Course details may be subject to change.
Help others improve their wellbeing and quality of life by studying counselling. This programme will prepare you to become a professional counsellor and help you to help others cope with problems, such as mental health issues, bereavement and relationship issues. The modules you will study will be focused on person-centred counselling and current issues and best practice within the sector.You will be required to apply for BACP Student Membership, undertake 12 sessions of personal therapy within Level 4 (self-funded) and apply for an Enhanced DBS (provided by NCD).
Entry Criteria
You will hold: GCSE/Level 2 Maths and English Evidence of 120 hours of previous counselling training at Level 3 A clear enhanced DBS check
Be able to demonstrate an ability to study at foundation degree level Be able to undertake 100 hours of mandatory supervised counselling placement hours on Level 5.
Additional Costs
You may wish to purchase publications recommended on the reading list.
Level 4 - 12 personal therapy sessions may cost around £360. Some counselling services offer sessions with no costs attached.
Level 5 - Some placement providers may request you to source and pay for counselling supervision, DBS, and indemnity insurance.
What are the next steps?
You will attend an interview at College with the course tutor.
Please report to the NCD University Centre (Neville Building) reception where you will be greeted by one of the team. You will be given information about the course, asked to complete an individual piece of written work, and an interview.
Study Aims
It is the aim that the Level 4 will provide students with the following:
- Develop an awareness and understanding of a range of theoretical models.
- Develop skills in relating theory to practice by undertaking peer and tutor reviewed triad work.
- An awareness of the importance of being able to work with children and young people as this is a continuing area of growth within counselling. This module will be useful for adult work as some childhood issues present in adult behaviours.
It is the aim that the Level 5 will provide students with:
- An awareness of a range of specific issues that clients may present with and how they are sometimes linked with others.
- An understanding of the complex nature of the client and counsellor relationship and how it may be impacted on by specific client issues.
- Experience of working within a counselling setting and understanding the structure, policies, and procedures within an organisational setting.
Modules Studied
Level 4: Core Model (20 credits) Develop an in-depth understanding of Person-Centred Counselling, exploring its concepts, historical background, and current relevance.
Integrating Other Theories in Practice (20 credits) Explore various counselling theories, focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT). Enhance critical thinking through assessment, comparison, and analysis, linking theories to current research.
Integrative Counselling Skills (30 credits) Apply Person-Centred and Integrative Theories to develop advanced counselling skills. Learn interventions for initiating, maintaining, developing, and ending therapeutic relationships. Reflect on and evaluate your skills' effectiveness.
Counselling Children and Young People (20 credits) Gain knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Learn about developmental theories, creative approaches, and the legal, ethical, and safeguarding challenges in this context.
Personal and Professional Development (30 credits) Critically reflect on your personal and professional growth. Reflect on personal therapy sessions, identify areas for further development, and consider the legal and ethical implications of safe practice. Explore current developments in counselling.
Level 5: Contemporary Issues (20 credits)
Client and Counsellor Relationship (20 credits)
Introduction to Research (20 credits)
Supervised Counselling Practice (30 credits)
Personal and Professional Development (30 credits)
Times of Delivery
Monday 9.30am - 4.30pm Tuesday 9.30am - 4.30pm
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
The modules employ a blend of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical exercises, to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Students engage in interactive sessions to deepen their understanding of theoretical concepts and develop practical skills. Assessment methods vary across modules and include written assignments, research projects, presentations, reflective journals, and practical demonstrations. These diverse assessment strategies ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, and application of skills in both theoretical and practical contexts.
Industry Links
We have links with industry meaning you have access to high quality placements opportunities and guest speakers who come into college to share current and up-to-date experience of counselling practice.
Placement
You'll engage in a supervised counselling placement, accumulating 100 hours of practical experience in an authentic work setting. This requirement aligns with the training standards set by BACP and NCPS.
What else?
You will take part in supervised work placements to put your theory into practice and you will also have a residential weekend away during the first year of this course.
You could progress to the one year BA (Hons) Counselling to top-up this qualification to a degree at New College Durham.
