BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy with Foundation Year

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy with Foundation Year is a four-year program that prepares students for a career in counselling and psychotherapy or other social science fields. The foundation year provides a strong foundation in social sciences, while the subsequent years focus on developing counselling and psychotherapy skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding. Graduates will be equipped with transferable skills in research, IT, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making them valuable in diverse professions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Main Objectives:

• Develop students' competence in core areas of social sciences to enable progression to social science programs.
• Equip students with factual, theoretical knowledge and skills necessary for success in social science subjects.
• Develop their analytical, critical, and problem-solving skills within the field.
• **Enhance their digital and IT skills.

• **Build strong communication and study skills.

Program Description:

• The BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy with Foundation Year is a four-year degree program.
• This foundation year prepares students to successfully embark on the 3-year degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy or a related social science subject.
• **Students can also choose the "limited number of places" on the BSc Social Work program.

• key subjects in social sciences
• effective communication and study skills

• sociological theory, criminology, social policy, and social care

Other:

• This program is ideal for students who:
• **Need extra support with their studies.

• **Have a desire to change society for the better.

• **Want to continue their education in counselling and psychotherapy or other social sciences.

Outline:

Structure:

• Four-year program, with the **foundation year serving as a preparatory phase.

• **Full-time attendance required.

Content:

• Foundation Year Modules:
• Social Care Practice:
Introduces concepts and models of practice with a focus on social care provision.
• Sociology; Theories and Concepts: Provides foundational sociological knowledge and interpretive capacity.
• Understanding Social Policy: Explores key ideas and examines welfare services from different perspectives.
• Understanding Criminology: Introduces fundamental questions in the field and explores various types of crime.
• Introduction to Counselling: Explores basic counselling skills and qualities of an effective citizen.
• Year One Modules:
• Counselling and Communication Skills:
Introduces theory and practice of self-management and problem-solving skills.
• Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills: Develops knowledge, critical evaluation, and practical application of person-centered theory.
• Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approaches: Introduction to basic counselling, communication, and reflection.
• Introduction to Counselling, Philosophy and Research: Develops research skills in literature review, resource identification, and research design.
• Mindfulness and Wellbeing: Understands mindfulness-based approaches and their relevance to counselling.
• Therapy, Ethics and Human Rights: Defines ethical terms and explores boundaries in therapeutic relationships.
• Year Two Modules:
• Personal and Professional Development 1:
Reflects on self-awareness and communication skills through group and one-to-one processes.
• Practice-based Reflection and Research: Develops research skills to write a project proposal using literature search, analysis, and evaluation.
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Supervision: Understands professional expectations, contracts, boundaries, and ethical dilemmas.
• Preparation for Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice: Explores humanistic approaches and evaluates person-centered practice.
• Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills: Evaluates personal counselling practice and develops skills as a reflective practitioner.
• Theory of Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice: Understands theoretical traditions and relational dynamics in practice.
• Year Three Modules may include:
• Professional Practice Placement:
Gain practical experience working with clients in a counselling and psychotherapy setting.
• Personal and Professional Development 2: Develops self-awareness and professional practice skills in a culturally sensitive way.
• Counselling and Mental Health: Covers issues related to mental health and diverse groups.
• Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Young People:
• Expressive Therapies:
Explores various expressive therapies.
• Please note that not all optional modules may be offered each year and are subject to student demand.

Assessment:

• The foundation year uses various assessment methods:
• Group presentations, individual reflective essays, personal learning statement essays, written exams, essays, 5-minute presentations, portfolio projects, and reflective portfolios.

Teaching:

• A variety of teaching methods are employed:
• Lectures, seminars, reflective practice, guided study, teamwork, and oral presentations.
• Podcasts, VLE, Facebook, YouTube, and student response systems are used to provide an interactive learning experience.

Careers:

• Graduates will be equipped with transferable skills in *research, IT, critical thinking, and problem-solving*, making them valuable in diverse professions.
• A degree in social sciences can lead to careers in policing, prison and probation work, journalism, social administration, and administration, public service, and research.
• The Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice) program is a qualifying one, and graduates can find employment in:
• NHS and community mental health services
• IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
• Employee support services
• Counselling in voluntary organizations
• Coaching and guidance services
• Self-employment as a private therapist