COURSE DESCRIPTION

Amid an increased demand for counselling and mental health workers, learn how to improve the lives of those in need and forge a challenging but rewarding career. You will explore a wide range of theories within psychology, mental health, counselling, child development and psychotherapy. This theoretical knowledge combined with opportunities to work in mental health environments will develop your ability to build effective therapeutic relationships that can foster positive change for your clients. With a variety of therapeutic approaches studied, you will be able to tailor the course to your career ambitions. This course is suitable for those working in mental health services wanting to further their knowledge and career, or for those wishing to enter the health and care professions. You will explore psychotherapeutic models including cognitive and behavioural development and look at theories on how mental health issues develop across the lifespan. You will also learn how to develop your interpersonal skills in order to build counselling relationships between you and your clients – for example, those experiencing anxiety, depression and addiction.

Your course has been developed to offer awareness of ethical standards of practice in line with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and the British Psychological Society. Your learning will be guided by expert academics from across the University, who include qualified and accredited counsellors, mental health nurses and psychologists. You will practise your counselling and interpersonal skills using our interview and feedback rooms, enriching your practice. You will also engage with work-based learning opportunities, allowing you to reflect upon how you put your practical skills to the test in the real world. These activities will help you become a confident, globally-minded and emotionally mature individual with strong career prospects upon graduation.

This course will prepare you for professionally accredited counselling and psychotherapy practitioner training at postgraduate level; you could enter our PG Diploma level (2-years part-time) to gain your licence to practice. Completing this course as a standalone programme will not qualify you for professional registration as a Counsellor.