Course summary

This BA (Hons) Contemporary Approaches to Counselling Top Up Degree gives students an opportunity to study at level 6, enabling them to develop academic research and reflective and critical thinking, together with study and analytical skills. The development of such skills will enhance professional practice in counselling and other related fields such as guidance officers, police officers and the nursing profession. This programme may also encourage students to move towards further study onto a Master's qualification to gain knowledge and understanding applicable to specialised roles within counselling, or to move into the field of counselling research or research in related areas such as social work. The programme may be of interest to people in supervisory or middle management roles currently working in related fields such as Mental Health, Health and Social Care or Early Years. Students from such backgrounds may find the programme appealing for personal and professional development. The programme is based on the principles of reflective practice, critical analysis and contextualised learning and research, and is designed to deepen cognitive and reasoning skills, which will enhance professional practice. On this programme, students will integrate theory and practice and apply learning to inform professional development and practice. Students will employ autonomous and independent learning strategies to engage in critical reflection and ethical and sensitive research. Participation in research will involve the use of a range of methodologies relevant to their specialism. This will develop their understanding of the role of counselling research within practice, and in the development and promotion of advancements in counselling. The programme is built on the following educational and learning principles:

• A person-centred approach

• Deepening understanding of the synergy between counselling theory and counselling practice

• Developing skills of reflective practice and strategic thinking to engage with ethical, professional and legal dilemmas under the direction, and with reference to, the BACP Ethical Framework 2018

• Acquiring a deep understanding of self and own patterns of relating

• Gaining skills of critical analysis and evaluation, which can be applied to complex information and arguments

• To communicate effectively with others

• Regular individual tutorials

• Peer group supervision of case work