PgCert Counselling Skills
01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2027
| Course Leader | Katy Tozer |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Emma Dalgleish, Nicky Lewis, Kirsty Richards, Nandi Kriwaczek, Mason Neely, Anna Playle |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2019 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2027 |
QAA Benchmarks
QAA Subject Benchmarks: Counselling and PsychotherapyProfessional/Statutory Body: This course is an entry requirement for the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Educational Aim
The main aims of the course are:
To assimilate a competent range of initial and more advanced integrative counselling skills so that these skills are used with understanding and within the BACP Ethical Framework (2018)
To develop self-awareness and insight to inform their emerging practice
A critical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of an integrative model of counselling and psychotherapy
The embedding of skills, insight and theory into practice
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | A1 - Critically evaluate the underpinnings, principles and application of an integrative model and its constituent counselling theories. |
| A2 | A2 - Critically evaluate supporting theories and their relevance to counselling skills. |
| B1 | B1 - Integrate knowledge, understanding and critical reflection with professional and vocational skills. |
| B2 | B2 - Critically evaluate subject-relevant literature and present this clearly within assessments. |
| B3 | B3 - Critically evaluate own beliefs, assumptions and attitudes in the context of counselling practice. |
| C1 | C1 - Eviidence the ethical and intentional use of a range of counselling skills. |
| C2 | C2 - Evidence self-awareness and insight and how this relates to your developing practice. |
| C3 | C3 - Evidence core values in relation to self and others in your developing practice. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Active/simulation based - Exercises in pairs and groups of threes. Skills practice will be standard most weeks. The hours are noted separately here but the activities are embedded in the practical workshops noted below. 44 hours (7.3%) Year 1
Tutorials - Formal tutorials will usually be provided twice per student during the Pg Certificate. These will track progress in practical skills, academic and pastoral matters. 1 hour (0.08%) Year 1
Groupwork - Personal Development groups take place during teaching days and is difficult to separate out as it is holistically integrated into all activities. 18 hours (3%) Year 1
Demonstration - Students find practical demonstrations useful so time is allocated here. However, the principle focus of learning here is with the students and student-based activity. 3 hours (0.5%) Year 1
Practical Classes and Workshops - Practical classes and workshops will include both some didactic teaching and interactive exercises. This will be the dominant mode of learning. 42 hours (7.1%) Year 1
Directed Study (including Online Learning) - Directed learning provided through the VLE: eg. preparation of articles for group discussion, learning underpinning theory, formative assessment. 266 hours (44.3%) Year 1
Independent Study - Independent reading and further development activities relating to modules/topics. 223 hours (37.2%) Year 1
Formative assessment-independent - Formative assessment is provided on the VLE so students can check their learning, identify any gaps in understanding and take steps to revisit relevant learning material. 3 hours (0.5%) Year 1
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Volunteering
Whilst not a requirement of this course, students may choose to volunteer in agencies eg Cruse Bereavement Care train Bereavement Volunteers, and students do not need to have completed the Pg Certificate in Counselling Skills before commencing Cruse training.
Employer Forums
Twice yearly placement/supervisor forums are held for counselling/psychotherapy courses in the Therapeutic Studies subject area and this course is included in this arrangement.
Other
Once a year there is a placement event to which placement providers and students are invited. Students begin discussions with placement providers about potential placements which they need to secure in order to enrol on the Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Means of Assessment
Practicals (Skills Recordings)
Essays (critical reflection with portfolio of evidence)
Written assignments
Learning Support
Induction
Induction takes place in accordance with University and Faculty expectations
Personal tutor
Group sizes are relatively small and the teaching team get to know their student group very well during the year. This enables the teaching team to be both academic and personal tutor.
Office hours
Tutors provide regular times when they are available for contact, as well as working closely with the student group in class
Tutorials
Formal tutorials will normally be provided twice per student during the Pg Certificate. These will track progress in practical skills, academic and pastoral matters However, two tutorial slots will be offered per class before the start of the teaching days in order to pick up difficulties rather than waiting for the formal tutorial times.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is built into each module. For counselling skills work, a systematic programme of peer and tutor feedback is in place
Progress meetings
Both students and tutors are able to use the tutorial system to book progress meetings where necessary.
Online Resources
Learning materials are available via the VLE covering both teaching and directed learning. Information and announcements are delivered via the VLE.
Advice Centres
An Advice Zone is available on Newport City campus.
DDS Service
This service is available at Newport City campus
IT/Library
IT support and library facilities are available at Newport City campus
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Final |
Progression Route
The following progression routes are available:The Postgraduate Certificate Counselling Skills is an entry requirement for the Pg Diploma Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (at Newport City Campus).
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
An undergraduate degree (equivalent and relevant professional qualifications may be considered in place of a degree)
Experience of working with or taking care of vulnerable adults
L2 counselling qualification (desirable but not required)
Two references uploaded with application
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
The Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Counselling Skills takes account of the Subject Benchmark Standards for Counselling and Psychotherapy (2013). This course also complies with the QAA Quality Code and the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales, and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A