What will I learn on this module?
You will explore the theory and practice of a range of helping processes drawn from differing contexts and critical perspectives. Attention is given to individual approaches to helping and initiating change. This will include the exploration of counselling within specific contexts (e.g. Transcultural, feminist, online etc.) and representations of helping in the media. There will also be an opportunity to explore critical views of counselling paradigms that have been developed within the disabled people’s movement and other sociological perspectives.
How will I learn on this module?
You will attend a series of lectures and seminars to highlight key concepts and relevant underpinning theoretical models of helping appropriate to guidance and counselling practice. These sessions are supported by the Electronic Learning Portal where you can review key ideas from lectures, and contribute to online discussions. The online reading list will provided guidance as to key texts to support your learning. You will be provided with feedback on a practice of assignment writing prior to finally submitting the assignment
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Module tutors will use online resources /electronic learning portal to provide support materials. Group tutorials to support work towards assignments will be provided. You will be provided with opportunities to submit work and obtain formative feedback on your writing and skill development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP.
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?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to articulate the challenges and opportunities afforded by different counselling modalities, including transcultural, online, and feminist approaches, as well as the critique of counselling developed in Critical Disability Studies and other sociological perspectives.
2. You will be able to evaluate representations of counselling and helping in the media
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will demonstrate the ability to collate evidence from a range of academic sources to sustain a clear argument in your study
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will develop an understanding of the ethical dimensions related to different modes of helping as studied within the module
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment: Peer and tutor feedback on written review review of video demonstrating aspects of counselling practice
The summative assignment will be an investigation of work within a specific modality, e.g. transcultural counselling, online counselling, feminist perspectives, mentoring, or of critical Disability Studies perspectives on counselling.
(MO 1,2,3,4)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module explores the theory and practice of a range of helping processes drawn from differing theoretical and critical perspectives. This will include the exploration of counselling within specific contexts (e.g. Transcultural, feminist, and online modes of delivery.) and representations of helping in the media. You will analyse representations of counselling and therapeutic work and review these in the light of current best practice. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own interviewing skills and reflect upon them using video feedback. By undertaking this exciting module you will not only enhance your understanding of a variety of modes of helping others, but also practically develop your interviewing skills, thereby developing your own potential, valuable in the employment marketplace.
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
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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