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Level 5 Higher Diploma in Counselling Studies

Subject code: L5CS

Syllabus and Unit Specification:

Level 5 Higher Diploma in: Counselling Studies

Credit value: 120, contributing to the Higher Education (HE) Diploma outlined below

Rational

The purpose of this subject syllabus is to provide such part time and full time learners with an opportunity to study the principles and applications of Counselling Studies at an advanced higher educational level (Level 5), with sufficient focus and detail to achieve transferrable skills, knowledge, understanding and application, necessary for progression towards related programmes at Level 6.

The subject is unitised in order to provide flexibility of operation and study. Satisfactory completion of all four units within this syllabus results in the award of 120 credits at Level 5.

Each unit may be undertaken separately, and each will be assessed independently, however, it is a key requirement of the subject that all fours units attached to the syllabus be completed at a satisfactory level in order to achieve the diploma.

Target group

HE diplomas should be targeted at those learners who have the ability to benefit from the course and progress to Level 6. They should also have success at level 3. This is a prerequisite to undertaking the course, as is sufficient skills in English, Maths and ICT.

Intended progression

• Level 6
• Bachelor of Arts or Science
• Psychology related accreditation
• Allied Health professions
• Social care
• Health care
• Humanities
• Vocational applications

Membership of Ascentis

This subject may only be operated in a member institution of Ascentis or a centre approved specifically for its operation by Ascentis. Membership and approval criteria can be found within the HE diploma handbook.

The Level 5 subject

This Level 5 subject is made up of a set of four units, which may be delivered and assessed independently. All units are assessed by coursework activities, and the compilation of an e-portfolio. The Level 5 subject requires successful completion of all four units. Learners are able to complete units at a pace appropriate to their resources, commitments and study plans.

It is expected that a full set of subject units will be completed within 2 academic years of initial enrolment.

Credit is awarded for successful completion of each unit. Any units which are not successfully completed may be repeated but this is subject to the college’s discretion and criteria. All the learning outcomes attached to each unit must be met in order for credit to be awarded. Each unit attracts a total of 30 credits. Coursework is subject to marking criteria which will be outlines within each unit.

Moderation and Assessment Responsibilities

See: HE diploma handbook and Ascentis Handbook for Learners

This course is delivered entirely via the distance learning route and therefore there is no face to face element or requirement for centre based assessment.

Aims of the course

1 To provide students with opportunities to develop academic skills in Counselling Studies appropriate for a range of progression options.

2 To enable students to develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject area

3 To encourage the learner to apply theoretical understanding and evaluation to complex content

4 To encourage students to apply terms and concepts appropriately

5 To enable students to apply a range of transferrable skills to subject related topics, issues and situations.

6 To facilitate and foster the development of a range of presentation skills relevant

and appropriate to the discipline and level of study.

Course Objectives

1 To encourage direct and indirect independent learning and the development of key skills in an effective and academic context for the purposes of personal development and progression.

2 To develop an appreciation of the value and problems of interpretation of core concepts in Counselling Studies, together with related and relevant practices, methodologies and theories.

3 To build an understanding of the core concepts within Counselling Studies in different situations and contexts

4 To encourage students to apply their experience, knowledge and understanding, and skills to a range of course-related topics.

5 To encourage students to develop study autonomy and be able to demonstrate planning, judgement and organisational skills.

6 To advance the development of presentation skills appropriate to the discipline, level of study and delivery method.

7 To encourage development of transferrable evaluative and analytical skills relevant to Counselling Studies

What the student needs to know

In order to undertake this course the student will require:

• Prior knowledge and understanding commensurate with enrolment criteria
• Access to computer system with internet access and capabilities to download and upload files
• Word processing ability and access to word processing package compatible with college requirements
• Good organisational skills in order to plan studies, manage workload and study time

Unit 1: Introduction to counselling Studies

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• ICT methods, tools and strategies
• The use of ICT in higher education
• Reflective writing and the use of this for skills enhancement
• The ePortfolio
• The core foundation theories which underpin counselling practices
• Understanding the different applications of counselling and the relevant specific skills required to develop these skills

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Identifying different ICT methods relevant to Level 5 study
• Understanding how to apply different ICT tools and strategies within the course
• Gain understanding of value of independent study and be able to reflect upon experiences
• History of Counselling and the core foundation theorie
• Understand the emergence of counselling and its relationship with traditional psychology and psychiatry.
• Skills requirements for counsellors
• Professional responsibilities and codes of practice
• Different approaches within counselling, for example person-centred, psychodynamic
• Evaluation of therapeutic developments within counselling
• Evaluation of skills requirements and professional development within counselling

Unit 2: Specialist counselling applications Part 1

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• The additional skills required to deliver child, family and relationship counselling.
• Alternative, models and strategies and approaches appropriate for each separate application and specialism.
• Evaluation of approaches, professional responsibilities and ethical issues related to the counselling specialties.

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Specialist skills for delivery of effective child, family and relationship counselling
• Alternative models and approaches which build upon unit 1 and are appropriate to individual specialties
• Evaluation of approaches for each speciality
• Comparison of theories, models and strategies, within the specialities and examination of generic processes
• Evaluating professional responsibilities and ethical issues related to counselling, particularly issues of consent, confidentiality and group work
• Assessment processes and criteria
• Professional skills development and opportunities within the named counselling specialties

Unit 3: Specialist counselling applications Part 2

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• The additional skills required to deliver bereavement, addiction and debt counselling.
• Alternative, models and strategies and approaches appropriate for each separate application and specialism.
• Evaluation of approaches, professional responsibilities and ethical issues related to the counselling specialties.

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Specialist skills for delivery of effective bereavement, addiction and debt counselling
• Alternative models and approaches which build upon unit 1 and are appropriate to individual specialties
• Evaluation of approaches for each speciality
• Comparison of theories, models and strategies, within the specialities and examination of generic processes
• Evaluating professional responsibilities and ethical issues related to counselling, particularly issues of consent, confidentiality and group work
• Assessment processes and criteria
• Professional skills development and opportunities within the named counselling specialties

Unit 4: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Students will be presented with the opportunity to learn about:

• Theories, models, approaches and skills within CBT.
• Exploration of specific contexts for use
• Comparisons with traditional counselling methods.

Students will be provided with learning opportunities in:

• Historic emergence of CBT
• The relationship between CBT and other counselling approaches
• Theoretic perspectives within CBT and comparison to traditional route counselling
• Specific applications for CBT including the integration in healthcare
• Assessment criteria and programmes design for CBT
• Professional skills and development for CB practitioners
• Referral pathways

All four units are presented in learning outcome format, with specified assessment criteria

Online Enrolment