MA IN COUNSELLING
Course overview
Duration
A two to three year part-time programme. We recommend that you apply to complete in three years and reassess your completion date towards the end of the first year depending on your available time for study.
Mode of Study
This programme is taught in eight blocks of three days, in Year 1 and Year 2.
This programme offers residential accommodation, subject to availability.
Entry Points
Students enter the programme at the beginning of the academic year in September.
YEAR 1
- Counselling Theory – Approaches and Integration 1
- Counselling Translation – Theory to Practice 1
- Developing Personal and Professional Practice 1
- Students are required to undertake 50 hours of placement work with clients; 20 hours of self-funded individual supervision and 20 hours of self-funded personal therapy
YEAR 2
- Counselling Theory – Approaches and Integration 2
- Counselling Translation – Theory to Practices 2
- Developing Personal and Professional Practice
- Students are required to undertake 50 hours of placement work with clients; 20 hours of self-funded individual supervision and 20 hours of self-funded personal therapy
YEAR 3
- Research Dissertation (may be taken in Year 2 or 3)
Description of modules
YEAR 1
Counselling Theory – Approaches and Integration 1
This first module is designed to introduce the foundational theoretical base for the programme. It provides part of the theory to underpin the students developing personal and professional clinical practice. In this module, critical reflection on theory will be encouraged so that students can begin to engage with their personal beliefs and preferences. This module will also enable students to critically review the body of knowledge and research of a Person-Centred Approach (PCA) as well as the theoretical and theological ideas that underpin the Waverley Integrative Framework (WIF).
Counselling Translation – Theory to Practice 1
This module facilitates students to integrate and apply their learnt theory in to their developing clinical practice. This is facilitated through the consideration of the application of evidence-based practice and relevant theory to potential clinical situations and actual client work.
Developing Personal and Professional Practice 1
This module aims to support students as they comment client work. It aims to enable students to practise ethically.
Students are required to undertake 50 hours of placement work with clients; 20 hours of self-funded individual supervision and 20 hours of self-funded personal therapy
YEAR 2
Counselling Theory – Approaches and Integration 2
This module aims to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge and understanding of theoretical approaches to counselling with a specific focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Approaches.
Counselling Translation – Theory to Practices 2
The aim of this module is to help students to consider the clinical application of the theoretical approaches already introduced previously. In this module students will also consider the approach to working with clients who present more complex issues.
Developing Personal and Professional Practice
The aim of this module is to support and encourage students to reflect on their continuing development in work with clients, drawing on learning from other modules. This will primarily take place through group supervision with peers during which ongoing client work will be considered as well as ethical dilemmas debated.
Students are required to undertake 50 hours of placement work with clients; 20 hours of self-funded individual supervision and 20 hours of self-funded personal therapy
Research for the Helping Professions (may be taken in Year 2 or 3)
This module enables the student to build on their knowledge and practice by framing a relevant research question. Students consolidate and apply their understanding of research approaches to their chosen research question.
Dates and fees
Further details
‘Of particular note this year are some of the excellent extended literature reviews, which would be considered outstanding in any Higher Education context, comparable to some of the best MA level work I have seen from Oxbridge.’
External Examiner for MA Counselling Programmes 2017
This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.
Level
This programme is validated by Middlesex University. This programme is level 7 of the Higher Education Framework and will provide 180 credits.
Assessment
Students are required to complete written assignments; exams and journals during the programme.
Entry requirements
A degree or equivalent professional qualification that indicates the applicant has the ability to achieve the standards of the programme
A certificate in counselling which would normally consist of 120 tutor contact hours or more and which would usually include an assessment skills practicum.
Location
Waverley Abbey College, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham GU9 8EP
Further information
Book a Personal Discovery Call today and a member of our friendly team will discuss your financial options with you and answer any other questions you have.
If you require further information on this, or any of our programmes, email student.services@waverleyabbeycollege.ac.uk or call on 01252 784 784.