Course description
Integrative Counselling Foundation Degree (BACP Accredited)
This course provides a foundational counselling qualification. It enables students to engage with several key theoretical approaches in counselling and related skills and to learn to integrate them in ways that allow them to be effective practitioners, equipped to work in a range of settings. The course provides both professional and academic training, producing reflective practitioners who are equipped to meet the future challenges of the counselling profession. The course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and subscribes to the BACP Ethical Framework (2018).
Why study this course?
- The course combines academic study and personal reflection with a strong focus on counselling skills and practice
- This programme received 100% student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2018
- The course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- It offers a distinctive training in integrative counselling, drawing on several core models of counselling to form an integrated framework for practice
- On completion, you can progress to the BA (Hons) ‘Top Up’ award in Counselling Studies, thereby achieving a full Honours degree
- The course has a strong reputation and good relationships with a range of placement providers across the region
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Basic entry qualifications:
- Newman’s Introductory Certificate in Counselling (Level 4) or a Certificate in Counselling at level 3 (or equivalent), which includes a face to face counselling skills training and theoretical understanding. (Due to the pandemic we also accept a level 3 or level 4 introductory skills training and theoretical understanding that has been carried out remotely. This is for entry in the academic year 2022-2023).
- Some experience in using these skills (such as active listening, empathy, open-ended questions, and responding appropriately) in a workplace or voluntary setting, such as a helping, listening or supporting relationship is expected
Additional entry requirements:
Candidates must also demonstrate
- Self-awareness, maturity and stability
- Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience
- Capacity to cope with the emotional demands of the course
- Ability to cope with the intellectual and academic requirements
- Ability to form helping relationships
- Ability to be self-critical and use both positive and negative feedback
- Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression
- Awareness of issues of difference and equality
- Ability to recognise the need for personal and professional support
Training Course Content
Year One
- Professional Counselling Skills
- Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling (1)
- The Counselling Process
- Ethical, Professional and Contextual Issues
Year Two
- The Novice Counselling Practitioner
- Human Development
- Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling (2)
- The Counselling Relationship
- Developing Integrative Counselling Practice
Year Three
- The Emergent Counselling Practitioner (Supervision & PD)
- The Counselling Placement
- Mental Health: Well Being and Distress
- Time Conscious Approaches
- Research Methods in Counselling
Course delivery details
During your first year of study, you will usually attend University for taught sessions on one day per week. You will start on your journey to becoming a trained counsellor. You will do this through a balance of theory, skills practice, and personal and group reflection. You will learn about two of the main theoretical models in counseling (person-centred and psychodynamic). You will also begin to practice a range of counselling skills, learn about ethical issues and dilemmas, and take part in a personal development group.
In the second year, you will begin your counseling placement, once you are assessed as being ready for this step. This placement will continue throughout the rest of the programme. Alongside this, you will also start your personal therapy at least 3 months before starting on placement. Once on placement, you will also have regular clinical supervision. You will continue to attend University one day per week. In terms of taught content, year 2 includes learning about the theories of CBT and Gestalt therapies. You also learn about the counselling relationship, and how to begin to integrate different theories into a coherent model.
In the final year, you will continue on placement and in supervision, and may also continue in personal therapy. You will continue to attend University one day per week. You will take modules in mental health and in working to different time contracts in counselling, including doing brief therapy. You will also complete a small research project. During this time you will also engage in clinical case discussion, and a personal development group, and will continue working towards the completion of your clinical hours on placement.
Expenses
Standard Fee: £4,850 per year
Continuing Studies
Graduates of this training are qualified counsellors eligible to join the BACP register. The course is also structured to facilitate students working towards individual BACP accreditation as counsellors.
Graduates can work as counsellors in a range of settings, including educational, health, workplace and voluntary services. Other career opportunities include mentoring and mental health support work.
Successful completion of the Foundation Degree can lead to further study at Newman, including our BA (Hons) ‘Top Up’ award in Counselling Studies, our MSc Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy Studies or MRes Human Sciences routes.
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Birmingham Newman University
Founded in 1968, Birmingham Newman University is a community-focused institution based in Bartley Green, Birmingham. It has built strong partnerships with many local businesses, charities and schools, making it an ideal choice for students wishing to gain practical experience during...