What will I learn on this module?
You will explore the theory and practice of a range of brief approaches drawn from differing theoretical and critical perspectives. In this module you will develop knowledge and critical understanding of three types of brief counselling approaches as used in guidance and counselling settings: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Approaches and Motivational Interviewing. You will develop understanding of the theoretical background to the approaches and implications for practice. This may involve working in situations where you will think about issues that some people face, such as anxiety and depression, as well as behaviours which may prove problematic, such as substance misuse.
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 critically evaluate the role brief approaches can play in supporting clients presenting a range of concerns
2. You will be able to evaluate research studies concerning the efficacy of brief approaches
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will demonstrate the ability to collate evidence from a range of academic sources to sustain a clear critical evluation in your study
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will develop critically review the ethical dimensions related to different modes of brief models of help as studied within the module
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment: Peer and tutor feedback on review of article evaluating a brief approach to counselling
Summative assessment: 4000 words written assignment: Systematic literature review (MO 1,2,3,4)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
You will explore the theory and practice of a range of brief approaches drawn from differing theoretical and critical perspectives. In this module you will develop knowledge and critical understanding of three types of brief counselling approaches as used in guidance and counselling settings: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Approaches and Motivational Interviewing. You will develop understanding of the theoretical background to the approaches and implications for practice. This may involve working in situations where you will think about health issues that some people face such as anxiety and depression, as well as behaviours which may prove problematic to individuals and society, for example substance misuse, offending and problem gambling.
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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