The programme has been delivering counsellor training since 1996. In was accredited as a training provider through the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in June 2003. The programme balances the demands of Level 7 academic standards with the requirements of its professional accrediting body to provide an excellent education and training in counselling theory and clinical skills. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop an individual and critically reflexive approach to counselling, within a participatory learning environment based on an integrative theoretical framework. Students are offered academic and clinical teaching which is consistent with the requirements of the counselling profession and which fosters a cohesive synthesis of theory, clinical practice and self-development. Furthermore ‘contextual awareness’ (i.e. equipping students to recognise and work with the difference and diversity of settings and clients, and to respond therapeutically, psychologically and intellectually to the differences they encounter), is emphasised and integrated throughout all aspects of the programme.
Additionally, the programme provides an innovative experiential approach to practitioner research; strong links with clinical placements; a flexible entry system which will appeal to students with previous post graduate counselling training seeking a Master's level qualification; and a non-discriminatory recruitment policy which encourages applications from minority groups.
This is a personally demanding programme suitable for health professionals with a good first degree (usually a 2.1) and anyone who works, or intends to work, with people in a helping capacity seeking a counselling qualification. Applicants are usually seeking a counselling qualification alongside their existing core discipline, or making a sideways careers move into professional counselling. In addition the programme attracts those students still developing a career structure with a relevant degree and experience in the helping professions.
The programme is taught by a team of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who all are all actively engaged in clinical practice and bring practice based experience and ‘currency’ to their teaching.
There is one intake per year. Applications are welcomed throughout the year. Interviews are conducted from January to June in preparation for a September start date.
