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Counselling

BA (Hons) Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy (Top-up)

  • Course Type: Undergraduate Degree
  • Institution Code: P56
Course overview

What can this course lead to?

After graduating, you will be able to apply for jobs with a Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) emphasis within the NHS, charity, or education sectors. You will also be able to progress onto a masters programme.

Just some of the future careers for graduates after completing the course include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Counsellor
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Counselling Psychologist
  • Advice Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Set up your own practice

Who is it for?

This one-year top-up course is designed to develop your understanding of person-centred and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) counselling theories. It offers progression from the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which is delivered by University Centre Peterborough.

This course is unique as it brings CBT skills and knowledge into a person-centred framework of working, utilising a pluralistic approach which puts clients’ needs at the heart of the counselling process.

You will develop a critical understanding of counselling and be able to devise and sustain arguments, solve problems and apply theoretical approaches to specific issues.

The course modules have been designed to be industry-appropriate around the field of person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychopathology. They meet the needs of employers and will enable you, as a qualified counsellor, to develop your skills and knowledge as part of your professional development requirements.

The skills gained on the course will enable you to become a skilled and reflective practitioner with a CBT emphasis, so you can progress into a variety of counselling careers within the NHS, charity or education sectors.

The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities; a typical class size is under 20 students.

This qualification is awarded by The Open University and delivered by University Centre Peterborough.

To view the course specification, click here.

You can view The Open University regulations here.

What is covered?

You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.

Year one for full-time students (Level 6)

  • PC & CBT Counselling Theory (30 credits)
  • Working Professionally with Mental Health (30 credits)
  • Reflective Ethical Practice (20 credits)
  • Research Methods (40 credits)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Essential Qualifications and Requirements:

  • A recognised Level 5 Diploma in Counselling or equivalent qualification. Alternatively, a Level 4 qualification in Counselling combined with at least 2 years of experience and a Level 5 qualification in a related subject.
  • Formal training in counselling and/or psychotherapy.
  • Meet the National Counselling Society (NCS) supervised practice requirements of 100 hours or equivalent.
  • Hold current professional registration with a relevant organisation (e.g., BACP, NCS, UKCP, or equivalent).
  • An enhanced DBS check.

Candidates will be invited to an interview where they must provide evidence of the following:

  • Ability to write and discuss assignments at an undergraduate level.
  • Recent engagement with counselling research literature.
  • Reflection on learning experiences from recent and relevant courses.

Course information
Ucas Code

PCCP

Location

University Centre Peterborough

Start Date

September

Fees

The tuition fees for full-time undergraduate students will be £8,250 per year, which is lower compared with many other universities.

Fees for part-time study are pro-rata depending on the number of credits you are studying (i.e. 90 credits per year will be 75% of the tuition fee).

Duration

1 year (1 full day a week over two semesters per year)

Validated by

The Open University

Tariff points

N/A

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Incredible courses in partnership with The Open University

Validated Excellence

Our partnership with The Open University ensures that a significant number of our foundation diplomas and undergraduate degrees are validated by one of the UK’s most respected institutions, enhancing the credibility and recognition of your qualification.

Quality Assurance

Each course validated by The Open University undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks, guaranteeing that our curriculum meets high academic standards and delivers an exceptional educational experience.

Flexible Pathways

Through our collaboration with The Open University, students at University Centre Peterborough benefit from flexible learning options and expertly designed courses that support both part-time and full-time studies, tailored to accommodate diverse student needs.

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