Masters Degrees (Psychotherapy Or Counselling)

Person-centred-experiential counselling and psychotherapy is internationally recognised. Evidence suggests it's one of the leading therapeutic approaches to mental health and wellbeing, and it continues to develop important practical applications and theoretical knowledge.

Our long-established postgraduate courses in counselling have offered a unique opportunity to gain in-depth experience of the Person-Centred-Experiential methods applied in counselling and psychotherapy, to Masters level. Our courses have an international reputation and attract students from the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, China, and India.

The course has been restructured to meet evolving standards for evidence-based practice, rising educational standards, increased professional regulation, and rapid social and economic change. You'll gain a solid grounding and thorough integration of theory, research and practice, as well as a capacity to engage with the wider field of human distress and wellbeing, including private, public and third sector mental health agencies.

You’ll study

The emphasis is on person-centred therapy throughout the programme. You'll undertake counselling training, including theoretical, personal and professional development and practical/skills-based components, over an 11-month period (September to August).

The counselling practice element of the training includes the following classes:
-The Therapeutic Relationship
-The Therapeutic Process
-Personality Theory
-Counselling Case Analysis
-Counselling Practicum
-Personal & Professional Development

The Research Dissertation class involves training in counselling research methods and a write-up of a small empirical study, practical case study, or review of research.

Work placement

You'll receive intensive skills training to prepare you to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of counselling experience. This counselling practice is undertaken with real clients across a range of placements within third-sector organisations, voluntary agencies and other health service educational and community settings.

You'll develop your skills and capacity to practice as a professional therapist leading to accreditation with professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and COSCA. 

Major projects

The Research Dissertation involves training in the main counselling research methods and four options for research projects: a quantitative study, a qualitative study, a systematic case study or a systematic review. 

Facilities

We have dedicated teaching space especially set up to foster collaborative learning in groups.

The Counselling Unit at Strathclyde has developed one of the most diverse and innovative databases of counselling opportunities in the UK. You'll be supported to organise your own counselling work placement opportunity by our team.

Course awards

The MSc course run by the Counselling Unit received the Charlotte and Karl Bühler award from the Society for Humanistic Psychology in 2010, given to key organisations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to humanistic psychology. 

Student competitions

In 2013 and 2015, two of our MSc students received the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Outstanding Research awards.

In 2016, one of our MSc Students received the PCCS Books student prize for the winning paper presented at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy research conference.

Guest lectures

The Counselling Unit has a long tradition of guest lectures, particularly the annual Mary Kilborn Lecture. In 2016/17 Professor Stephen Joseph will give a lecture entitled, ‘Building Bridges between Positive Psychology and the Person-Centred Experiential Approach’.

Course content

Semester 1 classes
-The Therapeutic Relationship
-Personality Theory

Semester 2 classes
-The Therapeutic Process
-Counselling Case Formulation

Semester 1 & 2 classes
-Personal & Professional Development
-Counselling Practicum
-Counselling Research Dissertation

Learning & teaching

The MSc will be delivered on a full-time (one-year) basis and delivered using a combination of large group formats (lecture/workshop/groupwork) and small group formats (supervision, personal and professional development groups) plus pre-recorded/streaming blended learning inputs.

You'll be expected to supplement class time with directed and self-directed learning and placement experience working with clients in community settings. The research class will be delivered with a combination of lectures on the main research methods in counselling research, and small group tutorials and independent work.

Assessment

Assessment is through summative written assignments and formative assessments which draw on interactions within all the aspects of the course.

Careers

Graduates from our training courses have the potential to move into full-time or part-time positions. However, the more typical pathway is for students to continue within their placements, adding to their client experience.

Most UK employers are looking for client-contact hours greater than the minimum 100 hours gained during training. Many students quickly gain part-time employment in agencies offering telephone counselling and also in employee assistance programmes offering short-term counselling to their employees.

We encourage our graduates to work towards professional accreditation which also affords professional registration and recognition. A therapist requires 450 hours of practice to begin the accreditation process and the majority of counsellors also engage in advanced professional development to broaden their professional profile while working towards accreditation.

Ultimately, most counsellors work in a mixture of part-time settings, such as paid part-time work in the NHS or voluntary sector, plus some private practice and/or gaining a qualification to do group work or professional supervision. Other choose to mix their practice with non-counselling employment.

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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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Are you considering a career in counselling? If you are passionate about helping people and want to make a positive difference in the lives of others, this is the course for you.

The Master of Counselling at Monash provides a professional qualification and offers a combination of theory and professional experience, providing you with the knowledge and skills to begin a rewarding career as a counsellor.

The course is suited to people from a variety of professions, such as human resources, health, social welfare and education. It is taught by leading academics with extensive experience working as counsellors and psychologists.

The course draws on contemporary theories and approaches to counselling and psychotherapy and will develop your appreciation of the mental-health issues that arise across the lifespan.

You will examine the various forms of professional counselling, including online and distance counselling, child and adolescent counselling, and individual, couples and group counselling. You will also be introduced to the ethical and professional issues faced by counsellors. Creative approaches to counselling will be examined, including play therapy and art therapy. In addition, you will gain in-depth knowledge across a range of contemporary cognitive-behaviour therapies.

You will complete 300 hours of professional placement, where you have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in clinical settings. The placement includes 200 'contact' hours (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, group and online counselling) and 100 'non-contact' hours (e.g. observation, case notes, meetings, administration). You will also complete 50 hours of supervision (which are included in the non-contact hours) and participate in weekly online discussion groups and postings throughout the duration of the placement.

If you hold relevant qualifications from prior studies and/or relevant work experience, you may be eligible to receive up to one year of credit into this course, which reduces the duration.

Master of Counselling graduates work in a variety of fields, including careers counselling, education, child and family services, child-protection services, health policy, family counselling, health-services management and rehabilitation counselling.

This course is accredited in Australia by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Please note: membership of PACFA requires a first degree in a relevant discipline.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/counselling-d6003?domestic=true

Course Structure

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Orientation to Counselling, Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling and Part C. Specialist counselling practice. All students complete Part C. Depending upon your prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part A and Part B.

[Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.]

PART A. Orientation to Counselling
These studies will provide an orientation to the field of counselling at advanced undergraduate level. They examine the major lifespan theories and counselling approaches and familiarise students with the professional side of counselling including the many different ways in which counselling is offered. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

PART B. Advanced foundations for counselling
These studies will extend your foundational knowledge for the field of counselling. They focus on counselling practice around mental health and in working with young people.

PART C. Specialist counselling practice
These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for counselling. They cover major approaches to counselling, provide training in counselling practice and address the ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.

As part of this core study you will complete 300 hours of clinical placements, including a minimum of 200 hours of client contact.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/education

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education is committed to researching, communicating and applying knowledge about teaching and learning in ways that foster quality in education.

The Faculty of Education develops and provides innovative research and teaching that takes seriously the global-to-local demands of an excellent Australian public university. Our work focuses on advancing the discipline and practice of education through original research, development and partnership activities. We prepare and develop professionals and practitioners for a range of education settings and specialisations. We also engage policy and public debate on matters of importance to education and educators at all levels.

Our mission is to contribute to the public interest through high quality and ethical teaching, research, capacity building and community service. To this end, we create and pursue opportunities that strengthen and sustain a vibrant intellectual community, centred on the purposeful, critical and disciplined study of learning and teaching in a range of contexts.

Our vision is of:

- graduates who are capable, thoughtful, ethical citizens of the world, distinguished by their knowledge, intellectual engagement and professional skill, and by their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and excellence

- research practice and scholarly output that is recognised internationally and locally for its originality, rigour and impartiality, and for providing advice and services that inform and lead professional practice, public debate, policy and community action

- an intellectual, social, physical and web environment that challenges, enthuses and supports all to learn and excel, and which sustains productive working relations characterised by mutual respect, accountability, contribution and recognition.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/counselling-d6003?domestic=true#making-the-application

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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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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.

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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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Why this course?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy offers you the opportunity to train as a qualified counselling practitioner. This can be done on a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) basis. The course is run by our Counselling Unit.

The course has a person-centred orientation. This is an approach to counselling and psychotherapy that has earned the Counselling Unit an international reputation as a centre of excellence.

See the website https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/counselling/

You’ll study

The Postgraduate Diploma has five key areas:
- understanding the counselling and personality theories of the person-centred approach and the issues around professional practice
- skills involved in creating therapeutic conditions and advancing the therapeutic process in counselling relationships with a range of clients
- learning to use individual and group supervision to protect client well-being and to enhance counsellor personal and professional development
- discovering and confronting attitudes and values that inhibit functioning as a counsellor
- developing self-acceptance, inner directedness, and appropriate use of self and personal reactions within the therapeutic relationship
- developing competence and confidence in counselling practice to work in intensive as well as short-term contracts with clients

- MSc
You may progress from the postgraduate diploma to the MSc. The MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy course consists of three classes or modules in addition to those studied on the postgraduate diploma. They are:
- Counselling Research 1: Research Methods & Ethics Proposal
- Counselling Research 2: Research Dissertation
- Advanced Professional Development in Counselling

The topic of the research dissertation is your choice but you’re invited to link your research to the Counselling Unit’s main research themes:
- person-centred/experiential therapies: process and outcomes
- emotion-focused therapy
- the application of the above approaches and related humanistic therapy processes to social anxiety, depression, trauma and other specific client presenting difficulties
- relational processes, including contact disturbances/pre-therapy, relational ruptures and contact-heightened states (for example, relational depth)
- the development of person-centred/experiential approaches and training in third world or politically troubled countries
- training and supervision in person-centred/experiential psychotherapies

Teaching staff

Staff in our Counselling Unit are trained and accredited through their relevant professional bodies and/or registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy. They are experienced practitioners as well as trainers, ensuring our courses offer thoroughly practical training of the highest quality and integrity.

Accreditation

Both the part-time and the full-time courses have won the Certificate of Accreditation of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Learning & teaching

- Part-time
This course is run over two academic years. You’ll attend an intensive week of teaching in September as well as attending the University one day per week throughout the academic year. This'll be on either a Monday or Tuesday (according to year of entry) and is from 1pm to 8pm. The course concludes with an intensive week of teaching in June.

- Full-time
This course is made up of four full weeks of teaching in October. Teaching continues on Wednesday to Friday for one academic year. Mondays and Tuesdays are used for counselling practice in an agreed setting.

- MSc
You may progress from the postgraduate diploma to the MSc.
On the Masters programme you’ll have focused instruction on counselling research methods in four day-long intensive training workshops. You’ll also have:
- ongoing research supervision
- an opportunity to participate in monthly meetings
- a bulletin board discussion group to support the completion of a 15,000 to 20,000-word research-based dissertation

Assessment

The Diploma is awarded on completion of the course including:
- full participation in the course
- submission of the four assignments which meet the given criteria
- submission of audio tapes of practical work at regular intervals
- maintenance of adequate and sufficient counselling opportunities
- maintenance of sufficient and regular individual supervision during counselling practice
- completion of the self-appraisal statement

Careers

- How much will I earn?
- starting salaries for counsellors can be around £19,000 - £26,000 but this can vary considerably.*
- with experience and supervisory responsibilities, counsellors can earn £30,000 - £40,000.*

*information is intended only as a guide. Figures taken from Prospects http://www.prospects.ac.uk/counsellor_salary.htm

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.strath.ac.uk/search/scholarships/index.jsp

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Applications to this course must be received by the 31st March. Any applications received after that date will be placed on hold and will be considered if places become available. Late applicants will also be offered the opportunity to have their application considered for September 2018 entry.

Counselling is an activity and profession that provides emotional support for people experiencing problems in their lives. Studying counselling at a post-graduate level involves developing theoretical understandings, practical skills and a high level of personal awareness and resilience.

The first year of this programme begins with an introduction to counselling and practical training in the application of helping interventions, so from the outset you are engaged in skills learning. This foundation year provides counselling skills, and the experience needed to undertake a practice placement.

The subsequent two years involve a combination of teaching in theory, research, practice and professional issues, and self-development, all of which are directly linked to practice placement.

This part-time programme requires one day per week attendance.

This programme includes three exit points, these are
-End of first year: Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills
-End of second year: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
-End of third year: Masters (MSc) in Counselling

Why choose this course?

This is currently the only UK programme that provides comprehensive training in the Pluralistic framework for counselling and psychotherapy integration. A key benefit of this approach is that you will train in a wide range of theories and interventions, and learn how best to adapt your counselling approach to the needs of your clients.

Abertay University has a long tradition of providing training in counselling and counselling skills. Our counselling teaching staff are respected within the profession as leaders in their field, and in coming here you will join a vibrant community of practitioners of past and current students.

We have a strong research orientation, and the Tayside counselling research centre is based on campus. There are opportunities for you to be involved in projects that are influencing and developing the role and effectiveness of counselling interventions in modern society.

As a postgraduate student you are part of our Graduate School, a dedicated facility specially designed to promote integration and inculcation of interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers.

What you study

The course offers a comprehensive selection of topics on talking therapies, interventions and professional practice.

The core areas include:
-The pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy
-A range of theoretical approaches to counselling, such as Person Centred and Experiential, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Existential, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies
-Practice skills in working with clients, and professional skills for working in counselling contexts
-Personal development and self-awareness
-Evidence-based practice and research methods
-Ethical and professional issues in counselling

These core areas are covered in increasing depth over the three years of the programme. In addition you will have the opportunity to take part in workshops to introduce and develop your understanding of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders, along with specific approaches such as solution-focussed therapies, and mindfulness.

In combination with the one day a week attendance on campus, in year 2 and 3 you will take a placement as a counsellor as an essential part of your professional training.

Assessment is through a range of methods including case-studies, theory essays, literature reviews, practice observations, and reflective accounts, along with reports from supervisors and practice placement.

Assessment tasks are integrated in to the course and spread through the three years.

Formative assessment is ongoing and the programme team provide feedback on practice skills and activities in class.

Further info

By providing both foundational and professional training in a single programme Abertay are giving you the opportunity to undergo a three year part-time degree as a direct entry in to a counselling career.

Our graduates have moved on to work within the field of counselling, psychotherapy, social care, research and education. Some graduates choose to enter private practice, while others remain in the voluntary sector. In addition it is possible to go on to train in counselling supervision.

An MSc in Counselling also provides transferable skills, and can considerably enhance career prospects for people working in health, education, the church, criminal justice, human resource management, and the voluntary sector.

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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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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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The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology course is designed to equip you with a rigorous training in clinical practice, as well as professional research skills at doctoral level, to enable you to become an effective and competent Practitioner Psychologist.

Who is it for?

The DPsych aims to develop ethical, reflective and professional practitioners of counselling psychology who work collaboratively with their clients to provide high-quality psychological services, drawing on evidence-based psychological practice in the context of a therapeutic relationship characterised by trust, respect, and appreciation for the subjective experience of the person and individuality of the client and their unique world view.

Our programme seeks to sit at the interface of science and practice. We value reflective professional practice and development of practice through the rigor of top class research.

You are equipped to work with a wide range of complex presenting issues; with individual adults and children, couples, families, groups and organisations; short and long term; in single and multi-professional contexts; and through transferring psychological skills to others in multidisciplinary teams.

You are actively supported during your studies by the course team to develop your own personal theory of the evolution, maintenance and resolution of psychological problems, based on your reading, lectures, practical skills workshops, personal development, collaborative learning and clinical and research experience.

We want you to have a stimulating, challenging, inspiring and personally supportive professional training environment in which to develop your knowledge and skills and further develop as a person and professional. We view you as active contributors to your learning and to the overall success of the course, treating each of you with respect and working with you in a genuinely collegial atmosphere as a developing professional.

Objectives

The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology course is designed to equip you with a rigorous training in clinical practice, as well as professional research skills at doctoral level, to enable you to become an effective and competent Practitioner Psychologist registered with the HCPC, and Chartered Psychologist with the BPS.

Our professional, clinical and academic training is combined with the opportunity to develop your own portfolio of placement experience. This equips you to build a successful and fulfilling career in a broad range of settings, including:
-The NHS (e.g. inpatient settings, community mental health teams, specialist services such as early intervention, with different clinical populations e.g. older adults)
-The independent hospital sector
-Forensic settings including HMPS and probation
-Organisations in areas such as occupational health
-The Third (voluntary) sector
-Industry
-Government
-Private practice (including Employee Assistance Programmes)
-Academic and research settings

Placements

In addition to the taught components of the Counselling Psychology MSc/DPsych course, you are also required to complete 400 hours of professional face-to-face client practice in placements and 45 hours of indirect client work; frequent clinical supervision; personal development; 40 hours of personal therapy (at least 15 hours in Year 1); and various pieces of assessment throughout the three years, including a doctoral thesis.

Who arranges the placements?
It is your responsibility to find and arrange your own placements, although advice and support is offered by the Placements Co-ordinator and personal tutors. If your application is successful, on acceptance of a place on the course you will be sent further information about finding placements and available opportunities.

Do placements have to be in London?
No, you can undertake your placements wherever is convenient for you as long as you ensure your supervision is from appropriately qualified professionals. Supervisors should be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a 'Practitioner Psychologist', 'Registered Psychologist', 'Counselling Psychologist' or 'Clinical Psychologist'. All placements arrangements need to be approved by your personal tutor.

Supervision
Supervision should normally be in the ratio of one hour of supervision for every 8 hours of counselling work in Years 1 and 2, with a minimum of one hour of supervision per fortnight. In Year 3, supervision should be in the ratio of one hour for every 8 hours of counselling work, with a minimum of two hours of supervision per month.

Teaching and learning

A wide range of learning and teaching methods are used, including lectures, group discussion, group work, role play, trainee presentations, supervised clinical practice, personal therapy and personal development activities.

Assessment

You will be assessed through role plays, learning logs, skills assessments, essays, process reports, client studies, examination, critical literature review and DPsych portfolio.

Student focus

We want your time on the Counselling Psychology MSc/DPsych course to be as inspiring, challenging and stimulating as it can be. As part of our dedication to enhancing the overall student experience, we support you throughout your studies in many different ways:
-Personal Tutors
-Student-staff liaison committees
-Placements Co-ordinator

Modules

Year one:
-Context, Diversity and Standards in Professional Practice (15 credits)
-Research design and analysis 1 (15 credits)
-Research design and analysis 2 (30 credits)
-Professional components of counselling psychology (45 credits)
-Personal and professional development (15 credits)
-Cognitive behavioural approaches to counselling psychology (15 credits)
-Person-centred approaches to counselling psychology (15 credits)
-Psychodynamic approaches to counselling psychology (15 credits)
-Professional development and supervision (15 credits)

Year two:
-Professional Components of Counselling Psychology (45credits)
-Systems and Systemic Psychological Therapies in Counselling Psychology (15 credits)
-Psychopathology: Clinical Skills and Critical Approaches (15 credits)
-DPsych Counselling Psychology Thesis one (30 credits)
-Developing Research Skills in Counselling Psychology (15 credits)
-Contemporary Developments in Psychological Approaches (15 credits)
-Specialist group supervision (15 credits)
-Psychometrics A: Ability and Aptitude Training (15 credits)

Year three:
-Professional Components of Counselling Psychology (60 credits)
-Psychometrics B: Personality Measures (15 credits)
-Negotiating Relationships: Advanced Skills (15 credits)
-DPsych Counselling Psychology Thesis two (45 credits)
-Integrative and Pluralistic Approaches to Counselling Psychology (15 credits)
-Developing Research Skills in Counselling Psychology (15 credits)
-Specialist Group Supervision (15 credits)
-Supervising, Consulting and leading in Counselling Psychology (15 credits)

Career prospects

Counselling Psychology graduates are typically employed in a variety of settings, including NHS primary, secondary or tertiary care, the prison service, schools and voluntary agencies.

Employers of recent graduates include:
-St Bartholomews Hospital
-South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
-Central & North West London NHS Trust
-City, University of London
-Maggie's Cancer Centre
-Imperial College London
-Roehampton University
-London Metropolitan University
-Homerton University Hospital
-The Priory
-Capio Nightingale Hospital

Job titles included Consultant Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, High Intensity Therapist, Lecturer, and Practitioner Psychologist.

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Gain insight into the therapeutic experience and progress to further study with City’s Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology.

Who is it for?

The Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology is for students who are planning to go on and do further graduate work, whether through a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology or a related profession.

The course is for students who have an undergraduate degree, but you do not have to have a first degree in psychology. Some students use the programme as a bridge towards further study in counselling psychology, while others apply their knowledge and skills from the course within the counselling or psychotherapy profession.

As well as fulfilling the academic side of the programme, you need to be willing to investigate yourself and be open to exploring personal and interpersonal dynamics. This is a course for those with a willingness to expose their vulnerabilities and explore their own and others’ inner worlds.

Objectives

The Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology has been designed to give you an excellent foundation for further advanced study in counselling psychology or related areas. A one-year part-time course, the programme blends theory and practice so you gain a rigorous academic base in counselling and psychology, as well as a significant and varied practical component.

Emphasising the connection between psychological theory and counselling, this programme is not just about understanding knowledge – it is about understanding how to apply what you have learned to ensure that your practice promotes psychological development.

On our Graduate Certificate programme, we focus on the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client and concentrate on the personal subjective experience of the whole person. This makes the emphasis of our approach holistic rather than diagnostic, in keeping with the ethos of counselling psychology. You will investigate person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural theories and use a range of practical modes from client case studies and interviews to personal diaries and role-play exercises.

Here are some of the questions the course poses:
-How can I connect psychological theory with practice in a way that can lead to psychological growth?
-How can I create a meaningful connection?
-What do I need to understand about my own psychology to be able to help others?
-How has my experience on this course influenced my own personal and professional development?

Academic facilities

As part of the University of London you can also become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.

Teaching and learning

Practising clinicians teach this programme so you gain insight from experts working within the field who offer clinical examples from their own experience. Lecture sizes tend to be fairly small (typically around 25 people) so you learn within an intimate environment.

You will learn through a variety of methods including lectures, role-playing exercises and group presentations.

Dr Sara Chaudry is the course director of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology Programme. Sara is also tutor and lecturer on the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. She has a broad range of clinical experience from working with diverse client groups, and she currently works in private practice.

Assessment

To be awarded the Graduate Certificate qualification, you must successfully complete one piece of coursework for each of the six modules. Coursework formats include written assignments, a reflective diary, project work and class-based role-plays and presentations. Your project, which is a literature review where you choose a topic of interest and write a 2000-word essay, focuses on a specific mental health or psychological subject.

Modules

This course runs on one day a week (on a Wednesday) for one academic year. It consists of six modules, four of which are taught modules and two of which take the form of a project and personal and professional development. You will study two of the taught modules in the first term, and the other two in the second term. We expect you to use the time between the teaching hours for independent study.

One of the unique features of the programme is the variety of ways in which you apply your learning. For example within the ‘theoretical models in counselling psychology’ module, you will be given a client case and asked to write up a client study as though you were seeing the person in practice. This gives you the opportunity to choose a theoretical model and apply it within a client context.

Similarly, within the ‘understanding mental health module’, you learn about conditions including depression, anxiety, and psychosis and demonstrate your understanding by delivering a class presentation. You will also be asked to create a booklet for a layperson explaining a condition. In these ways, the course gives you opportunities to translate the theory you have learned into a practical application with a real-world impact.

Core Modules
-Counselling across the lifespan (15 credits)
-Counselling skills (15 credits)
-Theoretical models in counselling psychology (15 credits)
-Understanding mental health (15 credits)

Independent Project
-Project for GCCP (15 credits)
-Personal and professional development (15 credits)

Career prospects

For many students the programme is a means to progress towards doctoral study. Created with psychology graduates, healthcare professionals, teachers, social workers, managers and others professionals in mind, it gives you the opportunity to develop your interpersonal and counselling skills and improve the way you apply these skills within your professional practice.

Counselling psychology at the doctoral level is still a relatively new field in the UK. At City we offer the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, which many students choose to move on to after completing the Graduate Certificate.

City was the first institution in the UK to provide UK-accredited counselling psychology training. City’s Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is one of the largest of its kind, and has made City one of the premiere institutions for counselling psychology training.

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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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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.

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills is a 60 credit programme across two semesters. Completing this programme (or an equivalent) prepares students for application to either the MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy courses.

The modules focus on the development of counselling skills and self-awareness (both underpinned by theory) which will form the foundation on which students progressing onto either of these Masters courses build their professional counselling and psychotherapy training.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1284-postgraduate-certificate-counselling-skills

What you will study

This programme is delivered in one core module (20 credits-level 7) followed by either two elective CBT modules (both 20 credits-level 7) or one elective Integrative module (40 credits-level 7).

Core Module
- Foundation Counselling Skills and Awareness (Level 6) – The first module builds a critical understanding of counselling theory alongside the development of foundation skills in counselling and a focus on building appropriate self-awareness.

Students then choose whether they want to follow an integrative pathway or a CBT pathway to complete their studies.

Optional modules
- Counselling Skills and Awareness in Practice – for the Integrative pathway (Level 7) – This module develops a more comprehensive range of advanced counselling skills and a systematic understanding of practice contexts. The critical awareness of personal insights are understood in the context of counselling theory. Once more students integrate their developing counselling skills, self-awareness and insights and theory.

- Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Theory/Professional Practice – for the CBT pathway (Level 7) – These two modules prepares students for entering professional practice as a trainee cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. They build on the counselling skills developed in the module Foundation Counselling Skills and Awareness by providing an introduction to the skills and theory of cognitive behavioural approaches to facilitating change, acknowledging the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a platform for interventions. Students also develop develop knowledge of professional practice issues required to practice in the field of counselling and mental health.

Learning and teaching methods

Students learn through experiential exercises, skills practice, personal development work and through formal teaching.

Assessment methods

Skills assessment, written assessment, portfolio and journal keeping, and on-line assessment (CBT only).

Attendance

The course runs for 24 weeks September to April (depending on Easter). Our teaching day is Tuesday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. There are two workshops (Integrative elective module only) in January which end at 5.30pm and a Placement Event for all students at the end of January from 5pm to 7pm.

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

Employment Prospects

Students who successfully complete this programme will obtain 60 credits and receive a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills. If you wish, you may then choose to apply for either the new MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy or the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy courses, subject to a successful interview.

Please note that in normal circumstances, you will need a first degree to apply to the Masters Programmes. (Progression onto the Diploma without a first degree will be at the discretion of the university taking into account your performance on the Postgraduate Certificate).

Students who have completed earlier courses have gone on to train as counsellors, to teach or continue in their careers recognising their enhanced skills and the development they have achieved.

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