Dip HE
Counselling

• The Diploma will prepare you to work with adult clients.
• Clinical placements are an important part of the course and must be completed to qualify for the full diploma.
• The first year of study alone will provide an introduction to counselling skills which can be used within other helping roles. Anyone not seeking a full professional training in counselling and psychotherapy has the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Higher Education. This will demonstrate their improved ability to communicate with others and may be of interest to those already in helping professions such as nurses, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and other childcare professionals as part of their on-going CPD requirements.
• The Diploma provides 450 face to face contact hours over 2 years.
• Teaching staff are all qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. 
• *1st in Wales for assessment & feedback (counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy related subjects). (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2018 data)

Year 1 (Level 4)

Year one introduces the skills necessary to become an effective counsellor. Core theory modules cover the development of the person-centred approach to counselling, and the conditions required practically, personally, professionally and ethically to put these into practice.

The core skills or practice modules aim to enable you to develop effective counselling skills and put these into practice with peers. You will learn to analyse the levels of effectiveness of your own work and reflect on personal strengths and areas for development.

Modules

• Person Centred Counselling Skills (1)
• Introducing Person Centred Counselling Theory
• Person Centred Counselling Skills (2)
• Person Centred Counselling Theory and Self-Development
• Skills for Counselling Placement
• Contemporary Person Centred Counselling Theory

Year 2 (Level 5)

Year 2 (level 5) builds on and expands your portfolio of skills and knowledge.  In year 2 the clinical placement is undertaken, so you will be putting your skills into practice with clients in an agency setting. In year 2 as well as lectures and seminars/workshops you will also attend personal development / self-care groups to enhance your self-awareness.

Modules

• Supervised Trainee Counselling Placement (1)
• Understanding Client Issues in Counselling Practice
• Evidencing Trainee Practice Effectiveness in Counselling
• Supervised Trainee Counselling Practice (2)

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Sometimes applicants who do not meet the usual requirements for entry to a degree level programme may be considered. This is where they can demonstrate additional life / work related experience and an ability to engage with the academic challenges of the programme.

Normally qualifications at level 3 (BTEC, A-Level, Access courses, and Level 3 Counselling course completion are an expectation). Wrexham Glyndwr also offers a Level 4 Introduction to Counselling course which you may be interested in.

A key requirement for joining the course is the emotional and psychological maturity to work with people in psychological distress and the resilience required to cope with the demands of this work.

Applications are always enhanced by relevant experience of working in a helping role – whether paid or voluntary.

In your application you should make clear your reasons for wanting to undertake the programme and what you believe the strengths you would bring to the role are.

Occupational health checks and DBS checks are conditions of a place on this course.

All applicants whose forms indicate that they may be suitable for the programme are invited to an information session, group activity and individual interview.

The course is assessed in a variety of ways. These assessments include self, peer and tutor assessment. Recordings and critiques of transcribed counselling sessions, live practice with peers (Triads), presentations, theory and reflection written assignments, case studies and portfolios of evidence. Clinical supervisors and placement reports all form important parts of the assessment process. There are no exams.

The programme of study includes one full day per week in term time. Students need to also have the capacity to engage in there chosen placement which can add up to another day of commitment.  In order to gain the 100 client contact hours required to complete,  some students may find that they continue in placement following completion of the teaching aspect of the programme.

The two-year Diploma includes 450 hours of contact teaching time. Teaching includes lectures / seminars, practical skills workshops, presentations and audio visual material, experiential and creative tasks and clinical placements.

The programme team have the benefit of engaging a number of visiting speakers / lecturers. We also provide personal development group facilitators who are all experienced and qualified counsellors / psychotherapists with a particular interest in personal development and group work.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Counselling and psychotherapy are personally and professionally challenging. However, the National Strategy for School-based Counselling Services in Wales has increased demand for appropriately trained counsellors within schools.

Counsellors often find work in charitable organisations, within the NHS such as in GP surgeries, within organisations as part of health and wellbeing initiatives and some choose to work in private practice. Our graduates have secured employment in high schools in Wales, the NHS and within the charitable sector following successful completion of the course.

Wherever you see yourself in the future, if it involves working as a counsellor or psychotherapist, you need a sound training, and it is increasingly likely that you will also need a recognised qualification from a university.

Fees are £3,995 per annum for DIP HE Counselling

This also includes the payment for DBS and Occupational Health Check of approx £90 per student.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages. 

Please note this course includes incurs costs in addition to the course fee, these include:

• Additional time to complete the clinical placement.
• Additional costs for clinical supervision.
• Additional costs for a residential weekend; This will be at an additional cost which is kept to a minimum.
• Further additional costs may include personal therapy.

These costs will be explained further at the interview, and some budgetary figures discussed.

You can see the full programme specification here.