**Do you want to understand human behaviour and become more self-aware? This course will develop your technique and enhance your counselling toolbox.**

This BA Top gives students an opportunity to study at Higher Education level enabling them to develop academic, research, reflective and critical thinking together with study and analytical skills. The development of such skills will enhance professional practice in counselling and other related fields, such as guidance officers, police officers and nursing profession.

This programme may also encourage students to move towards further study onto a Master qualification to gain, knowledge and understanding applicable to specialised roles within counselling or to move into the field of counselling research or research in related areas such as social work.

The programme may be of interest to people in supervisory or middle management roles currently working in related fields such as Mental Health, Health and Social Care or Early Years. Students from such backgrounds may find the programme appealing for personal and professional development.

The programme aims to retain current Foundation Degree students who would continue to level 6. It also allows for external applicants holding a level 5 in a relevant discipline.

The programme is based on the principles of reflective practice, critical analysis and contextualised learning and research and is designed to deepen cognitive and reasoning skills which will enhance professional practice.

On this programme students will be integrate theory and practice and apply learning to inform professional development and practice. Students will employ autonomous and independent learning strategies to engage in critical reflection and ethical and sensitive research.

Participation in research will involve the use of a range of methodologies relevant to their specialism. This will develop their understanding of the role of counselling research within practice and in the development and promotion of advancements in counselling.

The programme is built on the following educational and learning principles:

• A person centred approach

• Deepening understanding of the synergy between counselling theory and counselling practice

• Developing skills of reflective practice and strategic thinking to engage with ethical, professional and legal dilemmas under the direction and with reference to the BACP Ethical Framework 2018.

• Acquiring a deep understanding of self and own patterns of relating

• Gaining skills of critical analysis and evaluation which can be applied to complex information and arguments.

To communicate effectively with others

• Modules will have both taught elements and independent study in a blended learning approach. Some taught sessions will be delivered on our teams on line platform, which can be recorded and accessed outside of the timetable. Along with on line tasks which students can complete autonomously and have assessed by the tutor. Taught sessions will include lectures, discussions, group work, presentation of research and experiential exercises.

• Participation in skills sessions within the classroom will give students an opportunity to critically evaluate and analyse ‘live material’ with a view to enhancing identified strengths and evolving potential of their professional self.

• Regular individual tutorials

• Peer group supervision of case work

• The college offers study support, library and electronic resources and ICT facilities.

• Whilst not a requirement of this programme, in terms of mental well-being and support it is expected that students would access personal therapy where appropriate.