Overview
Course In Depth
Modules
Entry Criteria
Careers and Employability
Finance
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Related Courses
Overview
View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
UCAS Code: | B9C8 |
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Course Length: | 3 Years Full-Time, 6 Years Part-Time |
Start Dates: | September 2021, September 2022 |
Subjects: | Counselling and Psychotherapy Health and Social Care |
Location: | Edge Hill University |
Example Offers: | BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria |
This degree is for those who have a passion for helping others through learning different models of counselling. It will introduce you to a variety of counselling practices and enable you to explore counselling and psychotherapy as a means of promoting social justice in an ethical context, with a key focus on community action. You will participate in personal development sessions to build your confidence, self-awareness and active listening skills, with £500 of funding to spend on your own personal therapy, while learning how to facilitate groupwork and preparing for establishing and leading a community-based support group. The programme has a focus on international perspectives of mental health and will equip you with the qualities and work-based skills needed to respond with empathy in a wide variety of roles supporting others, while encouraging your growth into a socially aware, politically engages and empathically-attuned graduate.
Please note, while this programme provides ideal preparation for postgraduate counselling and psychotherapy practitioner training, it does not confer professional qualification as a counsellor or psychotherapist. If you wish to gain professional qualification as part of your undergraduate course, you should consider our BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy degree.
Discover Uni: Full-Time Study
In Depth
What will I study?
In Year 1 you will learn about humanistic psychology. This is the core model underpinning our approach to human development and therapeutic work with individuals and groups. Skills-based practice sessions will develop empathic listening techniques and emotional responsiveness and provide the foundations for building collaborative helping relationships. You will receive a grounding in key professional and academic skills and explore the politics of psychotherapy and its potential to transform lives.
In Year 2 you will enhance your skilled helping techniques, gain a firm understanding of qualitative and quantitative research, and deepen your knowledge of social justice and community action by critically reflecting on the emotionally debilitating nature of social inequality and discrimination. You will also explore three alternative approaches to human distress, namely psychodynamic counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and existential psychotherapy.
Participation in a personal development group enables you to share in therapeutic sessions where the emphasis is on relating to others with congruence, empathy and acceptance. This provides an opportunity to explore in-depth the concerns and life experiences of others in an environment of trust to help you develop as a reflective practitioner.
Year 3 enhances your appreciation and experience of group participation and supervision and provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills on a practice placement. You will study the philosophy of mental health and broaden your understanding of emotional health and wellbeing by examining its international context, exploring how psychotherapy is delivered in other countries and assessing the impact of global issues such as climate change, natural disasters and conflict on mental health. The programme culminates in the completion of a dissertation.
How will I study?
The programme is initially delivered by tutor-led presentations and class discussions. As the course progresses, the focus shifts to student-led learning, including experiential groups, project work, portfolio building, practice placement activity, student presentations and seminars.
Your lectures will typically take place over three consecutive days per week. Practice sessions may be scheduled for the late afternoon and early evening where counselling skills can be practiced in the quiet environment of breakout rooms to safeguard confidentiality.
You will learn through a varied, inclusive and person-centred approach, reflecting on your own and your peers’ experiences through participation in a personal development group. Your personal development is so important that we will provide an individual budget of £500 to enable you to enrich your learning by accessing your own personal therapy.
An experience of personal therapy provides you with a unique insight into the process of counselling and psychotherapy. Offering you a safe and confidential space in which to explore the depth of your feelings, the personal therapy will enable you to better understand the clients’ perspective and provide an opportunity to enhance your own skills by observing your therapist’s method of working.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through written assignments, individual and group presentations, formal debates and skills practice videos.
As the programme progresses, assessments will also include portfolio work, projects, negotiated essay questions and a research dissertation.
There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.
Who will be teaching me?
The programme team includes research-active counsellors and psychotherapists with extensive experience in their field, publishing on topics such as counsellor training, feminist approaches to emotional wellbeing and existential psychotherapy.
Programme delivery will be supplemented by associate lecturers including qualified and experienced therapists who will offer insights into working with different client groups.
A Great Study Environment
The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.
Offering some of the best facilities for health, social care and medicine students in the country, the outstanding teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.
The faculty is home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups. Other activities to enrich your learning include careers events, educational visits and volunteering opportunities.
Modules
Expand AllLevel 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)
HUG1127Introduction to Empathic and Emotional Responsiveness in a Helping Relationship (20 credits)
HUG1128Developing Empathic Listening Skills in a Helping Relationship (20 credits)
HUG1137Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills (20 credits)
HUG1138Introduction to Research Skills (20 credits)
HUG1142Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy (20 credits)
HUG1143The Political, Social and Ethical Context of Counselling (20 credits)
Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)
FDH2209Personal Development (20 credits)
HUG2213Understanding Research (30 credits)
HUG2338Developing Counselling Skills (30 credits)
HUG2340Models of Counselling and Psychotherapy (20 credits)
HUG2341Social Justice and Community Action (20 credits)
Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)
HUG3165Critical Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
HUG3166Placement Support and Group Supervision (20 credits)
HUG3167Group Processes and Group Dynamics (30 credits)
HUG3168International Perspectives on Mental Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
You will select one of the following modules:
HUG3100Dissertation (30 credits)
HUG3240Primary Research Dissertation (30 credits)
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.
Timetables
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
An interview forms part of the selection process.
If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.
Example Offers
Some examples of how you can achieve 104-112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.
- A Level: BCC-BBC;
- BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
- International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points;
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.
EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.
English Language Requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?
If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.
Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.
Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.
Career Prospects
What are my career prospects?
You may wish to pursue a career working within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service as a psychological wellbeing practitioner or child and young person psychological wellbeing practitioner. You could also secure mental health support worker roles in community, residential or forensic settings or rehabilitation support worker roles within addiction services.
Outside the NHS, the health and social care workforce continues to grow, in line with the Government’s Skills for Care programme, creating other employment opportunities across the helping professions. The blend of knowledge and skills provided on this degree will prepare you for a career in areas such as social and probation work, education welfare, drugs and alcohol treatment, residential and community mental health work, keyworker roles and domestic abuse work. More broadly, career opportunities exist in many people-focused occupations, including international development, human resources and management roles.
The programme provides ideal preparation for pursuing a postgraduate qualification in counselling, where you will need to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling practice to prepare for a career as a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.
How can I enhance my employability?
It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.
Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:
- Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
- Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.
Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.
Finance
Tuition Fees
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum (subject to final Government approval).
Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22 are £12,500 per annum. Exemptions apply for EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK full-time tuition fee rate.
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module (subject to final Government approval). 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree. EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK part-time tuition fee rate.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide for your intended mode of study.
- Money Matters 2021/22 Full-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021
- Money Matters 2021/22 Part-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2021pt
EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.
Scholarships
Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.
These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.
An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.
To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.
Apply
How to Apply
If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.
If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.
Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Visit Us
If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.
Request a Prospectus
If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:
- Course Enquiries
- Tel: 01695 657000
- Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.
Course Changes
Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.27th August 2019 - Sandwich Year Option Added
23rd January 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements
Covid-19 - Critical Approaches to Counselling & Psychotherapy Essential Information
Critical Approaches to Counselling & Psychotherapy Course Statement
Weekly delivery to consist of six hours of onsite teaching supported by six hours of online learning, comprising synchronous (seminar and tutorial) and asynchronous (lecture) learning activities and academic support.Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.
Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.