Counselling (Children and Young People)

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 degree in a BPS accredited Psychology degree.

Entry via alternative equivalent qualification and experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Evidence of personal resilience and resources, maturity and emotional stability to support the intensity of the training process, the profession of child counselling, and of working with people in a responsible role.

Applicants will be required to undertake an interview.

Applicants will be required to complete a DBS check.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Counselling (Children and Young People) course includes a minimum of 100 hours of supervised client practice hours.

The placements will take place with our placement partners locally. Placements in areas other than Birmingham may be possible by negotiation.

The course aims to meet the professional accreditation requirements in counselling children and young people that will enable successful graduates (who have also met all required professional practice components) to continue towards accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Upon completion of the course you will have demonstrated sound practical counselling competence that will enable you to complete the BACP proficiency certificate and to apply for BACP registration. Your BCU qualification and BACP registration will enable you seek employment as a counsellor with children and young people as you work towards full BACP accreditation.

During the first semester, the focus will be on the development of the necessary knowledge and competence to be able to begin practical counselling with child clients. Course and placement structures will ensure that work is performed safely and with appropriate support and guidance in accordance with the BACP ethical framework.

Two skills modules in semester 1 and placement modules in semester 2 and 3 will ensure the on-going integration of theory and practice. A focus on play, the use of creative media and an in-depth exploration of the knowledge base (detailed by the professional standards of education and training for child counselling) will ensure an appropriately level of skill and competence.

Your personal tutor will actively support you through the process of applying, obtaining and settling into placements from our list of approved placement providers in a process designed to provide the experience and practical competence you will need to find employment when you graduate.

Placements are supported and closely monitored by the staff team, who are all professional child counsellors and psychotherapists.

Supervision costs are included in the overall course fee, and supervision is fully integrated into your course in a way that enhances your learning and meets professional body requirements.

During the final semester, an extended practice-based research project will support your understanding of the importance of outcome measure in child therapy and develop your competence in child counselling research.

Information for international students

Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.

IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information.

Fees and funding

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding.