PP0551 - Guidance and Counselling in Groups

What will I learn on this module?

You will explore the theory and practice of group delivery within a Guidance and Counselling context, building upon experience gained within the ‘Developing Skills and Strategies for Helping’ module. Throughout the module you will be provided with knowledge and practical experience of working with groups, initially as a participant and later as a facilitator. You will study theoretical approaches to group work and group management, the latter including the skills of leadership and facilitation. You will gain practical experience of working in groups, beginning with low stakes activities to build your confidence. Ultimately you will be involved, with a small group of your peers, in the planning and delivery of a group work session. You will undertake personal research into the effectiveness of group delivery of guidance and counselling as the module proceeds.

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 group delivery. These sessions are supported by the Electronic Learning Portal where you can review key ideas from lectures, and contribute to online discussions. You will undertake practice in developing your group work skills by self-reflection on a range of group activities you are participating in within the module and across the degree programme e.g. seminars and mentoring groups. You will also undertake the planning and delivery of group sessions (with a small group of your peers) for your fellow students. The online reading list will provide guidance as to key texts to support your learning. You will be provided with feedback on the 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 demonstrate understanding of key concepts relating to the delivery of group work within the context of Guidance and Counselling.
2. You will investigate theoretical models of helping in the context of group delivery.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Reflect upon the application of your own guidance and counselling skills within a group context.
4. Develop the skills of effective group participation, presentation and delivery, and investigation
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You will understand the ethical considerations relating to the group facilitator/leadership role including acknowledgment of the power inherent in the role.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment: you will engage in and receive feedback on a range of group delivery experiences.

Summative assessment: 3000 word assignment, reflecting on group work practice and linking your reflection to a review of relevant academic literature.

(MLO: 1,2,3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Working effectively as part of a group is a key employability skill, applicable within the field of guidance and counselling but also generically in a wide range of occupations. I will explore the theory and practice of group delivery within a Guidance and Counselling context, building upon experience gained within the ‘Developing Skills and Strategies for Helping’ module. Throughout the module you will be provided with knowledge and practical experience of working with groups, initially as a participant and later as a facilitator. You will study theoretical approaches to group work and group management, the latter including the skills of leadership and facilitation. You will gain practical experience of working in groups, beginning with low stakes activities to build your confidence. Ultimately you will be involved, with a small group of your peers, in the planning and delivery of a group work session. You will undertake personal research into the effectiveness of group delivery of guidance and counselling as the module proceeds.

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.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints