BA (Hons) Counselling

Summary 2012/13

• Develop a critical understanding of theories, policies and practice relating to counselling;
• Enhance your reflection skills and self-awareness in relation to counselling practice;
• Maximise your ability to relate to different client groups.

This is a Level 6 conversion programme, giving you the opportunity to progress from a foundation degree (or equivalent) to an honours degree in a relevant subject.

The BA (Hons) Counselling is designed as a bespoke progression route from FdA Counselling. The programme provides the opportunity to further develop your counselling knowledge and skills, enabling you to conduct in-depth and critical analysis of specific areas of counselling which are of personal interest.

2012 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent, such as the completion of a Foundation Degree in Counselling. You may be required to attend an interview. Where appropriate, applicants will be required to successfully undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and complete a declaration of health questionnaire.

Summary 2013/14

• Develop a critical understanding of theories, policies and practice relating to counselling;
• Enhance your reflection skills and self-awareness in relation to counselling practice;
• Maximise your ability to relate to different client groups.

This is a Level 6 conversion programme, giving you the opportunity to progress from a foundation degree (or equivalent) to an honours degree in a relevant subject.

The BA (Hons) Counselling is designed as a bespoke progression route from FdA Counselling. The programme provides the opportunity to further develop your counselling knowledge and skills, enabling you to conduct in-depth and critical analysis of specific areas of counselling which are of personal interest.

2013 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent, such as the completion of a Foundation Degree in Counselling. You may be required to attend an interview. Where appropriate, applicants will be required to successfully undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and complete a declaration of health questionnaire.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme will appeal to those working, or seeking to work, within an environment that utilises counselling within its operations. This could include schools, colleges and university counselling services, GP surgeries, NHS Trusts, voluntary agencies or private practice. The course may also appeal to those engaged in human resource management or any other profession which adopts a caring approach to the wellbeing of others.

What will I gain from this programme?

The programme will equip you with a critical understanding of theories, policies and practice relating to counselling. You will also enhance your ability to relate to different client groups whilst developing critical reflection skills and self-awareness in relation to counselling practice.

How we will support you

This degree is headed by a programme leader with each module having an individual module coordinator. You will also be assigned a personal tutor to support your learning experience.

Edge Hill University has excellent student support systems in place and you will have access to high quality library facilities and learning support services.

What will I study?

A critical analysis of counselling theory will underpin much of the in-depth exploration of the subject on this programme, allied to an ongoing review of your own personal development.

In addition, you will study research methods to develop a good understanding of the research process and complete a dissertation, concentrating on an area of vocational interest or concern, agreed with the module tutor.

How will I study?

This programme will be delivered using a variety of teaching and learning approaches including lecturer-led workshops, scenario-based learning and tutorials. Attendance is required throughout the programme.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a highly qualified team of staff with extensive experience in the field of counselling and research methods. Guest speakers with specialised knowledge and skills will also be utilised to enhance the learning experience of the programme.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment techniques are used including presentations and written assignments. Throughout the programme formative assessment will be utilised with the opportunity for constructive feedback to be given prior to any summative submission.

What are my career prospects?

This course has the potential to develop and enhance your counselling skills and qualities, maximising your chances of working in counselling services within your chosen area.

Related Programmes

FdA Counselling

A Great Study Environment

The £14 million Faculty of Health and Social Care building at the Ormskirk Campus houses some of the best facilities for health undergraduates in the country, with teaching and learning resources that are second to none. The building also provides extensive informal learning spaces which bring students and staff together to share knowledge and ideas in a stimulating and challenging higher education environment.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the application form (pdf) and notes for guidance (pdf).

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

If you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree without a break from studying (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a full-time basis. The tuition fee for full-time continuing students is £3,465 for academic year 2012/13.

However, if you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a part-time basis, the tuition fee for full-time study is £9,000.

Eligible full-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over the threshold amount (£15,000pa for the £3,465 fee, £21,000pa for the £9,000 fee).

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students on this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/conversionfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Part-Time Study

If you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a part-time basis. The tuition fee for part-time continuing students on this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 is £380 per 20 credit module and £570 per 30 credit module.

UK continuing students will be able to apply for an annual fee grant up to £1,230, subject to income level and intensity of study, and may also be eligible for a means-tested grant of up to £265 for books, travel and other course-related expenditure.

However, if you are joining this conversion degree as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a full-time basis, the tuition fee for part-time study is £1,500 per 20 credit module and £2,250 per 30 credit module for academic year 2012/13.

New students, and those not classed as "continuing" students, will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000pa.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for part-time students on this progression route in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/conversionfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. A total of 120 credits must be studied (at level 6) to complete a conversion degree.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Michael Reynolds, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657070
• Email: reynoldm@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

HUG 3147 Advanced Counselling Theory equips you with an enhanced critical awareness of three contrasting approaches to counselling that are relevant in the present context and meet the needs of different groups and conditions. You will develop a framework within which you can critically analyse the philosophical assumptions underpinning the approaches. You will also be able to recognise the impact of these on the conduct of counselling and the personal and cultural characteristics of the clients.

HUG 3148 Clinical Counselling Practice allows you to appraise your developing understanding of theory against personal, professional and ethical parameters of good counselling practice. You will be encouraged to reflect upon your own strengths and limitations in applying a particular approach within counselling. As part of this process you will critically explore the concept of the multi-disciplinary / professional team and your role within it.

HUG 3065 Negotiated Learning Shell involves identifying a chosen area for study and developing and negotiating a learning contract. This will outline the what, how, where and why of the study period, as well as the means of assessment to showcase the acquired learning.

HUG 3100 Dissertation Module will focus on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern which will be identified by you and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to your specific area of study, applying critical analysis to the existing literature and making recommendations that will improve service provision.

HUG 3102 Research Methods enables you to develop an understanding of the research process, the nature and variety of research methods, and the need for an evidence base to guide the decision making process. The characteristic features of the module are to encourage you to see qualitative and quantitative methods as equally valuable and often complementary and to involve you, wherever possible, in using and applying methods rather than merely talking about them.