Counselling Studies and Skills (Not a License to Practice) University Diploma
Course code: UB9AY (required to complete application form)
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, January and May
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/EU | £580 | 3 | £1,740* | Sept/Jan |
| Overseas | £640 | 3 | £1,920* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2012/2013. Subject to annual increase in September 2013.
New flexible payment plans available
Choose from three options:
- Pay only for the modules you are studying
- Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases
- Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only)
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:
Modules Summary:
You will need to complete the core modules listed below. The order of the modules will depend on your start date (i.e. whether you start in September or January).
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
You will need to complete the core modules listed below. The order of the modules will depend on your start date (i.e. whether you start in September or January).
Core Modules
Core Module
In this module, we will explore and develop the counselling and communication skills that form the foundation of counselling and psychotherapy. You will be given the opportunity to consider how these verbal and non-verbal skills can improve personal communication and enhance self-awareness.
On completion of this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the skills involved in listening, responding, questioning and engaging
- Evaluate your own performance in relation to a role play interaction, by examining what skills they employed; why they were employed and the impact this had on the interaction and how you could improve these skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of approaches to learning including the ability to evaluate and reflect.
Topics covered include:
- Core conditions – empathy, warmth, unconditional positive regard, genuineness and non-verbal communication
- Questioning skills
- Paraphrasing
- Ethics and confidentiality
- Clinical supervision and support
- Maintaining boundaries
- Learning through reflection
- Learning log.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. You will need to submit a 15 minute DVD demonstrating the skills required to engage the client. You will also need to produce a 1,500 word report which critically analyses the counselling skills and communication skills demonstrated in the DVD.
Credits: 20
Core Module
This module will give you an insight into specific counselling approaches within various organisational contexts which may include both statutory and voluntary agencies. You'll explore the philosophical and theoretical principles that underpin the particular context and consider how the counselling context might impinge on counselling practice. You will explore the skills required to work within the counselling context and consider ethical practice.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- Organisational culture within a context
- Counselling skills required to function within a counselling context
You will also be able to identify and demonstrate personal, professional, organisational and ethical strengths and limitations.
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 of organisational, structural, and situational context on counselling practice
- Cultural context
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. You will need to submit a 3,000 word essay.
Credits: 20
Core Module
This module introduces you to three major theoretical models of counselling. It addresses these with regard to the particular socio-cultural context from which they were written and their philosophical positions on the nature of being human. This module also aims to increase effectiveness and confidence in using academic resources, particularly sourcing and reviewing journal articles related to counselling.
On successful completion of this module you will be able to discuss the contribution of the three major theories: Person-Centred, Cognitive Behavioural and Attachment Theory to Counselling. You will also develop a range of academic competencies in studying and learning, including the ability to reflect on a range of peer-related journal articles.
Topics covered include:
- Major theories viewed as significant to therapy: Person Centred Theory, Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Theory, Behavioural Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Attachment Theory
- Academic competencies: reflective learning, effective use of libraries, conducting a literature review, reviewing, analysing and evaluating written material.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. You will need to submit a 3,000 word essay demonstrating both learning outcomes.
Credits: 20
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/EU | £580 | 3 | £1,740* | Sept/Jan |
| Overseas | £640 | 3 | £1,920* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2012/2013. Subject to annual increase in September 2013.
New flexible payment plans available
Choose from three options:
- Pay only for the modules you are studying
- Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases
- Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only)
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