7Oct
BusinessCourse summary
Please note - This course is currently under review and subject to validation. Please be aware modules may change Our integrative approach to counselling is a widely recognised counselling method. Developed over the past half-century, the model draws on a range of theories that explore how human beings develop as people, how personality and emotional challenges emerge, and how we each act in the light of universal experiences: freedom, death, guilt, anxiety. The aim of integrative counselling is always to enable people to access their whole self and to move forward emotionally. We prioritise three key things in training you as counsellors: the core practical skills of working with others through their issues and challenges; the theoretical concepts that will underpin your work; and self-reflexivity. Professionalism, in terms of the legal, practical, and ethical boundaries you will have to work within, is also of paramount importance. You will be engaged in practical counselling skills development, first with your peers and then in your placement settings with real clients as your competencies expand. Throughout the programme, you will be asked to engage in a process of self-awareness that will support your learning and development during the course.
Modules
YEAR ONE *FOUNDATIONAL COUNCELLING SKILLS– Students develop core counselling skills through practice and reflection, integrating theory and personal growth with process analysis. *INTRODUCTION TO COUNCELLING THEORY – An introduction to key theoretical approaches, laying the foundation for integrative practice, with Clarkson’s Five Relationship Model as the central framework. *PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Focuses on ethics, law, safeguarding, equality, and self-care, helping students cultivate professional competence and self-awareness. *EXPLORING THE RELATIONAL SELF – An experiential group that enables students to explore group dynamics, relational patterns, and interpersonal awareness in a structured setting. YEAR TWO *INTERGRATIVE COUNCELLING THEORY – Students deepen their understanding of Clarkson’s relational model, exploring the five relational modalities alongside a range of theories. *INTERGRATIVE COUNCELLING SKILLS– Structured practice in integrative counselling skills, using traditional methods and role play to build competence and confidence. *SOCIETY, CULTURE AND RESEARCH – Explores the influence of social and cultural contexts on counselling, while developing essential research and critical thinking skills. *CASE DISCUSSION – A group forum to present and reflect on client work, linking theory with practice and enhancing clinical insight. *SELF IN CONTEXT– Experiential group work that develops awareness of the self within personal, cultural, and social contexts relevant to therapy. *SELF-AWARENESS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT – Builds on Year One, encouraging reflective exploration of personal values and experiences to strengthen professional identity. YEAR THREE *ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE – Examines complex clinical issues such as trauma, anxiety, and personality disorders. *ADVANCED CASE DISCUSSION – Provides deeper exploration of client work, enhancing reflective, ethical, and clinical practice in a group setting. *BEYOND WORDS – Develops creative and embodied approaches to therapy, integrating insights from neuroscience and trauma-informed practice. *SELF-AWARNESS & REFLECTIVE PRACTICE – Experiential group work aimed at consolidating self-awareness, ethical practice, and professional behaviour in line with BACP standards. *DISSERTATION – A final independent project integrating theory, practice, and personal development, articulating the student’s approach to integrative counselling
Assessment method
A variety of assessment methods are used which include written reports, written assignments, literature reviews, group presentations, and the compilation of a learning journal. Modules are assessed by the module leader and internally verified by another member of staff.
How to apply
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F001
- Institution code:
- W46
- Campus name:
- University Studies and Professional Development Centre
- Campus code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
The college does not accept International Applications for this course.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
A level - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
All applicants must undergo an extended interview process and demonstrate capacity for self-awareness, maturity and stability and be able to cope with the emotional demands of the course. Those undertaking practice hours will be required to successfully complete a Data and Baring Service (DBS) check. It is desirable that applicants have previously completed an introductory to counselling course and have used these skills in a helping capacity. Applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis based upon prior learning and relevant experience.
Additional entry requirements
Other
English language requirements
GCSE English and Maths Grade 4/C or above
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
You are required to undertake personal therapy, which cost approximately £50/hour for a minimum of 40 hours. This can be undertaken at any point during the three years of study. As well as this, please expect to pay around £50/hour for individual supervision once working in placement commences (minimum of 1.5 hours of supervision required for every 8 client hours in
training). Your chosen therapist must be an accredited member of the BACP or a registered member of the UKCP.
Annual BACP Student Membership costs £80. Independent travel to work placement can cost up to £450 per annum. Course books and materials may cost £120 per annum. Insurance £30 - £50 per annum.
It is also a requirement that you obtain an enhanced DBS, which is £44. We recommend students obtain a quality SD/HD card to enable you to record presentations/group activities, these are £20 - £40 Approx.
*All costs are approximate and intended as a guideline only.
Provider information
West Suffolk College
73 Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 3SP