voluntary sectors, in business or private practice. This counselling course emphasises the integration of theory, research, practice, and self-awareness to help you develop and train to become a competent and ethically-sound counsellor.

The MA is a three year course, made up of two years training on the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, plus one year completing the Masters research and dissertation stage. On completion of the USW Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy you may choose to exit the programme with your Diploma, or you can carry on to complete the MA by undertaking a research project and writing it up in the form of a dissertation. If you already have a Postgraduate Diploma in integrative counselling and/or psychotherapy you can apply to join the Masters research and dissertation stage directly.

Further information on the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy course is available here.

The University of South Wales has an established national reputation for excellence for its delivery of a range of counselling and psychotherapy courses.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1263-ma-integrative-counselling-and-psychotherapy

What you will study

After successful completion of the PG Diploma Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, students can proceed to the final Masters stage.

- Masters Stage
Dissertation: At the masters stage, you will learn about the different research methods which help develop knowledge about counselling and psychotherapy. You will then put this into action in your own choice of research project, on a topic relevant to integrative counselling and psychotherapy. You will be allocated a personal supervisor to provide expert guidance, advice and support.

Learning and teaching methods

During the Masters research and dissertation stage, you will have research training days including practical and interactive sessions, seminars, computer-based research training and individual dissertation supervision. You will be an independent learner on your own project.

- Attendance
The Masters research and dissertation stage takes one year part-time to complete, following completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. You will attend for 6 days of teaching plus you will have individual supervision of your research project at the University, or by phone, Skype or email if that suits you better.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

The Masters research and dissertation stage does not have a requirement for practice hours but most students will remain in practice, developing their experience and building the hours to achieve personal BACP accreditation. There may be voluntary and/or occasional paid opportunities for practice in the University’s community counselling service.

Former students from the course have enhanced their career profile within their current employment or found new positions in the voluntary sector, in health settings, in Higher or Further Education, in Employment Assistance Programmes (EAPs), in business and in private practice. 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

Masters research and dissertation stage: Research proposal, presentation, dissertation (20,000 words).

Facilities

We offer a suite of five spacious, dedicated rooms used by the counselling/psychotherapy courses, and a digital recording system for use in class.

Personal Therapy

There is no requirement for personal therapy during the Masters research and dissertation stage. Students on the Postgraduate Diploma Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy are required to have a minimum of 10 hours personal therapy for each of the two academic years.

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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. 

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IN BRIEF:

• Gain advanced skills in critical evaluation for complex psychotherapeutic situations
• Benefit from up-to-date thinking from experts in theory, practice and research
• Conduct publishable research that creates real impact
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

This course will enable you to:

• Gain an advanced expertise in Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Become a practitioner who is capable of working effectively with a wide range of clients, together with a range of psychological problems of varying degrees of severity
• Become a practitioner who is capable of making autonomous professional decisions in complex circumstances
• Become a practitioner who has a critical understanding of the theoretical knowledge which underpins practice and has the ability  to critically appraise research evidence

To gain entry onto this course, you will need to be a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist and in practice.

COURSE STRUCTURE

This course will equip you with advanced knowledge relating to Counselling and Psychotherapy. The course has been structured to present you with opportunities to learn about different aspects of the lived experience and how these can be attended to therapeutically through brief and long-term interventions. The course will provide contexts to your work, from different perspectives that will enable you to consider more complex needs than is possible during initial Counselling and Psychotherapy training. Whatever your chosen focus of practice, each module will challenge you to extend your ability to critically inform the rationales for your work with clients at an advanced level.

TEACHING

This award is aimed at meeting the needs of qualified counsellors who have already completed a professional training in counselling. Students select the combination of modules which is best geared to meeting their individual training needs, with the exception of the Research Methods Module which is necessary for completion of the PG Dip and progression to the MSc. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed, particularly:

• Didactic lecturing
• Experiential workshops
• Experiential group work

ASSESSMENT

Evaluation takes the form of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments enable students to gauge their learning and development during the course of each module and to prepare them for summative assessment. Formative assessments vary from module to module and include peer and tutor review and feedback on development of written work both in class and electronically online. The learning is experientially driven and enquiry-led, with opportunities review of assimilation of knowledge, critical skills and conceptualisations. Formative assessment is conducted via a range of methods such as quizzes and tests, and face-to-face and online discussion groups.

Summative assessment strategies will include:

• Written essays addressing issues of theory and practice
• Portfolios addressing issues of theory and practice
• Presentations (including poster presentations) addressing issues of theory and practice

FACILITIES

We have recently developed a brand new special counselling suite which will be used for training students to become professional counsellors and psychotherapists.

The suite, featuring therapeutic areas where one-to-one, family and group interactions can occur, will also shortly be available for members of the local community and the University is hoping to work with local charities which will be able to use the facility.

CAREER PROSPECTS

This post-qualifying course will enable you to conduct advanced studies into counselling and psychotherapy which, in turn, will enhance your career prospects. Study of counselling and psychotherapy at this level could lead you to posts such as specialist or senior counsellor, counselling service manager, as well as academic careers. Because the course focuses on a range of perspectives, this could support you in contributing to the field of health and social health in a range of ways and with higher level contextual awareness. Following successful completion of the course you may also consider studying for a PhD.

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This counselling course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and emphasises the integration of theory, research, practice, and self-awareness to help you develop and train to become a competent and ethically-sound counsellor.

The PG Diploma Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy has been designed to serve as professional qualification for students seeking a career as a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist working in the statutory and voluntary sectors, in business or private practice. The course is part of a group of counselling courses delivered at the University of South Wales, which have an established national reputation for excellence.

The core integrative model taught is based on the relational approach comprising of three main elements: the Contemporary Relational Psychodynamic Approach, a Humanisitic-Existential approach and third wave elements of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy within a post modern/social constructionist overarching framework. The course facilitates students in developing a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of integrative counselling practice, with a view to them developing their own coherent, ethical and effective approach to counselling practice, which can be adapted for use in a wide range of work settings for short term and long term work. You will also be taken on a journey of self-discovery as the programme demands a high level of reflection and self-awareness.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1756-pg-diploma-integrative-counselling-and-psychotherapy

What you will study

The Postgraduate Diploma focuses on training as an integrative counselling and psychotherapy practitioner. On successful completion, you will be ready to work as a trained Integrative therapist.

Year One:
- Integrative Counselling Skills and Practice: Introduces the core model of the course and provides foundation theory & skills in humanistic/existential and relational psychodynamic counselling practice.

- Applied Integrative Practice: Introduces the foundations theory and skills of Cognitive Behavioural counselling and Mindfulness. Students learn to integrate these approaches in applied practice with client issues.

- Personal Development & Counselling Practice: This module runs throughout the year and places emphasis on personal development group work and skills practice within a sound ethical framework.

Year Two:
- Advanced Integrative Theory & Skills Practice: This module aims to further develop students understanding of core integrative theory taught in the course and how theoretical ideas can be applied to practice. Advanced research practices are introduced with a view to students being able to use research to inform their practice.

- Advanced Applied Practice: The emphasis of this module is on applied practice: showing students how the core integrative model taught can be used to work ethically with the range of client issues typically found in professional counselling practice. Research development is consolidated through students conducting a small-scale piece of research.

- Advanced Personal Development & Counselling Practice: This module runs throughout the year and places emphasis on personal development group work and skills practice within a sound ethical framework.

The Postgraduate Diploma is part of a three year MA 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 theoretical lectures, experiential workshops, personal development groups, role plays, skills groups, digital recording of skills sessions for assessment and presentations. In addition, you will need to be in placement seeing ‘real’ clients for the duration of the course and will have to have completed a minimum of 100 hours counselling practice by the end of the two years.

Attendance:
This course takes 2 years part-time to complete.

The PG Diploma is taught over 30 days each academic year. For the 2014/15 academic year the main teaching day will be on a Wednesday. Year one of the programme starts with a two-day block (Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th September) and finishes with a two-day block (Wednesday & Thursday) at the end of May. In addition, students will be required to attend a weekend workshop each academic year (in year one, this is residential) and two one-day summer workshops. We expect that 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 personal 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.

Former students from the course have enhanced their career profile within their current employment or found new positions in the voluntary sector, in health settings, in Higher or Further Education, in Employment Assistance Programmes (EAPs), in business and in private practice. 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.

Year One: Two essays, Two skills assessments, practice portfolio, research presentation, personal development review and a supervisor’s report

Year Two: A skills assessment, a case study with client audio, an in-class research project and a research portfolio, a personal development review and a supervisor’s report.

Facilities

We offer a suite of five spacious, dedicated rooms used by the counselling / psychotherapy courses, and a digital recording system for use in class.

Personal Therapy

Students on the Postgraduate Diploma Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy are encouraged to have therapy to help with their personal and professional development as a counsellor. A course requirement is that students have a minimum of 10 hours personal therapy for each of the two academic years.

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Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, this part-time, day-time course teaches you the essential knowledge and skills of psychodynamic counselling, with particular emphasis on its application to children and adolescents. It establishes an understanding of psychoanalytic-based theory and covers the technical processes of counselling children and adolescents, while developing the personal and professional awareness required for effective practice as defined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Years 1 and 2 are classroom-based and incorporate individual work experience. A supervised placement in a counselling agency starts in Year 2 and continues in Year 3 with more intensive supervision.

On successful completion of this course, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of the basic theoretical and practical principles of psychodynamic counselling and understand the institutional dynamics which affect the provision and practice of psychodynamic counselling. You will have developed your ability to work as a psychodynamic counsellor at an appropriate professional standard with children and adolescents. You will also understand, and know how to use, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles to increase knowledge of both theory and practice, of personality development, of the inner and outer worlds of the child and adolescent, and of the institutional and group influences on personal development. You will possess high-level skills for thinking psychodynamically about counselling issues, and making professional communications about counselling work, and display a capacity for self-reflection, especially knowledge of your inner world and how it impacts on counselling work, and your role in groups and institutions.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Emphasis on how organisations and groups function, which will enable you to understand and manage professional settings and relationships.
In-depth psychodynamic study of childhood and adolescence developmental issues.
Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Attracts people from a range of backgrounds, including educational, medical, field and residential social work, youth work and voluntary agencies.
You will have access to both the Birkbeck Library and Senate House Library. All postgraduates at Birkbeck benefit from a wide range of advantages related to the central location of the College, its varied and rich postgraduate life and the diversity of overlapping Master’s programmes. If required, you have access to courses on study skills offered by the College.

Our research

Birkbeck is one of the world’s leading research-intensive institutions. Our cutting-edge scholarship informs public policy, achieves scientific advances, supports the economy, promotes culture and the arts, and makes a positive difference to society.

Birkbeck’s research excellence was confirmed in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, which placed Birkbeck 30th in the UK for research, with 73% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

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The programme is designed to provide education and training in an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy to a level appropriate for safe, ethical and effective practice. It provides a foundation for you to develop as a counsellors/psychotherapists through:

intensive training in practical skills
a core model within which it is possible to integrate concepts and techniques from a variety of orientations.
You are encouraged to develop your own integrative ways of thinking and working, based on critical appraisal of a range of theoretical perspectives – and what works for you with their clients – rather than adherence to a particular theoretical school. The course is designed to appeal to a diverse range of occupational groups within the ‘helping professions’. It is also appropriate for those who wish to work in private practice.

Years 1 and 2 (the postgraduate diploma) include all the elements required by BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) accreditation, providing a balance of theory, skills training, personal development and clinical practice.

Year 3 (MA year) is based on an independent research project or dissertation.

Career opportunities
The aim of the programme is to provide an education and training in counselling and psychotherapy to a level appropriate for safe and effective practice. Within the programme framework, you are encouraged to develop your own preferred ways of thinking and working. The approach is designed to appeal to a diverse range of occupational groups within the ‘helping professions’. It is also appropriate for those who wish to work in private practice.

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IN BRIEF:

• Qualify as a counsellor on a professional counselling training course which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Combines counselling skills and theory, professional issues and personal development
• Includes a counselling placement
• A part-time only course
• Work/industrial placement opportunity
• Clinical placement opportunity

COURSE SUMMARY

During this course you will undertake an in-depth study of the person-centred approach to counselling. You will gain an overview of therapeutic models and current developments in theory and practice. There will also be an opportunity for you to take part in intensive skills development and supervision of practice, alongside widespread opportunities for personal development. This course provides a balance between academic work, skills development, professional practice, and individual personal development and self-awareness.

Students who successfully complete all aspects of the professional training and do not wish to progress onto the full MSc can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Those who complete the dissertation module will receive a full Masters qualification.

TEACHING

This course is delivered on a part-time basis through a variety of:

• Lectures
• Skills work
• Personal development activities

Find out more about certain aspects of counselling with our short two minute psychotherapy lectures from Dr Mark Widdowson, lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Salford.

Transactional Analysis

Life Script

Ego States

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is by:

• Skills work
• Reflection on self and on practice
• Assignment

FACILITIES

We have recently developed a brand new special counselling suite which will be used for training students to become professional counsellors and psychotherapists.

The suite, featuring therapeutic areas where one-to-one, family and group interactions can occur, will also shortly be available for members of the local community and the University is hoping to work with local charities which will be able to use the facility.

EMPLOYABILITY

Over the last few years there has been a gradual increase in the number of advertised counselling posts in the NHS, social services, education, the prison service and both commercial and voluntary organisations. There are opportunities for part-time and private work and widespread opportunities for you to study further at postgraduate level.

Students who have successfully completed the course have started their own business as a counsellor, acquired jobs within NHS, the voluntary sector and education.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector, which in turn help you provide a better service.

This course has particularly strong links with the NHS, voluntary and private sector because our students complete a counselling placement as part of the training within these organisations.

FURTHER STUDY

You may wish to pursue a research degree after completion of the course.

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The MSc/PG Dip Counselling and Psychotherapy is a Continuing Professional Development modular programme that has been developed to support qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists. It has been structured to; Provide critical approaches and applications to current approaches in counselling and psychotherapy; Enable evidence-based practice; Explore and further develop the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy; Enable a critical evaluation of current research; Equip practitioners to conduct research; Develop the capacity to reflect on practice.

This course is particularly suited to those in employment or who wish to further their professional qualifications. Progression through the programme is staged (e.g. Postgraduate Diploma, MSc), providing a flexible pattern of study.

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Due to the continued success and high demand for places on this course, we are no longer able to accept applications for 2015. You are encouraged to apply early to start the course in September 2016.

Join a diverse and professional community that has a person-centred experiential approach at the very heart of what we do. We are a team with a unique blend of practice and academic backgrounds and experience.

We specialise in Counselling for Children and Young People and Adults Across the LifeSpan. Our new exciting programme is flexible and covers all areas of practice. The programme prepares you for work as a practitioner in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

The course is available to study two years full-time and four years part-time.

Why choose our MA?

On our programme you will:

engage creatively with issues in contemporary society
choose between two specialisms, Counselling for Adults across the Lifespan (AAL) and Counselling for Children and Young People (CYP)
belong to a vibrant counselling and psychotherapy community
study in a world class university with an award winning sustainable environment
You will benefit from:

a forty year tradition of counselling training at the University of Nottingham
leading scholars and practitioners in the field of counsellor training
developing within a growth oriented experiential learning environment
access to superb learning resources and leading research
On completion of the course you:

will leave with an internationally recognised counselling qualification
may become a leader in the field of counselling working in education, schools, health, community, private and public sectors
will meet requirements to become a counsellor with accreditation
will be prepared for doctoral studies in counselling and psychotherapy

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This Masters programme in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice from Liverpool John Moores University features a PgDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy and develops practitioner researchers via a challenging, contemporary curriculum.

•Masters degree available to study part time over three years
•Qualify as a counselling and psychotherapy practitioner on this flexible Masters programme with a two year clinical Diploma-level component
•Enjoy a contemporary curriculum delivered by a research centre of excellence
•Study a core model of person-centred and experiential practice, integrating other specific approaches
•Carry out novel research in your chosen field
•Benefit from excellent educational and professional training facilities, exceptionally supportive staff and a thriving student community
•This course will only run subject to minimum numbers

This stimulating programme combines theory and practice and requires significant private study.

Year one is dedicated to group theoretical study with one day of timetabled university study per week and one day of independent study.

Year two features 100 hours of practice placement which can be split between two settings. Practice placements may involve voluntary counselling agencies; counselling services in colleges, hospitals or workplaces or those attached to a GP surgery. You will need to find your own placements, with assistance from course tutors and will also need to access and fund appropriate supervision for this phase of your course.

Completion of year two is equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy which will enable you to practice as a qualified counsellor, working with clients aged 16 and over, subject to BACP approval.

In year three independent study takes over as you embark on ethical, reliable and valid independent research for your 60 credit dissertation. Four days of timetabled sessions introduce this phase of the course and include research ethics and methodology.

During your studies you will also have to attend and fund a minimum of 12 hours of personal therapy.

In terms of learner support, students are taught together, encouraging a supportive peer approach. Module leaders offer academic support on individual units and small group skills tutorials are available.

Your university-based sessions will take place at the city centre campus - a vibrant location offering everything you could possibly need during your studies.

Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

Level 7

-Counselling Skills: Consolidates and develops counselling ability in preparation for the practice placement
-Client-Centred Theory: Gives a thorough critical knowledge base of Person-Centred theory
-Development Group: Self and Society with block learning: Focuses on self-awareness
-Ethical Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Focuses on professional and ethical issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy
-Comparative Counselling and Psychotherapy Theories: Compares and contrasts other schools of counselling and psychotherapy --with the person centred approach
-Counselling Practice: Enables you to synthesise theoretical learning, practice development and increasing self-awareness
-Development Group: Self in Relationship with block learning: Focuses on self-awareness and congruence
-Ethics and Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Synthesises ethical research methodology with person-centred practice
-Dissertation: Incorporates research methodology and an active research project resulting in a dissertation

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Academic Framework reviews are conducted by LJMU from time to time to ensure that academic standards continue to be maintained. A review is currently in progress and will be operational for the academic year 2016/2017. Final details of this programme’s designated core and option modules will be made available on LJMU’s website as soon as possible and prior to formal enrolment for the academic year 2016/2017.

Please email [email protected] if you require further guidance or clarification.

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There are many different types of counselling, each based on their own concepts and orientations.

Psychodynamic counselling has been taught at Birkbeck now for over 40 years. Those who laid the foundations for this course had a strong commitment to promoting the value of psychodynamic counselling, which offers a model for understanding the human personality and how it develops; our network of relationships and how we interact with others; how psychological problems may originate and the repetitive patterns that maintain them; and how personal change takes place.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Emphasis on how organisations and groups function, which will enable you to understand and manage professional settings and relationships.
Accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Counselling courses have been running at Birkbeck for over 40 years and have built up a reputation among employers for their high quality.
Offers an in-depth training in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy.
You have access to Birkbeck Library and courses on study skills.
You also have access to a range of lectures, seminars and workshops, feature world-renowned speakers and academics, organised by the Department of Psychosocial Studies and other events in the College.

Our research

Birkbeck is one of the world’s leading research-intensive institutions. Our cutting-edge scholarship informs public policy, achieves scientific advances, supports the economy, promotes culture and the arts, and makes a positive difference to society.

Birkbeck’s research excellence was confirmed in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, which placed Birkbeck 30th in the UK for research, with 73% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

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The MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice at Bath Spa University gives you an academic qualification alongside your vocational counselling training. This award is for counsellors and psychotherapists who have completed a recognised counselling or psychotherapy training qualification, and who are working or who have worked professionally as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

By the end of this course you will have increased your knowledge and understanding of the relevant literature. Systematically informed and updated your professional understanding and developed a critical awareness of relevant current issues in your professional context.

This award is for counsellors and psychotherapists who have completed a recognised counselling or psychotherapy training qualification, and who are working or who have worked professionally as a counsellor or psychotherapist. It is also open to those working within the helping professions who have a first degree within their field and relevant counselling training and/or qualifications, who wish to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

COURSE STRUCTURE

All modules are completed through distance learning with individual contact made with a supervisor, either through face to face tutorials, telephone supervision or on line supervision.

By the end of your studies you will have:

• Increased your knowledge base and understanding of the relevant literature.
• Systematically informed and updated your professional understanding.
• A critical awareness of relevant current issues in your professional context.
• An appreciation of how differing perspectives are dependent on context.
• An original approach in the application of this knowledge with a practical understanding of research and inquiry techniques.
• The ability to evaluate critically current research and theoretical frameworks.
• A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research.
• The ability to reflect upon own professional practice; with a view to improving it.
• The communication of ideas through appropriate ways.
• The management of time and work.
• The ability to work independently.
• Information and data handling skills.

MODULES

To view modules please view the course handbook: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-counselling-and-psychotherapy-practice/

TEACHING METHODS

All modules are completed through distance learning with individual contact made with a supervisor, either through face to face tutorials, telephone supervision or on line supervision.

The award is modular, based on accumulating credit points (180 are needed for a Masters), and gives a flexible career track suited to meet the demands of professional counsellors and therapists needing to study part-time.

Each module has a certain number of hours of formal contact time with your tutor:
15 credits: 3-4 hours
30 credits: 6-8 hours
45 credits: 9-11 hours
60 credits: 12 hours

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment is through a range of written assignments related to professional learning in the counselling and psychotherapy field.

Fore more information on teaching and assessment methods, please view the module handbook via the website: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-counselling-and-psychotherapy-practice/

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

This academic qualification alongside your vocational training course will enhance your CV and job opportunities in a highly competitive field.It will also provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) specific to your professional needs and requirements.

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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).

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This postgraduate course offers training in the skills and theoretical awareness that are necessary to be an effective supervisor of counsellors and psychotherapists.

The course is structured to provide the opportunity to critically evaluate and apply current models in the theory and practice of counselling supervision. You will develop the appropriate skills to become a more effective and informed counselling supervisor and will be able to reflect on current issues that relate to counselling supervision practice.

The course is delivered over six days of six hours duration (36 hours contact). The teaching is based on lecture, discussion, tutorials and small group discussions. It will also involve experiential work with dyadic/triadic group work and visual digital recording. Students will have formative assessment feedback from the course tutors during ‘live’ supervision sessions from within the student cohort.

OPPORTUNITIES

This course offers a progression route onto the following course: MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy.

PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

The content of the course encompasses the following:
-What is counselling supervision?
-The role of the supervisor
-The supervision contract
-The tasks of supervision (Michael Carroll); implications for practice
-Process model (Hawkins & Shohet); implications for practice
-The Cyclical model (Page & Woskett); implications for practice
-The developmental process of the supervisee
-The authority of the supervisor
-What do we need research for in supervision?
-Developing a personal philosophy of supervision
-Parallel process
-BACP ethical framework and its implications for supervision
-Wrestling with ethical dilemmas that may arise in supervision
-Culture within supervision
-What might supervisees withhold in supervision?
-Creative approaches to supervision
-Developing practice

FURTHER INFORMATION

On successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
-Critically analyse and appraise current models of, and issues within, supervision
-Make informed ethical, practical and theoretical judgements within the context of supervision
-Demonstrate applied knowledge and practice of the processes involved in supervision

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Research profile

The MSc by Research in Counselling Studies provides students with a comprehensive understanding of research design, data collection and data analysis for research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

It offers an advanced education to students interested in developing research skills, including qualified counselling and psychotherapy practitioners and social science researchers.

Counselling and psychotherapy specialise in qualitative, reflexive and critical approaches to research, and have particular expertise in practice-based research that draws directly on practitioners' own therapeutic work, on the client's experience of therapy, and in narrative, reflexive and auto-ethnographic methods.

We are especially keen to encourage research concerned with the interface between counselling, psychotherapy and social, cultural and political life.

Our research portfolio is highly interdisciplinary, integrating concepts, practices and scholarship from counselling and psychotherapy, psychology, sociology, philosophy, education, cultural studies, health and social care, and other social sciences.

Our interests include disability, gender, trauma, abuse, counselling children and young people, and sexualities.

You can read more about our research interests and publications on our website:

• Counselling and Psychotherapy people directory

Programme structure

The programme aims to provide students with advanced understandings of research design, data collection and data analysis issues in counselling research.

The programme enables students to develop their understandings of debates about research, evidence and practice in relation to counselling and related practices.

Distinctive features of this degree include:

• integration of generic social science and discipline-specific counselling research training
• social science approaches to research training in counselling
• close links with social science research concerned with counselling and society
• close links with social science research concerned with health, illness and health services

The degree may be taken as a free-standing MSc or as a foundation for PhD studies. Candidates must complete a programme of research training courses and submit a dissertation on an approved topic.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, theory seminars, discussion groups and independent study.

Assessment is through essays and the dissertation.

Individual courses may have other learning and assessment methods such as student presentations, research projects and web-based learning.

Learning outcomes

The programme provides research training in counselling, opportunities to design research, a research-based appreciation of key elements of counselling practice, a critical appreciation of approaches to research in counselling and psychotherapy, and the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries.

Training and support

You will complete a programme of research training courses and submit a dissertation on an approved topic. The MSc by Research can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a foundation for PhD study.

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