| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Bereavement and Loss (Level 6, 20 credits)
Overview
This module will enable you to further your understanding of working with clients therapeutically with issues related to bereavement, loss, and change.
Course Details
All about the course
The 'Bereavement and Loss' module offers theoretical and experiential learning opportunities to explore the topic in a sensitive and respectful learning environment. Contemporary theories are presented by a range of counselling practitioners with a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge in the field. The module offers an excellent opportunity for you to enhance your awareness of your own responses to bereavement and loss as well as deepen your understanding of the people you live and work with.
This module contributes towards the development of resilience and skills around thinking, appraising, and recognising the importance of psychological theories and models of grief in the process of grieving for individuals.
What will I be doing?
The module is predominantly lecture-based; however, there are also experiential activities taking place throughout the course. You are strongly encouraged to keep a reflective journal during the course, as a means towards your self-care.
There is an assignment tutorial to go over assignments and ongoing support by the module leader.
Assessment
- 3,000 word essay.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
Employment and Stats
What about after uni?
This module can be taken as a standalone module for continuing professional development. Our students find work in a range of areas, including mental health organisations, hospices, or bereavement services and organisations who deal with grief in children and young people.
Further study at the University of Salford could include:
- MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice)
- PgCert Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies)
Career Links
You will have the opportunity to hear from members of the counselling and psychotherapy team, gaining insights from professionals who are currently involved in the academic field of counselling and psychotherapy and have rich and relevant experience when working with loss.
In addition, the module also incorporates lectures from lecturers in aligned professions so that you can get a multidisciplinary perspective into loss and grief. For example, we have hosted lectures from nurses, mental health nurses, and midwives.
This year we also held a 'Day of the Dead' project which involved extended links and talks/workshops with a lot of industry partners and professionals from our local stakeholders and also academics from other University institutions and with an expertise knowledge in grief and loss.
Requirements
What you need to know
Entry requirements
- Previous study and experience
The programme is suitable for practicing counsellors, psychotherapists, and mental health workers who wish to expand their practice and gain skills and knowledge of working with grief and loss in their settings.
You will need to be able to demonstrate an ability to self-reflect, work in small and larger groups, and be an independent learner at Level 6.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £925 per 20 credit module |
| Part-time | 2026/27 | £965 per 20 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Title:
Single Module Bereavement and Loss Level 6 (20 credits)
School:
School of Health and Society
Attendance:
Part-time
Course Duration:
One semester
- Gain cognitive based and experiential learning.
- Opportunity to engage in extra-curricular activities related to death/grief.
- Benefit from insights from professionals and academics in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.
- Develop resilience and skills around thinking, appraising and recognizing the importance of psychological theories and models of grief in the grieving process for individuals.
Program Description:
This module offers theoretical and experiential learning opportunities to explore the topic of bereavement and loss in a sensitive and respectful environment. You will be exposed to contemporary theories presented by experienced counseling practitioners specializing in the field. The module contributes to developing resilience and skills around thinking, appraising, and recognizing the importance of psychological theories and models of grief in the individual grieving process.
Outline:
Course Content:
- Bereavement and Loss theories
- Attachment theory
- Grief and loss models
- Therapeutic approaches to working with bereavement and loss
- Self-care in working with bereavement and loss
Structure:
- Predominantly lecture-based with experiential activities
- Reflective journaling encouraged
Individual Modules:
- Module 1: Introduction to Bereavement and Loss
- Explores the concepts of bereavement and loss
- Examines the impact of bereavement and loss on individuals and families
- Introduces the main theoretical models of grief and loss
- Module 2: Working with Bereavement and Loss
- Explores the key skills and qualities required of therapists working with bereavement and loss
- Considers the ethical issues involved in working with bereavement and loss
- Module 3: Self-Care in Working with Bereavement and Loss
- Focuses on the importance of self-care for therapists working with bereavement and loss
- Explores different strategies for self-care
- Considers the potential impact of vicarious trauma on therapists working with bereavement and loss
Assessment:
Assessment Method:
- 3,000-word essay
Assessment Criteria:
- Critical analysis of relevant literature
- Application of theoretical concepts to case studies
- Demonstration of understanding of the key principles of working with bereavement and loss
- Clarity of expression and presentation
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Reflective journaling
Faculty:
- Experienced counseling practitioners with a wealth of experience in the field of bereavement and loss
- Lecturers from aligned professions, such as nurses, mental health nurses, and midwives
Unique Approaches:
- Opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities related to death/grief, such as the Day of the Dead event
- Strong emphasis on self-care and reflective practice
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Mental health organizations
- Hospices
- Bereavement services
- Organizations that deal with grief in children and young people
Opportunities and Outcomes:
- Gain the skills and knowledge to work effectively with clients experiencing bereavement and loss
- Enhance your employability within the field of counseling and psychotherapy
- Further your personal and professional development
Other:
- Students are encouraged to keep a reflective journal during the course.
- The module contributes to the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice) program.
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements:
The Bereavement and Loss module is designed for individuals who are already involved in the field of counseling, psychotherapy, and mental health work and want to expand their knowledge and skills in working with grief and loss.
Specific requirements for entry include:
- Previous study and experience: You should have experience in the field of counselling, psychotherapy or mental health work. This could be through qualifications, such as a degree in psychology or counselling, or through relevant work experience.
- Ability to self-reflect: You should be able to demonstrably reflect on your own experiences and feelings, and be comfortable working in small and larger groups.
- Independent learning: You should have the ability to study independently and be self-motivated.
Additionally, you should meet the following requirements:
- Level of education: You should have a Level 5 qualification, such as a Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy. This could be through a recognized English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL):
The University of Salford welcomes applications from students who may not have traditional entry criteria but have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. The APL process could help you to make your work and life experience count.
The specific requirements for English language proficiency are:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- TOEFL: 90 overall, with no less than 22 in any component
