BA(Hons) Counselling and Educational Studies

Duration: 3 Years

Head of Centre: Dr Ann Edworthy
Tel: 01792 482072
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Programme Design

This component can be studied alongside another subject to form a joint honours degree. Joint honours degrees combine two subjects on an equal basis. For further information about what combinations are available, please contact the Head of Centre.
The Counselling component aims to promote transferable skills that will equip graduates for diverse occupations.

The Psychology component of this degree programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The programme is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of a Lower Second Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Programme Structure

It is particularly suitable for those wishing to pursue careers in health care, personnel work, social work, teaching and any of the public services. It is also suitable for students who wish to pursue a postgraduate qualification in Counselling in order to become a professional Counsellor.
All new students to the course are invited to attend an informal meeting before enrolment in September which provides you with an opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances on the course before the academic year begins. Students find this very helpful and the course has a well-established group unity before and throughout the period of study.
A key objective for the course is to provide you with an overall understanding of Counselling theory and practice. The use of generic helping skills will be identified and taught as a set of professional tools and their respective applications understood within the caring profession.

Primary Teaching (3+1)

On completion of a Joint Honours degree in Counselling and Educational Studies you would be eligible to apply (subject to entry requirements) for the one year Primary PGCE course as a route into a teaching career.

Module Descriptions

Year 1

1) Individual Behaviour (20 credits)

You will develop an understanding of individual behaviour in order to provide you with concepts which will allow you to think systematically about human behaviour and Counselling practice. You will also be provided with the knowledge to analyse appropriate aspects of a personís psychological state and to apply derived knowledge to motivate that person.

2) Introduction to Counselling (20 credits)

This module will enable you to acquire knowledge that illustrates and exemplifies the underlying concepts and principles underpinning the main approaches to Counselling.

3) Research Methodology in Counselling (10 credits)

You will be provided with the knowledge of research methods that are used within Counselling.

4) Stress Management and Support Systems (10 credits)

You will understand the causes of stress and the ways in which it manifests itself along with developing the knowledge and skills needed to recommend appropriate support systems to alleviate stress.

Year 2

1) Applied Research in Counselling (10 credits)

This module will provide the forum in which you may put your acquired knowledge of qualitative research methods into practice in a Counselling environment. You will engage in directed qualitative data collection, and be given the opportunity to analyse and interpret these.

2) Counselling and Psychology (10 credits)

You will understand the different theoretical schools that form the basis of Counselling, and develop your ability to analyse psychological conditions and provide understanding of how that knowledge is applied in Counselling situations.

3) Counselling Approaches and their Applications (20 credits)

You will be provided with an understanding of the theory and practice of Counselling as it is applied to the modern world. You will also develop your awareness of factors that can affect the Counselling process.

4) Multicultural Awareness in Counselling (10 credits)

The module will aim to develop an appreciation of cultural differences and an understanding of appropriate practices and procedures within multicultural contexts.

5) Specialist Techniques in Counselling (10 credits)

The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the nature and variety of Counselling techniques available and enable an appraisal of appropriate therapies applied in various environments and contexts.

Year 3

1) Cognitive-Behavioural Psychology in Counselling (10 credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with an understanding of how cognitive-behavioural psychology informs Counselling therapies, and enhance your knowledge of how cognitive-behavioural approaches to treatment can be applied.

2) Current Debates in Counselling (10 credits)

The module will enable you to develop a critical understanding and an active awareness of current issues and debates in Counselling and their effects.

3) Independent Study (20 credits)

This module will enable you to demonstrate your ability in relation to a range of higher intellectual skills that the programme has intended to develop, and how you have consolidated theory and practical application. Skills include synthesis, critical analysis and evaluation, as well as the ability to work independently in both researching and presenting a topic.

4) Individual Differences (10 credits)

The aim of the module is to facilitate an understanding of theoretical perspectives underlying differential psychology. You will relate these theories to the client environment; evaluating their strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness in Counsellor-client situations.

5) Trauma and Crisis Intervention (10 credits)

You will obtain an understanding of the causes, as well as possible reactions to traumatic experiences and crises. The module will provide you with the knowledge to be able to critically evaluate the appropriateness of various intervention strategies in specific Counsellor-client situations.

Entry Requirements

180  UCAS tariff points.

Other Skills Considered

Our offers are not solely based on academic results.
We take your skills, achievements and life experience into consideration.

Please note, the information provided is for illustration purposes and correct at the time of publication.