Counselling

Entry requirements

- First or upper second class honours degree. All offers made to those still completing a BA/BSc are contingent upon applicants meeting these requirements.

- Candidates are required to have experience of working in a helping and caring role in either a paid or voluntary capacity. This experience should demonstrate the candidates ability to support individuals in distress and also engage in listening and communication skills.

- Evidence must be provided of previous counselling skills practice, including one of the following:

1. Level 2 or 3 counselling certificate

2. Successful completion of a higher education module that includes a core element of assessed counselling skills practice

3. A written reference from an employer or tutor that demonstrates you application, proficiency and use of interpersonal and listening skills in a counselling context.

4. Equivalent (please contact us to discuss this).

Applicants will be required to pass an enhanced DBS clearance.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and skills as a counsellor, and is especially suited to those considering a career as a practising counsellor. Counselling is a talking therapy with two major strands: firstly, helping people cope with emotional and relational difficulties and, secondly, facilitating personal growth.

In the first term of the programme, and informed by the reflective scientist-practitioner model, students are introduced to counselling theory and ethics, and are taught and practice counselling skills. Due to the course leading to a professional qualification in counselling, much of the learning is experiential where students can develop their counselling skills as well as how to apply theory to their work.

The primary theoretical and philosophical approach the programme teaches in the person-centred approach with an emphasis upon the importance of intersubjectivity and the therapeutic relationship. In the second term students can gain practical experience as trainee counsellors, learn about relevant clinical research paradigms, and are introduced to methods for reliably assessing a client's response to counselling, including the use of measurement tools such as questionnaires.

The second year will focus on the MSc, where students can develop a range of research skills and engage in a research project in relation to counselling.

Following completion of the PG Diploma Counselling (first year), students can apply for individual registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) pending completion of professional practice hours.

Information for international students

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.

For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Fees and funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.