September 2024

Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing BA (Hons)

Honours Degree, Undergraduate, September 2024

Key Details

  • B943 Course Code
  • 3 - 4.5* Years
  • 112 Typical UCAS Tariff
counselling lecturer

The BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing degree is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of theories within counselling, mental health and psychological wellbeing, whilst enhancing employability in the field of mental health and wellbeing.

 

Students on the BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing degree gain an in-depth understanding of counselling theory and its application in working in a variety of settings, along with the acquisition of a range of listening and communication skills.

Whilst it must be emphasised that this course does not provide a professional counselling training, and that graduates will not be qualified as counsellors, it does provide an excellent basis for postgraduate training as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

Students will develop their counselling knowledge and skills by studying a module on each of the main counselling approaches used in the UK: Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside counselling skills 1 and then counselling skills 2 modules.

The programme will develop graduates who are familiar with and able to critically analyse concepts around professional judgement and risk in working ethically with others.

Students will develop key transferable skills necessary for employment including: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, self-awareness and personal growth, decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts, and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional within the mental health profession or equivalent.

The study of Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing begins with a focus on humanistic counselling approaches and skills. Key to the first year of study is the development of sound academic skills, research literacy and reflective practice, developed through the study of a module on helping professions and academic practice. Students will develop their listening and counselling skills through a  counselling skills 1 module, alongside studying modules on ethical and social issues in counselling, human development and psychodynamic counselling.

In the second year, students will take a compulsory work placement and gain a deeper understanding of research methods, developing the skills and knowledge to prepare them to engage ethically and effectively in their own research or work-based projects.

Students will continue to develop their counselling knowledge and skills by studying modules on CBT, mental health wellbeing and distress, and lifestyle and well-being. Students will further develop their listening and counselling skills through a counselling skills 2 module.

In the final year, module options are intended to broaden and deepen critical thinking around counselling, mental health and wellbeing and the use of counselling skills in specific contexts, preparing students for employment or further study. Students have a choice of studying modules in working with addictions, bereavement and loss, coaching and mentoring, and therapeutic approaches to supporting children and families. There is also the option of studying a module on mindfulness-based approaches or applied CBT. Both of these modules will enhance students’ employability in psychological well-being posts and post graduate training in CBT.

Students will also have a choice to study a dissertation, literature-based research project or a work-based research project.

The course uses a variety of assessments to help develop a range of different skills including essays, portfolios, commentaries, summary, presentations, case studies, critical evaluation, reflection, digital resource, educative resource, learning statements, reflexive statement, summary statement, exam, quiz, counselling skills practice and recordings and commentaries, research report and proposal, research dissertation, project, literature-based research and poster presentation.

Assessments are designed to introduce and develop both academic and practice related skills.

This course is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in counselling, psychotherapy, teaching, learning support, family support, statutory and third sector social work/social care, graduate mental health support work, coaching and mentoring and other roles requiring the skills of understanding, care and support.

Graduate level jobs that require skills that this degree aims to develop, and nurture include good communication skills and the ability to form positive therapeutic relationships. Many Graduates go on to a wide range of careers within education, youth work and health and social care or undertake further training for a career in which counselling skills may be useful including teaching, social work, nursing, psychotherapy and counselling.

The learning on this course will benefit those considering postgraduate training in social work or professional training in counselling and psychotherapy.

Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.

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Entry Requirements

You must achieve at least 96 UCAS points including a minimum of CC at A level or equivalent (e.g.MM at BTEC Diploma; MPP at BTEC Extended Diploma) towards the total tariff.

Access Students can achieve the requirements with the following combination of Distinction, Merit and/ or Pass grades at level 3 achieved from a completed Access course. 96 UCAS Points: D21-M3-P21; D18-M9-P18; D15-M15-P15; D12-M21-P12; D9-M27-P9; D6-M33-P6; D3-M39-P3; D0-M45-P0.

The University accepts appropriate T Levels as part of its usual entry requirements.

For applicants who are unsure that they will achieve the above UCAS tariff, Newman University offers Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing (with Foundation Year) which enables such applicants to access a university degree via a four year route. Upon successful completion of their foundation year, students will progress to Year 1 of a named degree. Whilst not a condition of entry onto the Foundation Year, students wishing to follow particular named routes with additional entry requirements, will need to meet these requirements before they make the transition from their foundation year to year 1.

International Students
The University is not licensed by the UK Government to sponsor migrant students under the Student route and is therefore unable to accept applications from international students at present.

Applying Direct Option

You can apply direct to Newman University for the full-time route for this course if you have not previously applied to Newman University through UCAS and you are not applying to any other universities.

September 2024 Direct Application Link

September 2024 Direct Application Link (part-time)

N.B. will need to enter ‘New User’ account details when first accessing this portal.

Course Fees

The full-time course fee for September 2023 is £9,250 per year.

The part-time course fee for September 2023 is £5,300 per year.

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs associated with data collection depending on the research undertaken for example printing of questionnaires.

Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees. 

Modules

Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.

*As a part-time undergraduate student, you choose how many modules to study each year (up to a maximum of 6). To qualify for a student tuition fee loan you will need to choose at least 4 modules. A normal 3-year degree will take 4.5 years (if you take 4 modules per year) up to a maximum of 8 years to complete. You will be taught alongside full-time undergraduate students.

Timetables: find out when information is available to students

 

  1. This module introduces students to counselling and counselling related professions in the UK. The module considers the range of settings in which helping takes place professionally and different remit and skills of different helping professions. Students will develop, practice and reflect on their own use of basic helping skills. The module considers a range of key theories in addition to considering issues of difference and equality. Basic academic skills will be developed appropriate to study at level 4 using a range of group-based explorations of key texts relating to the content of the module.
  2. The first-year level 4 module takes a life course perspective on human development. It emphasises the significance of relationships, family and socio-political context for the achievement and maintenance of individual identity. The life course will be introduced and evaluated. The module will cover: a life course perspective and psychological approaches to development such as attachment theory. Models exploring the development and maintenance of diverse identities e.g. sexual identity, racial identity models and stages of spiritual development will also be considered. Human development theories taught will be applied to representative personal material.
  3. This module will introduce students to the three main theories of counselling used in the UK, but with a particular focus on the Humanistic Approach. Alongside which, students will develop their ethical and professional awareness.  There will be opportunities to begin to develop the process of self-reflection.  Students will have the opportunity to practice using Humanistic Skills in a counselling skills scenario.
  4. This module is intended to introduce the subject of counselling at Level 4 and begin to help students develop their competence in the use of basic counselling skills. Basic listening skills will be introduced, with links to how these relate to counselling interventions.
  5. This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and self-management skills to make informed choices in preparing for work experience and the transition to employment or further study on graduation.  Learners will be provided with the opportunities to develop awareness of the workplace, identify different career and study options, recognise and articulate their own experience, accomplishments and talents and plan and implement career management strategies for the short and long term.
  6. This module introduces students to the ethical, legal and contextual aspects of the counselling professions. The module draws on literature and research in addition to professional standards and guidance about ethics, legal issues and the role of counselling in society. The module also explores the ethical dimensions of working with diverse populations. Students will engage in ethical problem solving and develop skills in ethical discourse through debate and discussion of case studies and ethical dilemmas.
  7. This module extends students’ knowledge and understanding beyond the humanistic approach to include a second major therapeutic tradition: the psychodynamic approach. Following a grounding in the historical influences of this approach, students will gain an understanding of core psychodynamic theory and associated practice, with emphasis on those that are most applicable to counselling, and to include the central focus on unconscious communication.
  1. This module aims to enable students who already have a foundation in counselling theory and skills to fully appreciate the role and application of research in this area.  In the course of the module students will be introduced to a variety of methods and approaches, which will be examined with a highly practical focus.  Emphasis will be placed on the kinds of issues and research questions which are commonly addressed in counselling, and which might be addressed using different research approaches. Students will demonstrate their acquisition of the knowledge by carrying out a small research project and writing a research proposal suitable for a final year dissertation.
  2. This year-long module allows you to engage with a real-world industry that reflects your career aspirations. Supported by tutors, you critically reflect on your passions and skills to be work-ready following your graduation.  
  3. This module aims to provide an overview of mental health and the debates around it focussing on theoretical models. Students will develop knowledge and insight into the roles of various professional groups, including Graduate Mental health workers. This module will also promote an appreciation of the multi-cultural and religious issues that can arise in various mental health settings, and the mental health and wellbeing fields more broadly.
  4. This module gives students knowledge of the most recent developments within the Cognitive Behavioural Approach.  Students will gain an understanding of the historical influences of this approach and the theoretical assumptions.  There will be a focus on how to apply cognitive behavioural approaches to practice, and an opportunity to critically reflect upon cognitive behavioural concepts in light of other counselling theories.  There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop their ethical and professional awareness, and opportunities to continue the process of self-reflection.
  5. This module is for year 2 students at Level 5. It continues the process of the development of counselling skills. The module guides students through the counselling process from the point of referral, to the first session, middle stages and ending of the counselling relationship. It also introduces students to the role and importance of supervision.
  6. This module is for year 2 students who wish to select this module option. The module will explore lifestyle factors that impact both subjective and objective measures of individual wellbeing. The module will explore the role of helping professions in working with common presenting concerns such as stress and stress management, self-care, sleep, procrastination, loneliness, spirituality and the impact of technology and Social Media. It will consider the impact of social and ecological context on wellbeing and discuss theoretical approaches to personal change such as positive psychology, motivational interviewing and CBT. The module will consider cultural and social factors relevant to lifestyle choices and discuss the notion of individual autonomy in decision making. It will also consider relevant critiques of helping professions and the role of ‘wellness’ in society.
  1. This tutored double module provides students with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest to them within the field of Counselling. Students design, plan and execute an in-depth empirical research project in their chosen area. Students will be required to produce a brief initial research proposal, for discussion with their supervisor. The proposal is then used as a basis for developing an application for Newman University ethical approval, which must be achieved prior to commencing data collection. The research design should include either quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings throughout.  A poster presentation detailing the research process and findings will also be assessed.
  2. This tutored double module provides students with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest to them within the field of Counselling. Students design, plan and execute an in-depth Literature Review with a systematic search strategy and methodology and a narrative synthesis. Students will consider applications for counselling practice. Students will be required to produce a brief initial research proposal, for discussion with their supervisor. The proposal is then used as a basis for developing an application for Newman University ethical approval, which must be achieved prior to carrying out the Systematic Literature Review. The Systematic Literature Review should draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings through a clearly identified systematic search strategy using the following databases: PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences and PsycARTICLES.  A poster presentation detailing the review process will also be assessed.
  3. This module offers you the opportunity to build on your level 5 work placement through the more developed application of a negotiated work-based research project. You will agree with your placement tutor and workplace mentor a brief for a project which addresses a need within the organisation. Learners should complete a minimum of 100 hours in the workplace. It is in the spirit of this module that wherever possible, the focus will be on social or community / sustainable development.
  4. This module examines child and adolescent development in the context of family, society and culture, and explores a range of issues that arise in relation to therapeutic work with children and young people. The principles of multi-agency work will be explored. Students will study models of development and attachment as well as factors that contribute to resilience and vulnerability.
  5. This module is for level 6 students who wish to select this module option. The module will explore secular Mindfulness-based approaches to wellbeing including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Students will explore the historical development of these approaches and their application to working therapeutically with counselling clients and other service users. This module will be substantially experiential, providing regular experiences of practice. It will draw upon relevant literature and research in the field as well as a comprehensive module handbook and meditation audios for the experiential part of the course. Students will be expected to engage in meditation classes.
  6. This module is for level 6 students who wish to select this module option to explore therapeutic understandings surrounding bereavement and loss. The module will explore counselling theories of bereavement, complications of grieving, therapeutic approaches to grieving, mourning across cultures and other kinds of losses. It will draw upon relevant literature and research to consider these areas.
  7. This module will provide students with knowledge and understanding of coaching and mentoring and how to promote positive change using solution focused, evidence-based interventions. Students will develop knowledge of theoretical concepts underpinning coaching and mentoring through the application of theory to practice. Students will learn about recent evidence-based developments within coaching, mentoring and positive psychology and identify conditions required to facilitate growth and success. There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop and critically reflect upon their ethical and professional awareness and continue the process of self-reflection.
  8. This module gives students knowledge of the most recent developments within Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. There will be a focus on how to apply cognitive behavioural approaches to practice, and an opportunity to critically reflect upon third wave cognitive behavioural concepts. There will be opportunities for students to continue to develop and critically reflect upon their ethical and professional awareness, and continue the process of self-reflection.
  9. This module will introduce theories of addictions, and ways of working therapeutically with addiction. Definitions and explanations of addiction and addictive/compulsive behaviour will be explored, alongside knowledge of common drugs of abuse. Contemporary approaches, methods of assessment and treatment plans will be considered. A range of effective ways of working therapeutically with addictions will be introduced and critically evaluated.