| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Counselling Skills, ISS
Introduction
The Counselling Skills Programme is designed for anyone who wants to know more about counselling skills and helping relationships for use in their work, as part of their studies, or for personal development.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode: Blended Learning
- Degree Qualification: ISS
- Duration: 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month: September
- Location of Study: Aberdeen
The programme teaches students counselling skills so they can listen to, empower, and enable individuals who need a variety of supporting or helping interventions. The courses are also recognised as an essential foundation before moving onto training as a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.
This course maps onto the Scottish Credit and Qualification Network (SCQF) with 60 SCQF credits at level 7 and 8.
Successful completion of the 4 Counselling and Listening Skills modules leads to a Certificate in Counselling Skills from the University of Aberdeen for the online programme or a Certificate in Counselling Skills from COSCA for the in-person (on-campus) programme. The Counselling course is aligned with COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) competencies.
Part-time Study
Part-time study options are available for this programme.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
What You'll Study
The course consists of synchronous and asynchronous learning. In the taught classes, you will have an opportunity to participate in discussions and exercises to embed the theory, along with practice sessions to develop and build your skills.
You will access the materials on MyAberdeen and conduct further research on the topic before class.
You should expect to spend 15 hours of study per week for the two-year course and 30 hours per week for the immersive, one-year course, consisting of engaging in reading, online resources, personal practice, and reflective tasks.
The course asks you to look at your life experiences and consider how this might impact you as a listener. You are also required to participate in triad practice sessions as a listener, speaker, and observer and be aware that you might find it difficult to share or listen to painful experiences.
You need to ensure you can set time aside to undertake this course, particularly if you are considering the Immersive option. We would also advise you to make sure you have support in place, as the topics may trigger previous difficulties. You will also be supported by the Programme Director and your Personal Tutor and helped to locate support if you feel negatively impacted.
Degree Content
Compulsory Courses
All the counselling skills courses are practical, experiential courses which will enable students to develop self-awareness and advanced communication skills. The five elements of theory, skills practice, professional development, personal development, and ethics are present throughout all the courses.
The course consists of 4 modules and the themes associated with them are:
- Counselling Skills 1: Active Listening and Responding
- Counselling Skills 2: Different Therapeutic Modalities/Approaches
- Counselling Skills 3: Process and Use of Counselling Skills
- Counselling Skills 4: Application of Counselling Skills
The first module introduces listening and counselling skills, then introduces different counselling approaches in module 2. In module 3, the student will explore a range of different issues someone might need support with and how support is applied, then conclude in module 4 with a focus on the application of the counselling skills and yourself as a listener.
The 4 modules can be completed over two academic years or in one academic year by successful completion of our Immersive Course option.
Each module is in a blended learning format and consists of ten weekly 2-hour online tutorials and individual learning tasks or ten weekly 3-hour in-person tutorials and individual learning.
For the Immersive Course option, the blended learning format consists of ten weekly 4-hour online tutorials and individual learning, or ten weekly 6-hour in-person tutorials and individual learning.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessment over the course includes formative and summative assignments.
Formative assignment: Weekly learning logs.
Summative assignment: Weighted essay (50%) and Personal and Professional Development Report (50%)
Why Study Counselling Skills?
- To develop and/or improve your communication skills to aid in a range of professional settings. This range of settings includes: support work, teaching, nursing, social work, management, supervision, and many other helping roles.
- To get new techniques and insights into yourself and other people.
- To gain insight and understanding of your own personal development.
- As a foundation to enter professional counselling/psychotherapy training.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Education degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen, it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- EU / International students: £1,125
- Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year: Fee is charged on a modular basis. The fee quoted is per 15 credits.
- Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme: See full terms and conditions
- UK: £400
- Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year: Fee is charged on a modular basis. The fee quoted is per 15 credits.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience, and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
Our Experts
All tutors are qualified Counsellors/Psychotherapists.
Related Undergraduate Degrees
- MSci Counselling, Psychology and Education
- MA Psychology with Counselling Skills
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Counselling Skills Programme at the University of Aberdeen is designed for individuals who want to improve their interpersonal communication skills. Participation in the program can be beneficial for individuals in various professions where a caring or helping role is central. The program is also recognized as a foundation for those considering professional training as a counsellor or psychotherapist.
Objectives:
- Develop self-awareness and advanced communication skills.
- Master the five elements of theory, skills practice, professional development, personal development, and ethics.
- Learn self-care techniques and gain knowledge about supervision.
Program Description:
The program consists of four modules, each delivered in a blended learning format with ten weekly online tutorials and individual learning tasks. Upon successful completion of all four modules, students receive a Certificate in Counselling Skills from the University of Aberdeen. The program adheres to the BACP counselling skills training framework, ensuring a high standard of training.
Outline:
Module 1:
Introduction to Listening and Counselling Skills
- Develops foundational counselling skills.
- Introduces different counselling approaches.
Module 2:
Counselling Approaches
- Explores a range of counselling approaches in detail.
- Provides an opportunity to practice using these approaches.
Module 3:
Mental Health Issues and Support
- Examines various mental health issues and the support available.
- Develops skills in providing support to individuals with mental health issues.
Module 4:
Self-Care and Supervision
- Focuses on self-care techniques for counsellors.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Weighted essays (30%): Students write essays on various topics related to counselling.
- Learning logs (30%): Students reflect on their learning and development throughout the program.
- Practical participation sheet (40%): Students participate actively in class discussions and activities.
Teaching:
- Learning methods: The program utilizes tutorials as the primary teaching method.
- Assessment methods: The program uses a combination of written and practical assessments.
- Faculty: The program is taught by qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
- Unique approach: The program blends online and offline learning, providing flexibility and accessibility for students.
Careers:
Individuals who complete the program can pursue various career paths in:
- Support work
- Teaching
- Nursing
- Social work
- Management
- Supervision
- Other helping roles The program also provides a foundation for further training as a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.
Other:
- The program is offered part-time and can be completed in 18 months.
- The program is available online, allowing students from various locations to participate.
- The program is recognized by the BACP, ensuring a high standard of training.
EU / International students
- £1,070 per 15 credits
UK
- £380 per 15 credits
