Counselling and Psychotherapy (Foundation Entry)

Program Overview

The University of Central Lancashire's BSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Foundation Entry) equips students with the skills and knowledge to become professional counsellors. Through a four-year program, students develop their listening, empathy, and support skills, while also exploring contemporary mental health issues and social prescribing. The program emphasizes a pluralistic clinical practice approach and prepares graduates for a range of careers in the counselling field, including the NHS, private practice, and schools.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is a BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Foundation Entry) offered by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). It is a four-year, full-time program delivered in-person at the Preston Campus. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue a career as a counsellor. The program's objectives include:

• Developing the skills needed to progress with studies and pursue a career as a counsellor.
• Preparing students for a career in counselling where they can support people in a safe space, shaping lives and facilitating change.
• Enhancing personal development.
• Focusing on a pluralistic approach to clinical practice.
• Providing students with the unique skills and experience needed for a career in counselling.
• Examining contemporary issues, with an emphasis on mental health and social prescribing.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Foundation Year (Year 0): This year prepares students for a career in counselling by focusing on knowledge and skills related to health and social care.
It includes modules on academic writing, critical thinking, communication skills, and professional skills for delivering health and social care.
• Years 1-3: These years prepare students for a career in counselling by focusing on listening, empathising, and providing support to people.
Students will complete a clinical placement of 100 client hours and follow the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical framework.

Compulsory Modules:

• Applied Anatomy and Physiology: This module covers the anatomy and physiology of the body, including how it may be affected by illness, disease, or injury.
• Academic Writing and Studying in Health and Social Care: This module introduces students to the principles of academic writing and studying to prepare them for their academic career.
Students will internally reflect on their current practice and interpret research to apply it to practice.
• Developing Professional Skills for Delivering Health and Social Care (2): This module supports students in applying their understanding of professional skills needed in the Health and Social Care Sector.
It focuses on collaborative communication, teamwork skills, and developing the professional qualities and values essential for working in health and social care.
• Measuring Health and Wellbeing: This module introduces students to health interventions at all levels, including government policy and individual practice.
Students will understand the key sources of evidence and develop skills in the interpretation and analysis of these interventions.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social Care: This module develops students' understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care services.
It explores social concepts like discrimination, stereotyping, and social identity within health and social care services and wider society. Students will discuss diversity approaches to equality by exploring legislation and cultural contexts. They will also explore the patterns of segregation and disadvantages for groups and consider visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity, including ethnicity, race, religion, gender, social class, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments
• Presentations
• Directed study and reading lists

Teaching:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Short lectures
• Group discussion
• Debates
• Presentations
• Blended learning

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, students can pursue a career as a professional practitioner in the field of counselling. They can work with various organizations, including:

• NHS
• Charitable Organizations
• Private practice
• Health and Leisure Industry
• EAP’s
• Schools, Colleges and Universities

Other:

• The program is accredited by the BACP.
• Students are required to become a member of the BACP and attend clinical supervision when on placement.
• Students may be required to pay for personal insurance and DBS checks.
• Students may be required to pay a monthly administration fee in addition to any supervision costs.
• There is currently no requirement for students to have personal counselling or psychotherapy, but it is usually the case that every student recognizes this is necessary during their course.

Fees and funding

2024/25 UK First year £9,250 for the first year Full-time £9,250 per year International First year £16,400 for the first year Full-time £16,500 per year