Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the work of the counselling psychologist in a cultural and international context;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theories used by the major schools of counselling psychology;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics required of the counselling psychologist;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the BPS and BACP ethical guidelines and the law.

Content:

An introduction to the work of the counselling psychologist. The philosophy, history and development of the Psychodynamic, Humanistic and Cognitive-Behavioural schools in counselling psychology. Outline of the theoretical framework underpinning the three major schools of counselling psychology. The knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics required in and of the counselling psychologist. Awareness and understanding of the BPS and BACP Ethical Guidelines and the law. Awareneness and understanding of counselling psychology in a cultural and international context.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module delivery will be focused on workshop activities, which follow brief lecture style introductions. Workshops will involve students working in groups and reporting back to the cohort. The VLE will be used to host a range of supporting materials and students will gradually develop into independent learners. Provision within the allocated lecture time will be made available to support students on a one-to-one basis.

Lectures/workshops/tutorials
Hours: 40
Intended Group size: Cohort/small groups/ individuals

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further Details relating to assessment
The portfolio will consist of evidence and tasks completed throughout the Semester, including, for example, the development of a case study, the development of counselling skills and tools, indicative scripts, short essay style briefs, career exploration exercises and a self-reflective diary.

Directed activities: These consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. This will be assessed on a pass/fail basis, with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be successfully completed. A pass mark will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.