The BSc (Hons) Counselling (one-year top-up) course has been specifically developed for counsellors who are already qualified to Diploma or Foundation Degree level.
The course provides an opportunity for candidates to deepen their understanding of counselling theory and practice and to develop expertise in areas of specific interest. Candidates will develop their practitioner skills by reflecting on their practice and undertaking a relevant research project of their choosing. This qualification also aims to provide further professional development opportunities within an academic structure. As more people access professional support and advice for mental health issues there continues to be a rise in demand for counselling and professionally qualified counsellors. Employers recognise the value of the increased level of ability, skills and knowledge of graduate counsellors.
You will develop a deeper and more critical understanding of key ideas and concepts within counselling approaches that may be applied to counselling couples as well as counselling children and adolescents. You will also have the opportunity to study modules that explore how research and theories of counselling are applied to working with clients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and grief and loss . The Research Project is an opportunity for you to apply understanding of counselling theory and research methods in answering specific research questions of your own choosing. You will develop a detailed understanding of current counselling theory and research findings in one, narrowly focused area. You will develop skills that include literature searching, research design and planning, data collection, data analysis, and research-reporting as well as time management skills.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Counselling
Part-time study
This award is available on 1 day per week basis or 2 evenings per week basis.
Course content
Compulsory modules:
- Research Methods
- Research Project
Optional modules:
Candidates choose two of the following (subject to numbers):
- Counselling Children and Young People
- Counselling Couples
- Counselling Clients Experiencing PTSD
- Counselling Clients Experiencing Grief and Loss
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Year 1 compulsory modules |
|
Research Methods |
15 credits |
|
Research Project |
45 credits |
Show 4 optional modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Year 1 optional modules |
|
Counselling Children And Young People |
30 credits |
|
Counselling Clients Experiencing Grief And Loss |
30 credits |
|
Counselling Clients Experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) |
30 credits |
|
Counselling Couples |
30 credits |
Show 2 compulsory modules
Research Project
Module code: PSYC60716
Counselling Children And Young People
Module code: PSYC60711
Research Methods
Module code: PSYC60715
Counselling Clients Experiencing Grief And Loss
Module code: PSYC60714
Counselling Clients Experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)
Module code: PSYC60712
Counselling Couples
Module code: PSYC60713
Location
You will study at Riverside College but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.
Riverside College prides itself as a centre of vocational excellence. They have a simple ambition: We want you to reach your full potential during your valuable time with us.
Riverside College website
Entry requirements
A Counselling Diploma or Foundation Degree that consists of no less than 400 hours of training and a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice.
Two written references, one from an academic source if possible.
A personal statement and a GCSE grade C in English (or equivalent).
Careers
Graduates will be equipped to gain employment as specialist professional counsellor in this growing industry. Successful graduates may also wish to set up their own professional counselling practice offering a more specialist service.
Graduates counsellors may find employment in a range of counselling fields such as education, voluntary sector and specialist organisations. Successful completion of this BSc (Hons) Counselling Degree may lead to further study on postgraduate degree courses.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
We know that our students learn in different ways. To help everyone get the most out of their studies, we teach through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical sessions. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor (or equivalent) at least twice a year to help support you in your studies. You will be taught in high-quality learning spaces throughout your course, and of course will have access to virtual learning environments to enhance your learning opportunities. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.
Assessment
Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module will give you a variety of opportunities to receive informal feedback from your tutor. These may include classroom discussions, discussions in the virtual learning environment, presentations, milestone assessments, and practice assessments. Informal feedback is developmental and any grades you may receive for these do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Feedback
You will normally receive feedback on formal coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats, including one-to-one discussions with your tutor. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.