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BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy (Top up) (Part Time)

Marketing Title
14/09/2026
Format
16/06/2028
Format
Level 6
Part-Time
HS3506A19P (2026/2028)
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 Psychotherapy (Top-Up) is designed for students who have completed a relevant Level 5 qualification and wish to progress to an Honours degree, developing the skills, knowledge, and professional confidence to practise as counsellors.

The programme provides a strong theoretical framework alongside the practical skills needed to work safely, ethically, and effectively within diverse counselling contexts. You will explore a wide range of approaches, attitudes, and techniques aimed at helping clients to increase their self-awareness, manage or resolve personal challenges, reconcile past experiences, and achieve personal growth and future goals.

You will also deepen your understanding of evidence-based practice and the importance of applying research and critical thinking to therapeutic work. By engaging with contemporary debates and professional practice, this degree prepares you to support clients with a variety of needs across settings such as education, healthcare, voluntary organisations, and private practice."
"• Morality and Personality
• Advanced Professional and Personal Development
• Supervision in Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Working with Trauma
• Dissertation
Learning is interactive and designed to combine theory with professional practice. You will engage in lectures, seminars, case studies, presentations, group work, and tutorials, all of which encourage the development of both knowledge and counselling skills. Lectures provide the underpinning frameworks and introduce key debates, while seminars and group activities create opportunities for discussion, reflection, and peer learning.

Practical workshops, role plays, and observations allow you to develop and refine counselling techniques in a supportive environment. Individual tutorials and supervision sessions provide tailored feedback and guidance, while independent study and research encourage you to deepen your understanding of theory and evidence-based practice.
The programme is aimed at graduating students from the Foundation Degree in Counselling Studies to provide an articulated progression route to Honours level study but candidates holding other level 5 qualifications may be admitted subject to a satisfactory mapping of their prior learning and the approval of the Faculty Recognition Group (FRG).
We would typically expect students to have completed their level 5 programme within 2 years of applying for the top-up.
Additional non-academic entry requirements:
• Interview.
• Most employers in this field expect their staff to have a current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. This is not a formal entry requirement, but candidates are advised that having criminal convictions (even if spent) may severely limit their employment prospects.
Essays and written assignments – demonstrating knowledge of theory and practice.

Projects, case studies, and portfolios – linking academic learning to practical counselling contexts.

Seminar papers and oral presentations – developing professional communication and reflective skills.

Role play and observed practice – evidencing competence in therapeutic techniques.

Independent dissertation – conducting an in-depth exploration of a counselling or psychotherapy topic of your choice.
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 the University of Cumbria.

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 Psychotherapy (Top-Up) are well-prepared for a wide range of professional pathways. This programme can lead to employment within the counselling and psychotherapy field, as well as roles in social work, welfare services, community work, public and private healthcare, probation, and social and health-related administration and management.

The degree also opens opportunities in further education teaching, training, and relevant careers within local government. Many graduates choose to pursue further professional development or postgraduate study, working towards accreditation with professional counselling and psychotherapy bodies. Longer term, this qualification provides a strong foundation for leadership roles or specialist practice within mental health and wellbeing services.
As a student on the BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy (Top-Up), you will study in our dedicated University Centre, equipped with modern classrooms, IT suites, and collaborative learning areas. The Learning Resource Centre provides access to specialist counselling texts, journals, and online databases, alongside expert support to develop your research and academic skills.

You will also benefit from access to specialist counselling training rooms, designed to replicate professional practice settings. These spaces provide opportunities for role play, observed sessions, and the development of practical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Alongside academic resources, you will have access to tailored wellbeing and academic support services to help you succeed throughout your studies.
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