BSc Counselling Course in Guildford. Classes run at Activate Learning Guildford, full-time during the day. This BSc counselling qualification is a top-up degree designed for practising counsellors who already hold a diploma or foundation degree in counselling. The programme is quality assured by Middlesex University, and you'll receive a Middlesex University award on successful completion. Entry requires a foundation degree or Level 5 Counselling Diploma, at least 450 hours of counselling training, 100 hours of supervised practice, and 60 hours of personal counselling. The course runs over one year.
Who this course is for
Are you a practising counsellor looking to top up your degree? This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. It is delivered at our Guildford College campus. The BSc (Hons) in Counselling (top-up) has been specifically designed for practising counsellors already qualified to diploma or foundation degree level and working in paid employment, private practice or a voluntary setting. This course is also taught as a Level 4 diploma and Foundation degree. It provides a unique opportunity for counsellors to deepen their understanding of counselling theory and practice, to gain more understanding of client issues and how to work with them, undertake a research project on a research question of their own choosing, and gain a degree at the same time. It also provides a forum where counsellors from a variety of orientations and backgrounds will be able to share information and experience to their mutual advantage. Employers are increasingly asking for counsellors with a degree in counselling, or with BACP accreditation or both. Graduates also progress to postgraduate programmes or go on to more specialised training, i.e. in couples counselling, drug and alcohol addiction or working with children and adolescents. Tuition Fees Home/EU* Fee for September 2023 entry: £8,000 per year. Our tuition fees cover the costs of your teaching, assessment and operating college facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. They cover the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students or other such replacing body. All equipme. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
Entry requirements
A foundation degree or Counselling Diploma Level 5 (applicants with a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma may be acceptable with Accredited Prior Learning at level 5 or above. Foundation Degree in Counselling In addition, 450 hours of counselling training, a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice and 60 hours of personal counselling.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced theoretical knowledge of counselling models and approaches.
You'll critically evaluate research and evidence relevant to counselling practice.
You'll deepen your understanding of ethical frameworks in professional counselling.
You'll reflect on and analyse your own counselling practice.
You'll explore the relationship between theory and supervised client work.
You'll build skills in academic writing and research at degree level.
How you will learn
You'll study through classroom-based sessions at the Guildford campus. Learning is delivered through taught sessions, group discussion, and reflective practice. Assessment typically includes written assignments, case studies, and reflective portfolios that draw on your ongoing counselling practice. The programme integrates academic study with your existing client work and supervision.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Activate Learning Guildford will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counsellor. Work with clients in private practice or a service setting.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) counsellor. Provide workplace counselling support.
Voluntary sector counsellor. Work with charities or community organisations.
School or college counsellor. Support students' emotional wellbeing.
NHS Talking Therapies counsellor. Deliver counselling within primary care.
Bereavement counsellor. Specialise in supporting people through loss.
What you could study next
Master's degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy. The next academic step for counsellors wanting to deepen specialist knowledge or move toward psychotherapy practice.
BACP accreditation. Not a qualification but a professional recognition step many counsellors pursue after completing a degree and accumulating supervised practice hours.
Postgraduate Certificate in Supervision. Qualifies you to supervise other counsellors, a common career development route.
