PP0427 - Counselling Perspectives

What will I learn on this module?

This module has been designed to support you to recognise and debate key concepts of your degree by providing you with underpinning knowledge and understanding regarding the broad foundation of the history and practice of counselling. You will examine a range of counselling perspectives and evaluation issues in relation to counselling practice. Through a range of teaching and learning strategies you will be encouraged to explain and distinguish between the various theoretical bases of counselling and identify their key features. The module aims to orientate you to the breadth of the discipline as well as the language and key terms used in the literature.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be able to learn in a wide variety of ways on this module. You will have a structured programme of lectures delivered by academic staff. Within these you will experience a range of learning and teaching strategies, including group activities (which will help you to consider how others view the key ideas and concepts of the module), experiential learning workshops (including, for example, opportunities for practical skills work) and case studies.

You will be encouraged to be proactive in contributing to an effective learning environment. You will undertake peer feedback activities as part of the formative assessments and undertake discussions based upon observation of different applications of counselling. You will also work closely with your peers in writing groups to develop your ideas, working towards the assessment. This will be supported via the study groups link on the module eLP site.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Tutors will support your learning in a variety of ways on this module. They will provide a programme of lectures which relate to the learning outcomes for the module. These lectures support you to recognise and debate the key skills, approaches and attributes expected of students on the programme. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work in smaller groups on specific activities which will support you to generate material, debate ideas and discuss your developing views of key concepts. Material generated during these activities will be made available via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP), and in some cases will form the basis for later discussions. Guidance tutors will also meet with you regularly to provide both academic and pastoral support.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Explain and distinguish between the various theoretical bases of counselling and identify key features of a range of approaches.
2. Determine the key issues related to the evaluation of counselling practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Present the implications of a variety of counselling approaches for practice in the workplace.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Discuss, reflect upon and analyse your own developing guidance and counselling skills

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessment (2000 words).

You will write an essay contrasting two chosen approaches (2,000 words) (MLOs 1, 2, and 3).

You will also include as appendices to the assignment evidence of your skills work (i.e. at least two peer and self-assessments).
MLO 4.

Formal feedback and feedforward, in the form of tutor-written comments, will be provided on the work you submit for assessment.

Formative assessment

You will have the chance to undertake two formative assessments during the module, which will allow you to gain feedforward on your ability to meet the standards and criteria for this module.

Part one: You will work individually to write a short section (no more than 500 words) on a counselling approach of your choice.

Part two: You will work in a study group to prepare an A3 colour poster on a counselling approach of your choice.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to provide you with a broad foundation of the history and current practice of counselling. It will enable you to examine the theoretical and practical bases of a range of counselling approaches and address evaluation issues in relation to counselling practice.

Course info

UCAS Code B9L5

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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