Our lecturers are qualified counsellors who’ll help you to help others—to flourish, to reflect, and to access their whole selves.

Our integrative approach to counselling is a widely recognised counselling method. Developed over the past half century, the model draws on a range of theories that explore how human beings develop as people, how personality and emotional challenges emerge, and how we each act in the light of universal experiences: freedom, death, guilt, anxiety.

The aim of integrative counselling is always to enable people to access their whole self, and so move forward emotionally.

We prioritise three key things in training you as counsellors. Professionalism, in terms of the legal, practical and ethical boundaries you will have to work within; the core practical skills of working with others through their issues and challenges; and the theoretical concepts that will underpin your work.

All students will be engaged in practical counselling skills development, first with your peers and then in placement settings with real clients as your competencies expand,

Throughout the programme you’ll be asked to engage in a process of self-awareness that will support your learning and development during the course.

What is the Degree like?

Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff: 96 points

A Level: CCC

Pearson BTEC

L3 National Ext. Diploma: MMM

English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) Garde 6 IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the student’s first language.

Evidence of study at Level 3, equivalent to 96 UCAS points

Minimum age of 18 years but must be able to evidence a capacity for self-awareness, maturity and stability and be able to cope with the demands of the course. All applicants must undergo an extended interview process and participate in a group activity - these will be held on the same day.

Criminal Records Declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) 

It is desirable that applicants have previously completed an introductory to counselling course and have used these skills in a helping capacity.

Please note, 120 credits must be achieved to progress to year two of your degree and a further 120 (totalling 240) credits must be achieved to progress to year three.

Applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis based upon prior learning and relevant experience.

Typical Module Diet

Students are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of work-based learning.

Period of Study

Three Years Full-time

The University Studies at WSC Admissions Policy contains information on our English Language requirements.

Terms and Conditions can be found here.

We are experienced in supporting our students to arrange their placement activity.

Fees

£8,500 per year full-time
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Details of any incidental costs related on this course can be found on the course factsheet.

This course is not yet BACP accredited, but designed to support you to get your own BACP accreditation after graduation.

Study will be delivered at the University Studies and Professional Development Centre at West Suffolk College.

Additional Potential Costs:

we approximate that it may cost up to £450 for travel to work placements per annum. Course books and materials are anticipated to cost £120 per annum.

You will also need to take into account the average cost of £40/hour up to a total of 40 hours for personal therapy which can be undertaken at any point during the three years of study. As well as this, please expect to pay around £40/hour for individual supervision once working in placement commences (minimum of 1.5 hours of supervision required for every 8 client hours in training).

It is also £44 for enhanced DBS. We recommend students obtain a quality SD/HD card to enable you to record presentations/group activities, these are £20 - £40 Approx.