The course offers an opportunity for candidates to deepen their understanding of counselling theory and practice whilst developing expertise in areas of specific interest.
This course has been specifically developed for counsellors currently qualified at Diploma or Foundation Degree level. Candidates further develop their practitioner skills through engaging in reflective tasks, whilst undertaking a research project on their chosen subject in order to enhance their knowledge of effective counselling practice.
This qualification also aims to provide further professional development opportunities within an academic framework. As more people access professional support and advice for mental health issues there continues to be a rise in demand for counselling and professionally qualified counsellors.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Counselling
Course content
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.
Counselling Clients Experiencing Trauma
The purpose of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of theories of counselling and key ideas and concepts within counselling models that are applied to counselling clients experiencing Trauma. This module explores the historical background to trauma; it focuses on cultural responses to trauma, therapeutic approaches to counselling clients experiencing trauma, client assessment and the process of therapy as well the use of specific counselling skills. Ethical practice is also discussed.
Module code: PSYC60825
Research Project
The purpose of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a piece of supervised, independent research into a specific area of professional interest related to counselling. You will be expected to design, organise, and carry out a research plan which they will present to your supervisor. This module focuses on application of a full range of research skills that are required to produce a research project. You will demonstrate skills that include literature searching and critiquing, methodologies, choosing appropriate research techniques, qualitative and quantitative techniques, data collection and analysis as well as research reporting.
Module code: PSYC60829
Counselling Clients Experiencing Grief And Loss
The purpose of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of theories of counselling and key ideas and concepts within counselling models that are applied to counselling clients experiencing grief and loss. This module explores emotional and behavioural responses to loss; it focuses on theories of attachment, loss and bereavement; therapeutic approaches to counselling clients experiencing grief and loss and the process of therapy as well the use of specific counselling skills. Ethical practice and counsellor self-care are also discussed.
Module code: PSYC60827
Counselling Children And Young People
The purpose of this module is to develop your knowledge as well as a critical understanding and analysis of theories of counselling and key ideas and concepts within counselling models that are applied to counselling children and young people. This module explores the work of the early pioneers in child and adolescent counselling; it focuses on theories of child development and attachment, therapeutic approaches to counselling children and young people, client assessment and the process of therapy as well the use of specific counselling skills. Ethical practice and multi-agency working are also discussed.
Module code: PSYC60824
Research Methods
This module aims to assist you in the formulation of a research question appropriate to your chosen area of counselling study. You will be supported in developing the skills necessary to plan and execute a research project within the time and resources available. You will also be expected to gain an appreciation of the ethical context of research within counselling.
Module code: PSYC60821
Relationship Counselling
The purpose of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of theories of counselling and key ideas and concepts within therapeutic models that are applied to relationship counselling. This module explores therapeutic approaches to counselling couples and families, including systemic theory and practice. This module also focuses on models of conflict resolution and evaluates issues of diversity. Ethical practice is also discussed.
Module code: PSYC60826
Location
You will study at Shrewsbury College but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.
Shrewsbury College, as part of the Shrewsbury Colleges Group, gives students access to the largest and most flexible curriculum offer within Shropshire.
Shrewsbury College website
Entry requirements
Foundation Degree in Counselling or an equivalent award which offers practitioner status, consisting of no less than 400 hours of training and a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice.
GCSE English Language grade C or above (or equivalent).
For students for whom English is not their first language IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent).
Careers
Employers recognise the value of the increased level of competency and proficiency in counselling skills and knowledge of graduate counsellors.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college's Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.
Assessment
Assessment is based on practical and written assignments, presentations, and an Research Project.
Fees
For the course starting on 14 September 2026 the tuition fees are:
Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, long top-up
| Study option |
UK / Channel Islands |
| Full-time |
£7,425 per year of study |
UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.
**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.
Apply
| Location |
Award |
Study option |
Start date |
Apply Link |
| Shrewsbury Colleges Group |
BSc (Hons) |
Full-time, long top-up |
14 September 2026 |
Apply now
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