BTEC Higher National Diploma in Counselling Studies

This course is recognised by the Complementary Medical Association (CMA)

Subject code: L5CS

Syllabus and Unit Specification: 

Credit value: 240, 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 (HND), 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 16 units within this syllabus results in the award of 240 credits at HND.

Each unit may be undertaken separately, and each will be assessed independently, however, it is a key requirement of the subject that all 16 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

The HND subject
This HND subject is made up of a set of 16 units, which may be delivered and assessed independently. All units are assessed by coursework activities, and the compilation of an e-portfolio. The HND subject requires successful completion of all 16 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 15 credits. Coursework is subject to marking criteria which will be outlined within each unit.

Moderation and Assessment Responsibilities
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

The course;

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

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

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

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

Entry Requirements
All students must per 17 years of age and above. Students should have completed a Level 3 Diploma or Professional Diploma or A level standard course (or equivalent) before the Level 5 qualification.

Study Hours
Approximately 60 hours per unit

Assessment Method
16 tutor marked assessments.

Please note that you can enrol on this course at anytime.

Award -
Subject to Edexcel ApprovalBTEC (HND) in Counselling Studies

This course is fully accredited by Edexcel
 
Additional Information
You will receive a certificate from Edexcel.  Fees are included in the course fee.

The course can be enrolled upon by students Internationally. There are no deadlines for enrolments.

Please Note: We are taking pre registrations on this course.

What's Included
All study materials to enable the student to successfully complete the Diploma. Support is provided by the tutor department. Examination board certification upon completion, all coursework marking and moderating.

Further Information
Your course is delivered online via the Oxford Learning On Campus website.

Please note that included in your course fee is your registration to the On Campus student community, and a licence to print your study materials. Please note that the licence is for one print only, so please ensure that you have enough paper and ink to print the full course materials if required.

You will require having one of the following packages to access your On Campus area:

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
In the student 'On Campus' you are also able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access the On Campus area within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford Learning student number via email.