Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate broad and deep knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical schools of counselling psychology;
Demonstrate critical understanding of the theoretical models used by the major schools of counselling psychology;
Demonstrate critical understanding of the efficacy of a variety of therapeutic interventions within a cultural context;
Demonstrate critical self-reflection in respect of the knowledge and skills required to practise as a counselling psychologist.

Content:

Builds on the Level 4 module, Introduction to Counselling Psychology, broadening and deepening a critical level of understanding of the major theoretical schools of counselling psychology and extending to, for example, the post-Freudians, REBT, existential, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis. Further awareness and development of the skills required to deliver effective counselling. Students will consider a range of presenting issues and problems and their psychopathology; and using these, evaluate the efficacy of a variety of therapeutic interventions, in order to establish what works for whom and under what conditions, including an awareness of cultural and international perspectives.

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 for students who will now be 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: 34
Intended Group size: Cohort/small groups/ individuals

Guided independent study
Hours: 166

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, design of interventions, service design, action plans 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.