BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP  accredited)

3 Years

The BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy has been validated recently by Coventry University and accredited by BACP. This course has evolved from our BACP accredited Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.  The decision to upgrade the Diploma course to a degree was taken in response to the anticipated academic and clinical requirements of the forthcoming statutory regulation of the counselling and psychotherapy profession.

The BSc (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy provides a sound knowledge of the theory underpinning the practice of Humanistic and Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and supports the acquisition of the clinical skills necessary for safe and ethical practice.  The development of personal growth and self awareness are also a fundamental aspect of the training.

The counselling and psychotherapy profession is rapidly moving towards statutory regulation which will mean that the words 'counsellor' and 'psychotherapist' will become protected titles, with the Health Professions Council (HPC) overseeing training and professional requirements after regulation. The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) have been the major regulatory bodies of the profession until now, but this has been on a voluntary basis for members.  Completion of the regulation process is now in its final stages. We understand from BACP and UKCP that professional counsellor level training will be at Higher Education Diploma, level 5 and psychotherapy level training at Postgraduate Level 7, in the future. It is therefore important that if you want to train to be a counsellor or psychotherapist that you seek training at these levels, as a minimum.

The course duration is three years. Each year consists of 8 x 3 day workshops (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Progression to the second and third stage is dependent on meeting the necessary assessment criteria, which consists of written assignments, presentations, book reviews, the required number of personal therapy sessions for each stage, a clinical placement and tutor, self and peer evaluations.

YEAR ONE
(Consists of 6 modules over a twelve month period)

Module 1 Humanistic and Integrative Philosophy 20 credits
Module 2 Therapeutic Relationship 20 credits
Module 3 An Ethical Framework for Counselling 20 credits
Module 4 Therapeutic Skills (1)  20 credits
Module 5 Culture and Diversity  20 credits
Module 6 Clinical Obligations (I) 20 credits

YEAR TWO
(Consists of 5 module)

Module 1 The Process and evaluation of Change 40 credits
Module 2 Human Development 20 credits
Module 3 Unconscious Processes 20 credits
Module 4 Therapeutic Skills (11) 20 credits
Module 5 Clinical Obligations (II)  20 credits

YEAR THREE
(Consists of 3 modules)

Module 1 Applications of a Humanistic and Integrative approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy 60 credits
Module 2 The Use of Self 20 credits
Module 3 Clinical Obligations (III) 40 credits

CLINICAL OBLIGATIONS

Year 1 30 hours of personal therapy  
Year 2 40 hours of personal therapy
75 hours (minimum) in supervised placement
(30 hours (minimum) of supervision)		  
Year 3 40 hours in personal therapy
125 hours (minimum) in supervised placement
(50 hours (minimum) of supervision)		  

Each of the three years of this course involves sufficient class contact time to meet the BACP requirement for 450 hours training.  Additionally, students will be expected to engage in in-depth independent study. Personal therapy and a supervised Counselling placement from the beginning of year 2 form the clinical obligations for the course. 

Entry requirements:

  • To provide evidence of study at A’ level, NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent standard. (If you have not undertaken training at A' level standard and would like an opportunity to train to be a counsellor, you can consider either:

i. providing a 2,000 word essay on a counselling topic to be agreed between the candidate and Programme Leader;

ii. or completing our Foundation Access course of an 11 training days duration.

  • To be at least 21 years of age.

  • To have had relevant experience of working with people in a responsible or supportive role.

  • To have a personal life compatible with professional ethics.

  • To have a personality which offers the stability for a counselling relationship.

  • To have completed a basic Counselling Skills course (minimum 30 hours). Our Counselling Skills courses also run throughout the year.

  • To complete an application form with relevant information about education, professional training, work experience and voluntary activity.  The application form includes a requirement to sign a personal statement regarding any previous criminal convictions.  Two references are also required.

  • To attend for an interview of a minimum of 30 minutes duration with the Programme Leader.

If you can answer yes to these questions and would like to apply for the course, you will need to complete an application form and provide two references.  If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions but are still interested in applying for the BSc (Hons) in Counselling please contact us to discuss this further.

Please contact us on 0115 844 7904 for additional information or click here for an application form.