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BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapies (top-up) (Full Time)

Marketing Title
14/09/2026
Format
11/06/2027
Format
Level 6
Full-Time
HS3506A19F (2026/2027)
Accrington & Rossendale College - Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington, BB5 2AS
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Course Information

Course Information
The BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapies (Top-Up) is designed for those ready to take their skills and knowledge in counselling to the next level. Building on your existing foundation, this course provides the opportunity to explore advanced theories, therapeutic models, and applied practice, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

With an emphasis on reflective practice, professional growth, and research-informed approaches, you will gain the confidence and competence needed to work effectively in diverse settings. The programme fosters critical thinking, ethical awareness, and personal development, equipping you with the tools to thrive in a profession where empathy, understanding, and professionalism are essential.

Whether your ambition is to progress into practice, pursue postgraduate training, or move into roles within mental health, education, or the wider helping professions, this degree opens the door to a rewarding career centred on supporting others.
Explore advanced counselling theories and psychotherapeutic models, applying them to contemporary practice.

Develop integrative approaches by critically evaluating different therapeutic frameworks.

Enhance your professional practice skills, including assessment, intervention, and ethical decision-making.

Strengthen your ability to work with diverse client groups across varied settings.

Conduct a research project, building expertise in evidence-based practice and contributing to professional knowledge.

Reflect on your personal and professional development, deepening self-awareness as a practitioner.

Build confidence in preparing for future practice or postgraduate study.
This programme is taught full-time over one year, combining lectures, seminars, and workshops with practical, skills-based learning. You will study at our University Centre, benefiting from small class sizes that encourage discussion, collaboration, and personalised support from experienced tutors. Purpose-built counselling pods provide a realistic environment to practice techniques and receive constructive feedback.

Alongside taught sessions, you will engage in independent research, reflective practice, and group work, developing both academic and professional confidence. The course is designed to balance theory with applied practice, preparing you to progress smoothly into employment or postgraduate study.
To join this top-up degree, you will need to have successfully completed a Foundation Degree, HND, or equivalent Level 5 qualification in Counselling or a closely related discipline. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate appropriate practical counselling experience, gained through placements or professional practice, to ensure readiness for advanced study.

We recognise the value of different educational and professional journeys. If you do not meet the typical academic profile, we welcome applications from those with relevant professional experience who can evidence their commitment and suitability for the course. All applicants will attend an interview as part of the admissions process.
Assessment is designed to showcase both your academic knowledge and professional competence. You will complete a variety of tasks, including essays, case studies, and reflective journals, allowing you to demonstrate critical understanding and self-awareness. Practical assessments will focus on counselling skills, observed in our dedicated counselling pods to mirror professional practice.

A key element of the course is an independent research project, giving you the opportunity to explore a topic of personal and professional interest in depth. Assessments are structured to build confidence, preparing you to progress into advanced study or professional counselling roles.
Outstanding Support – Benefit from one-to-one academic guidance, wellbeing services, and tailored careers advice throughout your studies.

Strong University Partnership – This degree is validated by Liverpool John Moores University.

Specialist Facilities – Access purpose-built learning environments including counselling pods, a VR suite, and a dedicated University Centre.

Proven Success – Students achieve some of the highest satisfaction and progression rates in the region, moving into employment or postgraduate study.

Financial and Practical Help – From bursaries and equipment loans to free breakfast and gym access, we provide wide-ranging support to help you succeed.
"Graduates of the BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapies (Top-Up) are well-prepared to progress into a wide range of rewarding roles within the mental health and wellbeing sector. Many move directly into practice as Counsellors in education, healthcare, or voluntary organisations, while others establish themselves in private practice.

Further opportunities include roles such as Mental Health Support Worker, Wellbeing Practitioner, or Addiction Recovery Counsellor. Ambitious graduates may continue into postgraduate study, including MSc or MA programmes in Psychotherapy, Counselling, or Clinical Psychology, paving the way towards advanced practice, leadership, or accreditation as a BACP-registered Counsellor.
You will study in a dedicated Higher Education Centre designed to provide a supportive, university-level learning experience. A highlight of the provision is our purpose-built Counselling Pods, which offer realistic, private spaces to develop and refine your therapeutic practice in a professional setting.

You’ll also benefit from access to the Learning Resource Centre, equipped with academic texts, digital tools, and expert support to enhance your research and reflective practice. Quiet study zones, IT suites, and welcoming common rooms create the ideal environment to focus, collaborate, and grow—helping you build the confidence and competence needed for a successful counselling career.
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