Counselling Studies and Skills (Not a License to Practice) University Diploma
A one year introduction to counselling is an ideal starting point for busy people who want to become a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist, or for those just interested in learning more about this subject. Because it’s online, we attract many international students. This makes online class discussions more interesting, as experiences about counselling in different countries and cultures are shared.
It attracts a wide range of people
If you are interested in counselling, we would encourage you to apply. You might have no experience of counselling but have a degree in a related subject, plenty of counselling experience but no formal qualifications, a job in which some counselling knowledge would be a real aid – such as a nurse, teacher or pastor – or be looking for a more rewarding career. Whatever your situation, this is an excellent foundation and a recognised qualification which allows you to move on to further study
Plenty of opportunities to practise
You might be surprised to learn that counselling can be studied online. But in fact we use innovative methods to help you get that all important opportunity to practice and receive feedback. For instance you’ll be asked to conduct and video a 15-minute ‘mock’ therapy session with a friend. Our experienced tutors – themselves qualified counsellors and psychotherapists – can assess how well you did. We will also encourage you to visit an organisation involved in counselling, to get some first-hand work experience.
Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. Course modules still operate within a fixed semester or term time, but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures.
Course Length:
1-2 years of part time study
Start Dates:
September and January
Entry Requirements:
This course attracts people of differing abilities so admission criteria vary.
You may have a first degree, but no experience of counselling or you may not have a degree but experience of counselling and want to increase your knowledge and skills. So you'll be assessed on your ability to study independently, articulate the ways in which this course can be used, self-awareness, IT skills and computer access.
You need to provide a CV/ Resume detailing your academic and work experience.
You will normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language C
- GCSE English C
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL (paper-based) 550
- TOEFL (computer-based) 213.
Other English Language qualifications may be accepted and you should provide full details of these with your application.
Fees:
| Per module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £390 | 4 | £1,560* | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £465 | 4 | £1,860* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
Career Information:
This course can be a first step towards a career in counselling. When you have successfully completed this Diploma you will have a variety of opportunities open to you:
If you want to learn more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or even become a qualified cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, you could first take the Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies, and then our MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
If you want to train as a counsellor instead, you can apply for our MSc Integrative Counselling Practice programme, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
You could go into social work, mentoring or work in one of the various areas of psychology – the possibilities are wide ranging.
Alternatively you may want to go into teaching or training.
Course Leader:
Student Profile:
Career Information
This course can be a first step towards a career in counselling. When you have successfully completed this Diploma you will have a variety of opportunities open to you:
If you want to learn more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or even become a qualified cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, you could first take the Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies, and then our MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
If you want to train as a counsellor instead, you can apply for our MSc Integrative Counselling Practice programme, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
You could go into social work, mentoring or work in one of the various areas of psychology – the possibilities are wide ranging.
Alternatively you may want to go into teaching or training.
Modules
Stage 1
Core Module
If you haven't studied at University level before, this module is designed to introduce you to the skills and knowledge you'll need to study effectively. It includes both traditional study skills such as note taking, using the library and critical writing of assignments, as well as more modern study skills such as the use of the internet and other electronic sources of information for research.
Topics you will cover include:
- Writing skills
- Reading skills
- Effective use of libraries
- Effective use of internet resources
- Effective use of a variety of learning methods
- Reflective learning
- Conducting a literature search.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
In this module, we will explore and develop the counselling and communication skills that form the foundation of counselling and psychotherapy.
We will cover:
- The differences between counselling and psychotherapy and other helping strategies.
- Core conditions – empathy, warmth, unconditional positive regard, genuineness – and non-verbal communication.
- Questioning skills.
- Paraphrasing.
- Ethics and confidentiality.
- Supervision and support.
- Referral issues.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module will give you an insight into specific counselling approaches within various organisational contexts.
Areas you will cover include:
- The theoretical and philosophical perspectives that underpin the context.
- Procedures and policies within the context.
- Counselling theory and skills required to function within the context.
- Impact on organisational, structural, and situational context on counselling practice.
- Ethical considerations that inform the context.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module introduces you to 3 major theoretical models of counselling. You'll examine person centred, cognitive behavioural and attachment theory.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
This course attracts people of differing abilities so admission criteria vary.
You may have a first degree, but no experience of counselling or you may not have a degree but experience of counselling and want to increase your knowledge and skills. So you'll be assessed on your ability to study independently, articulate the ways in which this course can be used, self-awareness, IT skills and computer access.
You need to provide a CV/ Resume detailing your academic and work experience.
You will normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language C
- GCSE English C
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL (paper-based) 550
- TOEFL (computer-based) 213.
Other English Language qualifications may be accepted and you should provide full details of these with your application.
Apply Now
Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.
By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.
Fees
| Per module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £390 | 4 | £1,560* | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £465 | 4 | £1,860* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
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