Course summary

This programme provides the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and skills as a counsellor and is especially suited to those considering a career as a practising counsellor. Counselling is a talking therapy with two major strands: firstly, helping people cope with emotional and relational difficulties and, secondly, facilitating personal growth. In the first part of the programme, and informed by the reflective scientist-practitioner model, students are introduced to counselling theory and ethics, and will be able to learn practical counselling skills. As the course can lead to a professional qualification in counselling, much of the learning is experiential. This means students can develop their counselling skills as well as understand how to apply theory to their work. The primary theoretical and philosophical approach the programme teaches in the person-centred approach with an emphasis on the importance of intersubjectivity and the therapeutic relationship. In the second term, students can gain practical experience as trainee counsellors, learn about relevant clinical research paradigms, and are introduced to methods for reliably assessing a client's response to counselling, including the use of measurement tools such as questionnaires. The second part of the PG Diploma Counselling will allow students to develop a range of research skills and engage in a research project in relation to counselling. Following completion of the PG Diploma Counselling (first year), students can apply for individual registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) pending completion of professional practice hours.