staffordshire university in counselling further information · lectureship in psychology &...

Staffordshire University Lectureship in Psychology & Counselling Further information

This is an opportunity to join our varied and vibrant Psychology and Counselling teaching team.

Our Professional and Postgraduate Diplomas in Psychotherapeutic Counselling have recently been accredited by the BACP and are growing in popularity. These are supported by an Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills course (10 weeks), a University Certificate in Counselling (27 weeks) and an MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (one year part‐time following the PG Diploma).

We have an established BSc in Psychology and Counselling, which forms Graduate Basis for Chartership status with the BPS. Many students progress on to our Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

All of our courses cover four main strands: Theory, Ethics, Skills and Personal Development. We aim to teach ideas that are embedded in contemporary contexts, clinical application and reflexivity. We welcome and value a pluralistic approach to therapeutic issues and cover Person‐Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic, Attachment and Systemic approaches among others.

We encourage a creative and interactive approach to teaching. Lecturers typically teach across both undergraduate and professional courses. A key strength is the diversity of approaches within the team, all of whom are in clinical practice and so bring their own diverse perspectives and current experiences to the work.

We are actively engaged in research and believe it is important in teaching and practice. This reflects the wider philosophy of the University and the large Psychology Department of which we are an important part.

Meet our team Mani Das Gupta http://www.staffs.ac.uk/staff/profiles/mdg1.jsp Julie Faulkner http://www.staffs.ac.uk/staff/profiles/jf20.jsp Doreen Fleet http://www.staffs.ac.uk/staff/profiles/df16.jsp Bev Meakin http://www.staffs.ac.uk/staff/profiles/bjm4.jsp Keith Walmsley‐Smith http://www.staffs.ac.uk/staff/profiles/bjm4.jsp Jim Zacune https://staffdirectory.staffs.ac.uk/StaffsUniStaffDirectory/Person/Details/385

There are detailed programme specifications following, we hope you find them useful:

University Certificate in Counselling

Professional Diploma in Counselling

Postgraduate Diploma/ MSc Psychotherapeutic Counselling

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Programme Title: University Certificate in Counselling

Awarding Body: Staffordshire University

Teaching Institution: Staffordshire University

Final Awards: Certificate in Counselling

Intermediate Awards: Not applicable

Mode of Study: Part Time, 1 year

JACS Code:

Date of Production: February 2015

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The one year part‐time Certificate is designed for mature students and provides those

students with an opportunity to acquire both the practical experience and the theoretical

understanding required to use counselling skills competently. It is intended for those who

want to improve their counselling skills in a work‐related context or a voluntary helping

capacity, as well as those whose work includes a specific counselling type role.

The award aims to help students to achieve, at Certificate level, a preliminary grasp of the

theoretical, practical and personal ingredients in effective use of counselling skills. It helps

students to develop an awareness of their own beliefs, values and attitudes and the

personal characteristics that they bring to counselling work. It encourages students to

become aware of the implications of using counselling within the context of their

occupational settings and the potential ethical, professional and legal issues which may arise

there.

It does also provide the first step towards advancement to the Professional or Post Graduate

Diploma in Counselling.

What is distinctive about this programme? The Certificate in Counselling is part of a suite of courses ranging from an Introduction to

Counselling Skills through Professional or Postgraduate Diploma to a Masters Degree in

Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

The Counselling tutor team practice in a variety of settings and therefore bring a depth and

breadth of skills, experience and knowledge to the course.

Students will have the opportunity to widen their understanding of a variety of counselling

theoretical approaches, including person centred, cognitive behavioural, attachment and

systemic theories. Through group discussions, exercises and skills practice they are

encouraged to develop critical evaluation of theoretical concepts and reflect on application

of ideas to practice.

The inclusion of a compulsory residential weekend at the beginning of the course helps build

a cohesive and supportive group context which is facilitative of personal development

through the rest of the year. The course aims to develop a culture of reflective practice that

can be continued in future counselling courses, or work situations; building confidence and

developing life‐long learning skills. Students develop awareness of the influence of

difference and diversity through experiential exercises and reflection facilitates cultural

competence as well as self‐awareness.

Counselling skills are taught and practiced in triads with tutor and peer feedback informing

the development of abilities in communication and the use of skills in facilitating therapeutic

relationships.

These courses are embedded in a large and successful Psychology Department giving access

to a wide range of teaching and learning resources. IT skills linked to researching theoretical

topics and use of recording equipment to reflect on and analyse skills sessions are supported

within the department.

The Staffordshire Graduate – Certificate in Counselling

The Certificate in Counselling course is embedded within Psychology and Mental Health as part of a

suite of counselling courses, consisting of the Masters Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Postgraduate

and Professional Diploma Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Certificate in Counselling and an

Introduction to Basic Counselling skills. The Certificate award aims to produce graduates who are

reflective and critical learners, able to analyse and problem solve. We aim for proficiency in a wide

range of skills and ability to interact confidently with colleagues. The Certificate in Counselling is a

valuable course for acquiring skills, knowledge and personal development relevant to a variety of

professions and helping roles. It is also a stepping stone to entry on the Psychotherapeutic

Counselling Diploma courses, which lead to professional qualifications.

Within all modules we aim to provide our graduates with discipline expertise through instilling a

critical knowledge of theory and research. This is achieved through a variety of teaching methods

including, personal and academic tutorials; group discussions; exercises; group presentations and

skills practice. All of which are intended to encourage and extend communication, presentation and

team working skills, furthering their development of the transferable skills (including safe and

ethical practice) that employers seek.

The Counselling tutors are both practitioners and academics, practising in various settings, and are

involved in research and scholarship relevant to the course. They bring a depth and breadth of skills,

experience and knowledge to the course and strive, both within their practice and teaching, to

reflect the key issues within counselling that affect the world in which we live.

Students are continually encouraged to develop independence of thought, critical evaluation of

theoretical concepts and reflect on application of ideas to practice. Students are introduced to a

variety of counselling theoretical approaches, including person centred, cognitive behavioural,

attachment and systemic theories. They have opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of these

areas within their counselling skills practise. We encourage students to develop global citizenship

through an awareness of cultural diversity as well as individual differences, through experiential

exercises and personal reflection, cultivating cultural competence as well as developing self

awareness and acceptance.

To ensure effective team working and group cohesion we include both a compulsory weekend at

the beginning of the course and a weekend workshop; these help to develop the supportive group

context necessary to facilitate both personal and professional development throughout the course.

The course is designed to build a culture of reflective practice available as a tool for lifelong

learning. Graduates can further develop their good analytical and enquiry skills within a voluntary

role, their workplace and/or through further training. Students are further encouraged to build on

their academic and practical skills by engaging with the wide and varied range of teaching and

learning resources, including, digital technology, such as video and audio recording equipment, to

assist in preparation, analysis and written presentation of practical counselling skills.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles within counselling.

Learning

Distinguish different approaches within the counselling field and participate in debates

about the validity of these approaches.

Enquiry

Demonstrate understanding of a number of ethical considerations associated with

counselling, and be able to use these methods, supported by a range of information sources,

including the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical

Framework.

Analysis

Evaluate and interpret concepts and principles in the field of counselling.

Problem Solving

Analyse problems in terms of your field of study and evaluate different approaches for their

solution.

Communication

Communicate in a range of different ways, with structured and coherent arguments, about

ideas and application of skills in counselling, supported by theory. You will be encouraged to

use conceptual analysis and empirical evidence, and to use information technology

appropriately to do so.

Application

Apply knowledge and understanding of the counselling field to real life issues.

Reflection

Work independently and responsibly in the field, and have acquired transferable skills

valued in employment or future learning. You will have opportunity to enhance reflective

skills through reflection on personal and professional development throughout the course.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS

Programme Title: University Certificate in Counselling

Potential award = University Certificate in Counselling (60 credits at L4, divided equally between 2 modules)

L

E

V

E

L

4

Teaching

Blocks 1&2

Counselling Theory,

Ethics and Professional

Issues

(PSYC40500)

30 credits

Counselling Skills, Personal

and Professional

Development

(PSYC40501)

30 credits

Students are enrolled on a one‐year, part‐time University Certificate in Counselling, which starts in

September and lasts for one academic year (27 weeks). To ensure effective team working and group

cohesion we include both a compulsory weekend at the beginning of the course and a one‐day

weekend workshop; these help to develop the supportive group context necessary to facilitate both

personal and professional development throughout the course.

The Certificate has four areas of study that are pursued throughout the programme:

1. The self of the counsellor (personal development)

2. Theoretical perspectives

3. Professional and Ethical practice

4. Counselling Skills Development

These are taught and developed in 2 modules during the one year of the course. There are no

optional pathways.

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?

Teaching and Learning

The course offers range of teaching strategies and learning opportunities in a mixture of

large and small group settings. These include lectures and workshops on various theoretical

perspectives with use of demonstration and video sessions. An introductory library and e‐

learning workshop prepares students for researching for assignments and accessing online

and library materials and services. Skills practice takes place in triads; counsellor, student in

the client role and observer so that evaluation of skills practice and formative feedback can

also be given through peers and tutors.

There are experiential exercises and use of creative techniques to facilitate personal and

professional development. In addition, an hour each week is devoted to a personal

development group. This is a space for reflection and development of self‐awareness about

your values, beliefs and the influences on you as a counsellor as well as support for personal

themes triggered by the course.

A Saturday workshop offers each student opportunity to record and critique skills practice; a

useful reflective learning opportunity and formative exercise for the skills assignment.

A compulsory residential weekend offers space for personal development, skills and group

dynamics. There is opportunity to focus on peer relationships, getting to know each other

and raise personal awareness, away from day to day responsibilities. This facilitates group

process and self awareness with the aim of creating a supportive environment in which to

learn. The weekend is in a rural location and is fully catered; it is from Friday 5pm until

Sunday 2pm, exact dates are confirmed before the course starts each year. This aspect of

the course is popular with students and frequently stated as one of the most useful learning

opportunities.

At the beginning of the course each student is assigned a personal tutor for support and as a

point of reference throughout the course. Individual tutorials take place regularly and some

additional tutorial time is available by negotiation with personal tutor.

Assessment

A schedule of required summative assessments, assessment criteria and assignment

deadlines will be circulated to students at the beginning of each year.

Assessments include essays on the theoretical aspects of counselling, and ethical dilemmas

in counselling. There is an analysis and evaluation of a taped counselling skills session with a

colleague on the course. The final assessment is a reflection on your personal development

throughout the course. All students are expected to keep a personal reflective journal

throughout the course and then write an essay summarising personal themes arising in the

course and your learning from reflection on these in the group or individually.

Students will be required to pass each of the summative assessments to qualify for the

Certificate in Counselling. Equal weighting will be given to each element of the award. The

award will be classified as pass/fail.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)

What qualifications would I need to join this programme?

The entry requirements for the award are normally:

Essential

1. Applicants must have access to an appropriate setting in which to practice their counselling skills

2. Satisfactory completion of an introductory course in basic counselling skills (or

equivalent), undertaken within the last three years (minimum 24 hours study) 3. All applicants must pass the interview process 4. All short‐listed candidates are required to supply two named referees who will be

contacted 5. IELTS level 6.0 6. students will be required to sign a confidentiality contract

Desirable

1. Self‐awareness and commitment to personal development 2. An understanding that whilst personal development is an integral part of the course,

this is not therapy.

Disability Statement

Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to

ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational

potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at:

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/disabled/

AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION Class attendance – 100% attendance is expected, 80% minimum attendance overall is

necessary to pass. The two 30 credit modules run alongside each other throughout the year

(see diagram on page 6).

The course is run along guidelines set out in the British Association of Counselling and

Psychotherapy’s Ethical Framework for Good Practice. Students are expected to have a

willingness to comply with BACP ethical guidelines.

Recording of skills practice requires students to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and

on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning

outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations.

==================================


Programme Title: Professional Diploma Psychotherapeutic Counselling



Final Awards:

University Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Intermediate Awards:

University Professional Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Mode of Study: Part‐time

UCAS Codes: N/A

QAA Subject Benchmarks:

JACS Code:

Professional/Statutory Body:


Date of Revision:

If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us.


This award follows closely the BACP curricula for professional counselling courses

and aims to:

Provide students with a foundation in integrative counselling and its application to counselling and the mental health field.

Equip students with the conceptual understanding, skills and knowledge to assess critically research findings in the context of the developing discipline of counselling.

Encourage students to consider and reflect on ethical, legal and moral aspects of different approaches to counselling issues.

Equip students with the skills that will prepare them for employment as professional counsellors.

Develop students’ abilities so that they become competent and reflexive practitioners, able to work effectively and professionally with others,

Gain a qualifying award that enables students to work towards individual practitioner accreditation (BACP) and registration with United Kingdom Register of Counsellors (UKRC).

Sustain a culture of research and learning, while encouraging students to question their previous assumptions and develop an open and enquiring attitude.

Enable students to develop their ability to carry out independent research and to incorporate this learning into written assignments, demonstrating self‐direction and originality.

What is distinctive about this programme?

The programme is designed to provide an education and training in an integrative approach to psychological counselling and therapy to a level appropriate for safe, ethical and effective practice. The philosophy of the suite of counselling courses takes a holistic view of the person

incorporating aspects of phenomenological experience, emotional and thought

processes, developmental aspects and family context with an emphasis on social and

cultural influences. The overall objective is to facilitate development of reflexive

counsellors who value the significance of the therapeutic relationship, who can

engage with flexibility in response to a diverse range of client issues and facilitate

client change.

The Professional Diploma is structured to encourage applicants who do not possess a

first degree but who have completed a Certificate In Counselling (at least a level 3)

qualification to engage in professional counselling training. Students on the

Professional Diploma who obtain high grades in their first year (above 60%) can

apply to transfer to the Postgraduate Diploma and will then have the option to apply

to complete a the third year to complete the MSc in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

The Staffordshire Graduate – Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Embedded within Psychology we proffer a suite of counselling courses, consisting of the

Masters Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Postgraduate and Professional Diploma

Psychotherapeutic Counselling, a Certificate in Counselling and an Introduction to Basic

Counselling skills. The counselling awards aim to produce graduates who are reflective

practitioners as well as critical learners; who are able to analyse and problem solve. Our

graduates endeavour to be proficient in a wide range of skills and are able to interact

confidently with colleagues equipping them to enter the world of work as safe and ethical

counsellors.

Within all modules we aim to provide our graduates with discipline expertise through

instilling a critical knowledge of theory and research. This is achieved through a variety of

teaching methods including, personal and academic tutorials; group discussions; exercises;

individual and group presentations and skills practice, both within the classroom and

through work placements. All of which are intended to encourage and extend

communication, presentation and team working skills, furthering their development of the

transferable skills (including the safe and ethical practice) that employers seek.

The Counselling tutors for our counselling awards are both practitioners and academics,

practising in various settings, and are involved in research and scholarship relevant to the

course. They bring a depth and breadth of skills, experience and knowledge to the course

and strive, both within their practice and teaching, to reflect the key issues within

counselling that affect the world in which we live.

It is our aim to produce graduates who are equipped to enter the world of work and are

enterprising or entrepreneurial by nature. To achieve this students are continually

encouraged to develop through independence of thought, critical evaluation of theoretical

concepts and reflect on application of ideas to practice. As part of our commitment to

ensuring that our graduates are professional practitioners, students have the opportunity to

widen their understanding of a variety of counselling theoretical approaches, including

person centred, cognitive behavioural, attachment and systemic theories, and to

demonstrate their knowledge of these areas within their counselling skills practise. We

encourage students to develop global citizenship through an awareness of cultural diversity

as well as individual differences, through experiential exercises and personal reflection,

cultivating cultural competence as well as developing self‐awareness and acceptance.

To ensure effective team‐working and group cohesion we include both a compulsory

weekend at the beginning of our courses, along with weekend workshops; these help to

develop the supportive group context necessary to facilitate both personal and professional

development throughout the course. Our courses are designed to build a culture of

reflective practice that can be further developed through continued lifelong learning.

Graduates are encouraged to further develop their good analytical and enquiry skills

through continual professional development (CPD) both within the workplace and with

further training. Students are further encouraged to build on their academic and practical

skills by engaging with the wide and varied range of teaching and learning resources,

including, digital technology, such as video and audio recording equipment, to assist in

preparation and presentation of their theoretical and practical skills throughout the awards.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES



Critically evaluate how research and theories in counselling are applied to client

problems.

Learning

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key psychological and practice based

assumptions within a variety of counselling approaches.

Enquiry

Develop critical insight into the relationship between counselling theory, research

and practice.

Analysis

Critically reflect in‐depth on counselling practice (in counselling supervision and self‐

reflection) and demonstrate an ability to analyse how counselling interventions

impact on client groups in different types of settings.

Problem Solving

Demonstrate commitment to working within ethical and legal frameworks and codes

for professional practice.

Communication

Communicate a critical awareness of a variety of counselling approaches, their

application to practice and their limitations.

Application

Apply transferable skills and practical understanding of how established methods of

research, enquiry and evaluation contribute to skilled, competent, safe, evaluative,

reflective counselling practice.

Reflection

Demonstrate an ability to reflect critically on personal, group and societal

experiences in a self‐accepting way, and a willingness to act on identified areas for

development.


Programme Title: Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

L

E

V

E

L

6

Year 1

Semester 1

& 2

Theory, Research & Professional

Issues in Counselling 1

(PSYC60502)

30 Credits

Personal Development &

Counselling Skills 1

(PSYC60503)

30 Credits

(Modules run in parallel. To progress to Year two all 60 credits must be passed)

Year 2

L

E

V

E

L

6

Year 2

Semester 1

& 2



(PSYC60507)

30 Credits



(PSYC60658)

30 Credits

It is the hope of the course team that all students on the Professional Diploma will complete

their studies. However, we do understand that this is not always possible and some

students may decide to leave after the first year. After successful completion of year one

modules (PSYC60502 and PSYC60503) students can choose to exit the award with a

Professional Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. However, this is considered an

introductory level and is not a practising qualification.



All modules on the Professional Diploma are core and compulsory. Students attend

on a part‐time basis, with teaching taking place on one day per week between 9am

and 5.30pm.

To ensure effective team‐working and group cohesion we include both a compulsory weekend residential and two Saturday workshops which help to develop the supportive group context necessary to facilitate both personal and professional development throughout the course. The programme commences in September each year.

To maximise students’ potential, a varied teaching and learning approach is adopted,

involving:

Interactive Lectures

Seminars

Tutorials

Counselling Skills Training

Student‐Led Individual And Group Presentations

Supervision Groups

A Counselling Placement

An Experiential Personal Development Group

Independent Study

Guided Learning

Completion of A Reflective Journal

The Professional Diploma is a practise‐based award and so includes a component of

placement learning, as well as a requirement for you to undertake supervision and

personal therapy (see Award Specific Information for further details).

We offer both Professional and Postgraduate routes within the Psychotherapeutic

Counselling portfolio, and students on the different routes are taught together, as

the tutor team believe that graduates and non‐graduates have much to offer to each

other and will complement each other’s strengths. The assessment briefs for both

the Professional Diploma and the Postgraduate Diploma are the same, but

differentiation in level is evident through the assessment of different learning

outcomes. . The course team, via the personal and academic tutorial system, will

provide frequent formative feedback on student performance, including whether the

student is meeting the course requirements.

Independent study is an important part of the course, and the course team will

support the development and enhancement of independent study skills through

academic tutorials. Students will receive academic and personal support depending

on their needs and the level of their study. The advantage of the joint delivery

programme lies in the fact that students can be supported in a more individual way.

Students are given ongoing, constructive feedback from tutors, peers and

supervisors, and are constantly required to self‐appraise their work and

development.

Guided Learning Students will engage in guided learning time where a member of staff is available to give specific guidance on structured learning tasks. This will include facilitated study such as tutor guidance for students, staff‐facilitated research or research awareness activities in the Resources room or web‐based structured learning. Work‐based learning Students will be required to engage with work‐based learning related to their placement. Such work presents students with opportunities to gain contextual awareness in a professional counselling related setting. Such learning may include induction to an organisation, clerical duties, attending team meetings, case management conferences, reading service literature, policies and procedures, structured workplace training and data collection for audit purposes.

Assessment

Formative methods of assessment are used to provide feedback on progress and to

assist in preparation for some summative assessments

Modules are assessed using a variety of assessment methods, including analysing

quantitative and qualitative data, giving oral presentations, analysing and critiquing

case studies, both through coursework and examination and analysing counselling

process reports. These are designed in each case to enable the course team to assess

the extent to which each student is able to demonstrate the required learning

outcomes.

A personal and professional development portfolio will be required incorporating a

personal development log, a record of client hours and dates, a record of supervision

hours, a record of training provided by the placement organisation, a placement

contract and evidence of BACP membership.

Formative assessment of counselling skills practice in the form of verbal and written

feedback will occur throughout the course.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)



1. Applicants must have successfully completed a Certificate in Counselling (Level 3) or equivalent.

2. All applicants must obtain a counselling placement whereby they can undertake a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice during the course.

3. Applicants must pass the interview process.

4. Applicants should also have a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).





http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/disabled/

AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Fitness to Practice

Counselling students are training to be in a profession where they have regular contact with vulnerable members of the public. The counselling tutor team and Staffordshire University have a duty of care to these members of the public in addition to our duty of care to all our students. Therefore all students complete a skills assessment before client hours can be used as part of the course placement.

All counselling tutors and students are bound by the Ethical Framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Students will sign an undertaking at course registration to adhere to this ethical framework (www.bacp.co.uk). For fitness to practice there are particularly relevant sections of the Framework including ‘Good quality of care’, ‘Maintaining competent practice’, ‘Keeping Trust’, ‘Fitness to practice’ and ‘Care of self as a practitioner’.

Assessment

No compensation is allowed within or across modules. All assessments must be

passed. Because of the integrated nature of counselling training, all modules

required for the postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma levels must be

studied concurrently and it will therefore not be possible for students to retake

individual modules after their referral opportunity if they fail.

Placements, Supervision and Personal therapy

Students must pass all the elements required for the Personal and Professional

Development Modules which include:

At least 100 hours of approved and supervised counselling placement practice

Supervision requirements are at least 1 hour per fortnight (in accordance with BACP guidelines) with a ratio of at least 1 hour’s supervision for 6 hours client contact.

A minimum of 20 hours approved personal therapy (see the relevant section in the Student Handbook for further information on the placement, supervision and personal therapy).

N.B.

If students have been unable to complete the placement hours by the end of the

course due to unforeseen circumstances (such as insufficient client hours offered by

their placement organisation) they will be entitled to apply for extenuating

circumstance and be given an additional 12 months to complete their practice hours.

Attendance

It is expected that students will attend all classes, workshops, group meetings, day schools and other sessions for the core modules. Students must meet a minimum of attendance requirement of 80% in the Certificate and Diploma stages of this award. Attendance at any residential element of the course is also compulsory. Application All candidates are required to fill in a University application form and an Additional

Information Document which provides more in‐depth personal information so that

tutors can assess the applicant’s suitability to work with clients on their placement.

All prospective students are asked to provide two references from people who know

them well and can comment on their helping skills (these must not be close

relatives).

All candidates will be required to complete a self‐declaration criminal convictions

statement and apply for a DBS check.

Selection days will take place where the staff team and potential students engage in

various activities, such as group exercises, individual interviews.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the application process in writing.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In line with BACP requirements, the maximum number of hours which can be

admitted by recognition of prior learning (RPL) will not exceed 150 hours or a third of

the programme, whichever is the greater number of hours.

Additionally, students who make a successful claim for RPL, must still undertake a

minimum of 100 hours of supervised client work whilst on the course.




POSTGRADUATE


Programme Title: MSc/Postgraduate Diploma Psychotherapeutic Counselling



Final Awards:

Master of Science in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Intermediate Awards:

Postgraduate Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Mode of Study Part‐time

UCAS Codes: N/A

QAA Subject Benchmarks:

Professional/Statutory Body:


Date of Revision:

If you require this document in a larger text or a different media please contact us.


This course follows closely the British Association for Counselling and

Psychotherapy’s guidelines for professional counsellors, and aims to:

Provide students with an in‐depth exploration in integrative counselling and its application to counselling and the mental health field.

Equip students with the conceptual understanding, skills and knowledge to assess critically research findings in the context of the developing discipline of counselling.

Encourage students to consider and critically reflect on ethical, legal and moral aspects of different approaches to counselling issues.

Equip students with the skills that will prepare them for employment as professional counsellors.

Develop students’ abilities so that they become competent and reflexive practitioners, able to work effectively and professionally with others,

Provide a qualifying award that enables students to work towards individual practitioner accreditation (BACP) and registration with United Kingdom Register of Counsellors (UKRC).

Sustain a culture of research and learning, while encouraging students to question their previous assumptions and develop an open and enquiring attitude.

Enable students to develop their ability to carry out independent research at an advanced level and to incorporate this learning into written assignments, demonstrating self‐direction and originality.


The programme is designed to provide an education and training in an integrative approach to psychological counselling and therapy to a level appropriate for safe, ethical and effective practice. The philosophy of the suite of counselling courses takes a holistic view of the person

incorporating aspects of phenomenological experience, emotional and thought

processes, developmental aspects and family context with an emphasis on social and

cultural influences. The overall objective is to facilitate development of reflexive

counsellors who value the significance of the therapeutic relationship, who can

engage with flexibility in response to a diverse range of client issues and facilitate

client change.

The Counselling tutors are both practitioners and academics, practising in various

settings, and are involved in research and scholarship relevant to the course. They

bring a depth and breadth of skills, experience and knowledge to the course and

strive, both within their practice and teaching, to reflect the key issues within

counselling that affect the world in which we live.

Students who successfully pass the Postgraduate Diploma will have the option to

apply to undertake and additional research year and complete the MSc .

The Staffordshire Graduate – Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Embedded within Psychology we proffer a suite of counselling courses, consisting of the

Masters Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Postgraduate and Professional Diploma

Psychotherapeutic Counselling, a Certificate in Counselling and an Introduction to Basic

Counselling skills. The counselling awards aim to produce graduates who are reflective

practitioners as well as critical learners; who are able to analyse and problem solve. Our

graduates endeavour to be proficient in a wide range of skills and are able to interact

confidently with colleagues equipping them to enter the world of work as safe and ethical

counsellors.

Within all modules we aim to provide our graduates with discipline expertise through

instilling a critical knowledge of theory and research. This is achieved through a variety of

teaching methods including, personal and academic tutorials; group discussions; exercises;

individual and group presentations and skills practice, both within the classroom and

through work placements. All of which are intended to encourage and extend

communication, presentation and team working skills, furthering their development of the

transferable skills (including the safe and ethical practice) that employers seek.

It is our aim to produce graduates who are equipped to enter the world of work and are

enterprising or entrepreneurial by nature. To achieve this students are continually

encouraged to develop through independence of thought, critical evaluation of theoretical

concepts and reflect on application of ideas to practice. As part of our commitment to

ensuring that our graduates are professional practitioners, students have the opportunity to

widen their understanding of a variety of counselling theoretical approaches, including

person centred, cognitive behavioural, attachment and systemic theories, and to

demonstrate their knowledge of these areas within their counselling skills practise. We

encourage students to develop global citizenship through an awareness of cultural diversity

as well as individual differences, through experiential exercises and personal reflection,

cultivating cultural competence as well as developing self awareness and acceptance.

To ensure effective team‐working and group cohesion we include both a compulsory

weekend at the beginning of our courses, along with weekend workshops; these help to

develop the supportive group context necessary to facilitate both personal and professional

development throughout the course. Our courses are designed to build a culture of

reflective practice that can be further developed through continued lifelong learning.

Graduates are encouraged to further develop their good analytical and enquiry skills

through continual professional development (CPD) both within the workplace and with

further training. Students are further encouraged to build on their academic and practical

skills by engaging with the wide and varied range of teaching and learning resources,

including, digital technology, such as video and audio recording equipment, to assist in

preparation and presentation of their theoretical and practical skills throughout the awards.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES


Postgraduate Diploma

Engage in critical analysis of how research and theories of counselling are applied to

client problems including in‐depth awareness of limitations and evidence of original

thinking (SU: Knowledge and understanding, Analysis, Application).

Communicate an understanding of critical evaluation and in‐depth analysis of the

key psychological and practice based assumptions within a variety of counselling

approaches, through critical analysis of research papers used in the counselling field

(SU: Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Enquiry).

Demonstrate a critical ability to reflect in‐depth on counselling practice, in

counselling supervision and during self‐reflection (SU: Problem Solving,

Communication, Reflection)

Apply an extensive critical ability to analyse how counselling interventions impact on

client groups in different types of settings (SU: Knowledge and Understanding,

Analysis).

Demonstrate extensive development and demonstration of transferable skills and in‐

depth practical understanding of how established methods of research, enquiry and

evaluation contribute to skilled, competent, safe, evaluative and self‐reflective

counselling practice (SU: Learning, Application, Reflection).

MSc

In addition to the Diploma level outcomes, MSc graduates will have undertaken and

completed an appropriate counselling‐related research project. At the end of this

period of learning, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical awareness of the research process and be able to critically evaluate and apply a range of research methods (SU: Knowledge and understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication)

2. Design, conduct, and analyse the results of an ethically approved and methodologically sound study to address a pertinent research question in counselling (SU: Knowledge and understanding, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Application, Reflection)

The learning outcomes statements have been cross‐referenced to Staffordshire University’s

set of generic learning outcomes e.g. Knowledge and Understanding, details of which can be

found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/assets/suoutcomes_tcm44‐34896.doc


The Postgraduate Diploma award operates within the general framework for the University

Postgraduate Diploma Awards (level 7)

Postgraduate Diploma 120 Credits

Potential award = Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

L

E

V

E

L

(7)

Year 1

Teaching

Block 1&2



(PSYC70509)

30 Credits



(PSYC70510)

30 Credits

L

E

V

E

L

(7)

Year 2

Teaching

Block 1&2



(PSYC70511)

30 Credits



(PSYC70659)

30 Credits

The MSc award operates within the general framework for the University Postgraduate

Awards (level 7)

L

E

V

E

L

M

(7)

Year 3

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

Research Proposal

(PSYC70534)

(15 credits)

Dissertation

(PSYC70535)

(45 credits)

(33% semester 1, 67% semester 2)

Potential Awards:

Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) – comprises PG Cert (60 credits) plus credits acquired in

year 2 (60 credits).

Master of Science (top‐up year) (60 credits) (following Post‐Graduate Diploma

(120 credits) or equivalent)

Progression:

It is the hope of the course team that all students will complete their studies. However, we

do understand that some students may decide to leave after the first year, and therefore

there is the option for students to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate, however this is

considered an introductory level and is not a practising qualification. Students need to

successfully complete all year 1 modules (PSYC70509 and PSYC70510) to be eligible for the

Postgraduate Certificate Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

Students who achieve a Postgraduate Diploma will be able to apply for the final MSc year.

Transfer between awards:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling is designed to cater for a

variety of counselling students with a diverse experience of further and higher education.

It will be possible for students to apply to transfer between the awards. Any decision to

allow a student transfer from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Professional Diploma would

be considered by the course team, the award leaders and consultation with the external

examiner. If a transfer was thought appropriate, the students completed assessment work

would then be reassessed in the light of their new Professional route using the appropriate

learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Such requests for transfer would normally be

expected to take place within nine months of the commencement of the course.


Programme Structure All modules on the Postgraduate awards are core and compulsory. Students attend

on a part‐time basis, with teaching taking place on one day per week between 9am

and 5.30pm. Students may progress to the MSc Psychotherapeutic Counselling on

successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma.

To ensure effective team‐working and group cohesion we include both a compulsory weekend at the beginning of the course (September/October), along with two one‐day weekend workshops; these help to develop the supportive group context necessary to facilitate both personal and professional development throughout the course.

For the MSc year the Research Proposal Module comprises of 6 taught sessions from

September to end of Oct from 9.30 – 4.30pm. In addition there is an assessed

presentation day in early December. For the Dissertation module, students will

meet with their research supervisor at mutually agreed times.

Teaching and Learning – Postgraduate Diploma


involving:


Seminars

Tutorials

Counselling Skills Training

Student‐Led Individual And Group Presentations

Supervision Groups

A Counselling Placement

An Experiential Personal Development Group

Independent Study

Guided Learning

A Reflective Journal

The Professional Diploma is a practise‐based award and so includes a component of

placement learning, as well as a requirement for you to undertake supervision and

personal therapy (see Award Specific Information for further details).

We offer both Professional and Postgraduate routes within the Psychotherapeutic

Counselling portfolio, and students on the different routes are taught together, as

the tutor team believe that graduates and non‐graduates have much to offer to each

other and will complement each others’ strengths. The assessment briefs for both

routes are the same, but differentiation in level is evident through the assessment of

different learning outcomes. The course team, via the personal and academic

tutorial system, will provide frequent formative feedback on student performance,

including whether the student is meeting the requirements for the level of study

they have enrolled on.




on their needs and the level of their study. The advantage of the joint delivery

programme lies in the fact that students can be supported in a more individual way.

Students are given ongoing, constructive feedback from tutors, peers and

supervisors, and are constantly required to self‐appraise their work and

development.

Guided Learning Students will engage in guided learning time where a member of staff is available to give specific guidance on structured learning tasks. This will include facilitated study such as tutor guidance for students, staff‐facilitated research or research awareness activities in the Resources room or web‐based structured learning. Work‐based learning Students will be required to engage with work‐based learning related to their placement. Such work presents students with opportunities to gain contextual awareness in a professional counselling related setting. Such learning may include induction to an organisation, clerical duties, attending team meetings, case management conferences, reading service literature, policies and procedures, structured workplace training and data collection for audit purposes.

Teaching and Learning – Masters year


involving:


Seminars

Presentations

Tutorials

Independent Study

Students will be encouraged to keep a reflective journal

The course team, via the personal and academic tutorial system, will provide

frequent formative feedback on student performance, including whether the

student is meeting the requirements for the level of study they have enrolled on.




on their needs and the level of their study.

Formative methods of assessment are used to provide feedback on progress and to assist in preparation for some summative assessments. Feedback is provided on a draft of the dissertation.

Assessment

Modules are assessed using a variety of assessment methods, including analysing quantitative and qualitative data, giving oral presentations, analysing and critiquing case studies, both through coursework and exam and analysing counselling process reports. These are designed in each case to enable the course team to assess the extent to which each student is able to demonstrate the required learning outcomes.

A personal and professional development portfolio will be required incorporating a

personal development log, a record of client hours and dates, a record of supervision

hours, a record of training provided by the placement organisation, a placement

contract and evidence of BACP membership.

Formative assessment of counselling skills practice in the form of verbal and written

feedback will occur throughout the Psychotherapeutic Diploma Course.





Postgraduate route Psychotherapeutic Diploma

1. Applicants should have a good degree or postgraduate qualifications relevant to counselling,

2. Applicants must have successfully completed a Certificate in Counselling or equivalent.

3. All applicants must obtain a counselling placement whereby they can undertake a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice during the course.

4. Applicants must pass the interview process.

5. Candidates will be required to complete a self‐declaration criminal convictions statement and apply for a DBS check.

Candidates should also have a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS

7.0 or equivalent).

MSc top‐up year

Candidates need to have achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, and can

apply for credit transfer to undertake the MSc as a top‐up award.





http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/index.jsp


Fitness to Practice

All counselling tutors and students are bound by the Ethical Framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Students will sign an undertaking at course registration to adhere to this ethical framework (www.bacp.co.uk). For fitness to practice there are particularly relevant Sections of the Framework including ‘Good quality of care’, ‘Maintaining competent practice’, ‘Keeping Trust’, ‘Fitness to practice’ and ‘Care of self as a practitioner’. Counselling students are training to be in a profession where they have regular

contact with vulnerable members of the public. The counselling tutor team and

Staffordshire University have a duty of care to these members of the public in

addition to its duty of care to all our students. Therefore all students complete a

skills assessment before client hours can be used as part of the course placement.

Assessment

No compensation is allowed within or across modules, all assessments must be

passed. Students must pass all first year modules before being able to progress to

year 2. Because of the integrated nature of counselling training, both modules in

each year are studied concurrently and it will therefore not be possible for students

to retake individual modules after their referral opportunity if they fail.

Placements, Supervision and Personal therapy

Students must pass all the elements required for the Personal and Professional

Development Modules which include:

At least 100 hours of approved and supervised counselling placement practice

Supervision requirements are at least 1 hour per fortnight (in accordance

with BACP guidelines) with a ratio of at least 1 hour’s supervision for 6 hours client contact.

A minimum of 20 hours approved personal therapy (see the relevant section in the Student Handbook for further information on the placement, supervision and personal therapy).

N.B. If students have been unable to complete the placement hours by the end of

the course due to unforeseen circumstances (such as insufficient client hours offered

by their placement organisation) they will be entitled to apply for extenuating

circumstance and be given an additional 12 months to complete their practice hours.

Attendance

It is expected that students will attend all classes, workshops, group meetings, day schools and other sessions for the core modules. Students must meet a minimum of attendance requirement of 80% in the Certificate and Diploma stages of this award. Attendance at any residential element of the course is also compulsory. Application All candidates are required to fill in a University application form and an Additional

Information Document which provides more in‐depth personal information so that

tutors can assess the applicant’s suitability to work with client on their placement.

All prospective students are asked to provide two references of people who know

them well and can comment on their helping skills (these must not be close

relatives).

Candidates will be required to complete a self‐declaration criminal convictions

statement and apply for a DBS check.

Selection days will take place where the staff team and potential students engage in

various activities, such as group exercises, individual interviews.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the application process in writing.

Recognition of Prior Learning

In line with BACP requirements, the maximum number of hours which can be admitted by

recognition of prior learning (RPL) will not exceed 150 hours or a third of the programme,

whichever is the greater number of hours.

Additionally, students who make a successful claim for RPL, must still undertake a minimum

of 100 hours of supervised client work whilst on the course.


on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, student

support, and academic regulations.

====================================

UNDERGRADUATE


Programme Title: BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling



Final Awards: BSc(Hons) Psychology and Counselling

Intermediate Awards: Diploma in Higher Education

Certificate in Higher

Education

Mode of Study Full time (3 years)

Part time (6 years)

UCAS Codes: CB89

QAA Subject Benchmarks: Psychology

JACS Code: C800

Professional/Statutory Body: British Psychological Society

Date of Production: 2008

Date of Revision: January 2013

February 2015

August 2015

**(For students unable to continue with the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling at the end of

Level 4, a non‐ accredited programme, BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies, is also available from the

start of Level 5)

If you require this document in a larger text or a different media please contact us.


The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling programme aims to:

0. Provide a firm foundation in the core areas of the discipline, along with opportunities for diversification into more specialised areas within psychology and counselling.

1. Develop students’ skills in the scientific and ethical evaluation of theory, empirical research and debates in psychology and counselling.

2. Enable students to develop transferable skills, including the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes, which will enhance their employability both in the Psychology profession and in other employment.

3. Provide opportunities to evaluate diverse perspectives applied to a range of contemporary issues in psychology and counselling, and to consider realistic responses to these issues.

4. Enable students to experience a range of high quality learning, teaching and assessment methods, in a supportive and responsive student environment.

5. Provide opportunities for students to engage with enthusiastic and well‐qualified staff who engage in research, enterprise and/or scholarship that informs learning and teaching at all levels.

6. Meet the requirements of the professional body (BPS), and enable students to (upon

successful completion of the award with a 2:2 or above), register with the BPS for Graduate Basis for Chartership.


The BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling programme is fully accredited with the British Psychological Society, and on completion of the programme (with a minimum of a 2:2 degree) you will be able to claim Graduate Basis for Chartership, which is the first stage towards becoming a professional psychologist.

Although the course will not qualify you to work as a counsellor after graduation, it will give you exemption from the first stage (Certificate, Level 4) of the qualifying process, by enabling you to move straight onto the Professional/Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling at Staffordshire University.

We offer some fascinating options for you to choose from, including the opportunity for you to earn credit towards your degree by gaining work experience through volunteering or research assistantship at Level 5, and the equivalent of a certificate in counselling at Level 6.

As you move through the programme, you will develop the ‘Staffordshire Graduate Attributes’, designed to make you use your Psychology and Counselling degree to demonstrate a range of skills and attributes attractive to employers in the future.

We offer excellent levels of support to our students, including a well‐structured and supportive personal tutoring programme, with regular timetabled sessions with your personal tutor.

Your programme is located in the ‘Science Centre’, a £30 million purpose built facility with cutting edge resources and facilities, including the Psychology Human Sciences Suite, an observation suite and purpose built counselling rooms and cubicles for counselling skills development.

The Staffordshire Graduate – BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is

necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical

learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. Completing the BSc

(Hons) Psychology and Counselling will enable you to achieve these attributes through your study of

core modules on your degree.

The Psychology subject area aims to create a learning culture for students based around

independence, autonomy, enquiry, self‐motivation and personal growth, leading to highly skilled

learners, fully equipped with the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes, and who are ready to meet new

challenges either in employment, professional practise or further study. We encourage students to

develop the graduate attributes in the following ways:

Across all levels of the degrees and across all Psychology modules, we aim to provide our graduates with up‐to‐date discipline expertise. We encourage a critical knowledge of cutting edge theory and research underpinned by the expertise, research and scholarship of the academic staff, and which strives to reflect contemporary issues within the psychology discipline. (Programme Aims 1 & 5)

As part of our commitment to ensuring that Psychology graduates demonstrate professionalism, we aim to produce graduates who are well equipped to enter the world of work. This is achieved through a variety of teaching and assessment methods including, lectures, seminars, personal and academic tutorials; group discussions; exercises; individual and group presentations. All of these are intended to encourage and extend communication, presentation and team working skills, furthering their development of the transferable skills that employers seek. All Psychology courses are fully accredited by the British Psychological Society, an additional indicator of professionalism in the field. (Aims 3 & 7)

It is our aim to produce graduates who are enterprising or entrepreneurial. To achieve this students are continually encouraged to develop independence of thought, reflect on application of ideas to real world examples, and critically evaluate theoretical concepts. They are required to create innovative solutions to problems, and think creatively (particularly evidenced through the final year Project). We encourage students to develop global citizenship through an awareness of cultural diversity as well as individual differences, through discussions and exercises, cultivating cultural competence as well as developing self awareness and acceptance. (Aims 2 & 4)

These are essential attributes of the critical, reflective and life‐long learners that Staffordshire graduates are expected to become. Throughout the three years of the degree, students are encouraged to develop their understanding through critical reflection; to question different views and perspectives and to use both their generic and specialist skills (including psychology specialist digital technologies) to recognise and resolve problems. (Aims 1‐7)

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to

demonstrate:


Full and detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a range of theoretical and

conceptual issues of functioning within core and some specialist areas of psychology and

counselling.

Learning

The ability to adopt, reflect upon and evaluate multiple perspectives within psychology and

counselling, to interpret meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience, and to reflect

upon and evaluate some specialist psychological and counselling issues.

Enquiry

Well developed information literacy skills, including independence in using and evaluating a

range of appropriate resources including e‐resource and primary source material.

Analysis

The ability to reason scientifically, through appropriate and critical analysis of a range of

psychological and counselling issues, evidence and debates.

Problem Solving

The ability to critically evaluate within a wide variety of contexts the different approaches to

solving complex psychological and counselling problems, and to achieve an appropriate

solution.

Communication

The ability to coherently and analytically communicate psychological and counselling

arguments, ideas and debates, and solutions to problems, using a range of different means,

and to effectively communicate a critical appreciation of a wide range of issues in

psychology and counselling.

Application

The ability to extend the application of psychological and counselling knowledge and skills to

devise and sustain enquiry and argument in a variety of contexts.

Reflection

The ability to learn independently, to exercise initiative and take personal responsibility for

learning and to possess a wide range of skills valued by employers or those necessary for

further study at a professional or equivalent level.

Psychological Research Skills

Independently, but with appropriate supervision, demonstrate

specialist detailed knowledge of a particular area through a literature search

the ability to create valid research questions pertinent to psychology and counselling

design and operationalise the methodology to address these issues,

skills in the analysis and evaluation of empirical data collected for this purpose

report and evaluate findings in the form of a written project.

These learning outcomes have been informed by the QAA Psychology Subject Benchmarking

statement, and BPS accreditation requirements.


Programme Title: BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

L

E

V

E

L

4

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

HSPSE85116‐4

Foundations in Psychology

(30 credits)

HSPSE85117‐4

Introduction to

Research Methods

in Psychology

(30 credits)

SHS85105‐4

Growing and

Changing

(15 credits)

HSPSE85118‐4

Perspectives in Psychology

(30 credits)

HSPSE85137‐4

Core Counselling

Skills

(15 credits)

(To progress to Level 5 at least 90 credits at Level 4 must be passed)

L

E

V

E

L

5

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

HSPSE85211‐5

Cognitive and

Biological

Determinants of

Behaviour

(30 credits)

HSPSE85212‐5

Understanding the

Social World

(30 credits)

HSPSE85217‐5*

Counselling:

Theory, Ethics and

Personal

Development (30

credits)

1 module (15

credits) from list of

available Options

HSPSE85213‐5

Further Research

Methods in

Psychology

(15 credits)

(To progress to Level 6 at least 210 credits of must be passed including a minimum of 90 credits at Level 5)

L

E

V

E

L

6

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

SHS85300‐6

Psychology Project

(30 credits)

HSPSE85354‐6

Typical and Atypical

Development

(30 credits)

Personal and

Professional

Perspectives in

Counselling

(30 credits) *

Option 1 (15

credits)

Option 2 (15

credits)

Illustrations of Options:

Level 5: Volunteering (15), Psychology of Crime (15), Childhood: Contexts (15), Psychology Research

Assistantship (15).

Level 6: Advanced Research Methods (15), Behavioural Medicine (15), Psychological Interventions (15), Health

Psychology (15), Childrens’ Pictures (15), Neuropsychological Disorders (15)

*Core modules designed to enable exemption from the Staffordshire University Certificate in Counselling

(Level 4), and enter straight onto Professional/Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling

Further details of all modules can be found at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/student/modules/



We aim for you to be responsible, reflective and progressive learners. Our teaching and

learning methods reflect this, encouraging you, as you move through your studies, to

become more evaluative and more independent in your learning. Opportunities for personal

development planning exist at all levels, encouraging you to reflect on your personal

development, your current and future learning needs and your achievements as a student

on the programme. Modules are designed to be progressive, with each level building on the

previous level in terms of skill and knowledge, and you are encouraged to reflect and build

on your previous learning.

We recognise that not all people learn in the same way, so we use a range of different

methods including group work, individual work, lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and

workshops. At each level, we combine the more innovative methods (eg. problem based

learning) with the more traditional methods (eg. lectures). All modules have explicit learning

outcomes which we aim to enable you to achieve, and each Psychology module is supported

through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard. This allows you to access

a range of materials via the internet to support your scheduled classes.

Assessment

Again reflecting the different needs of learners, we use a wide range of assessment

methods. These are carefully designed and monitored to enable you to demonstrate the

learning outcomes for each module. Methods range from traditional essays and exams,

through to case study analysis, report writing, critical reviews, group presentations, log

books and reflective writing. We ensure that you will meet a variety of assessment methods

at each level of every programme, and that they are interesting and challenging.

Because of British Psychological Society and Counselling requirements, there are four

specific assessment regulations for this programme:

1. To progress on a BPS accredited award you must receive a non‐compensated pass in Research Methods modules at levels 4 and 5 (Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology, Further Research Methods in Psychology and Psychology of the Social World). If you are compensated for these Research Methods modules, you will have to transfer to the non accredited BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies award.

2. The Level 4 ‘Core Counselling Skills’, and the Level 5 module ‘Counselling: Theory, Ethics and Personal Development’ are not compensatable in any circumstances, and must be passed in order to progress to the next level of the BSc Psychology and Counselling programme.**

3. All elements of assessment on the counselling modules must achieve at least 40% in order for the module to be passed.

4. The Level 6 Psychology Project is not compensatable in any circumstances.

** Students who are not successful in these modules and who cannot progress on the BSc (Hons)

Psychology and Counselling programme may be eligible progress on the BSc (Hons) Psychological

Studies programme, and (if eligible) can transfer to this programme.





300 points from:

- at least two subjects at Advanced GCE level or equivalent - QCF BTEC Level 3 Nationals - An award of Access Diploma - International Baccalaureate - International Students must also have IELTS level 6.0

Other qualifications are considered on their own merits. We also have a flexible

approach to the admission of mature students over the age of 21, and each

application is considered individually.





http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/index.jsp


It is expected that students will attend 100% of scheduled teaching in each

counselling‐related module (L4 Core Counselling Skills; L5 Counselling: Theory, Ethics

and Personal Development and Personal Development and Skills in Counselling).

Normally a minimum of 75% attendance within each module is necessary to pass.

These attendance requirements are standard across teaching in the counselling

sector and apply to all our other counselling courses. They reflect the fact that a

significant aspect of learning about counselling happens in building up skills by

practising with fellow students over a prolonged period of time. The group setting is

also used explicitly to study dynamics and relationships and to focus on personal

development. Absences are disruptive for the student’s own learning as well as the

learning of their peers.

Due to the practical aspects of counselling an attendance level below 75% per

module would normally mean that the module could not be completed successfully.

Because of professional, ethical and practise considerations in Counselling, each

element of assessment on counselling modules must achieve a minimum of 40% in

order for the module to be passed.

Students must achieve a non‐ compensated pass on Level 4 and Level 5 counselling

modules in order to progress on this award. Transfer to another award may be

possible if progression on this award is not possible.

Please also see the Special Assessment Regulations for this Programme, in the

Assessment section above.




staffordshire university in counselling further information · lectureship in psychology &...

Documents