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

Marketing Title
Level 6
Full-Time
HS3506A26F (2026/2027)
14/09/2026
Format
11/06/2027
Format
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) enables students with an appropriate Level 5 counselling qualification to extend their existing knowledge and skills to honours degree level.

You will critically explore advanced counselling and psychotherapy practice, including trauma, supervision, morality, personality and continuing professional development. You will also complete an independent dissertation on a counselling, psychotherapy, psychology or health-related subject of your choice.

The programme places a strong emphasis on ethical practice, professional judgement, personal awareness, critical reflection and the integration of research, theory and practice.
You will develop your ability to:

• critically evaluate counselling and psychotherapy theories, frameworks and techniques;
• analyse the therapeutic relationship and approaches used with diverse clients;
• understand the psychological, behavioural and emotional effects of trauma;
• evaluate evidence-based approaches for supporting people affected by trauma;
• understand the purpose, processes and ethical responsibilities of supervision;
• critically examine morality, personality, character and the factors influencing individual behaviour;
• reflect on your own values, strengths, limitations and professional development;
• facilitate personal development activities within a group setting;
• apply the BACP Ethical Framework and organisational practice standards; and
• design and undertake an independent research project.

The programme consists of 120 Level 6 credits.

Modules:
• Dissertation – 40 credits
• Morality and Personality – 20 credits
• Advanced Professional and Personal Development – 20 credits
• Supervision in Counselling and Psychotherapy – 20 credits
• Working with Trauma – 20 credits
The course is offered full-time over one year and is delivered face-to-face at Accrington Campus.

Teaching and learning activities include:
• lectures and seminars;
• group discussions and tutorials;
• presentations and case studies;
• practical and experiential activities;
• role play and skills-based learning;
• personal and professional reflection;
• independent reading and research; and
• individual dissertation supervision.

You will be expected to engage actively in reflective and experiential learning and to undertake independent study outside scheduled teaching sessions.
Applicants who have successfully completed the LJMU FdA Counselling Studies delivered by East Lancashire UC may be considered for entry to Level 6 of the programme.

Applicants holding an alternative Level 5 qualification in counselling may also be considered. This will be subject to satisfactory mapping of prior learning and approval through Liverpool John Moores University’s recognition of prior learning arrangements.

Applicants with an alternative Level 5 qualification would normally be expected to have completed it within two years of applying. Applicants progressing from the LJMU FdA Counselling Studies would normally be expected to apply within five years of completing that programme.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview to consider their academic readiness and their understanding of the personal, ethical and professional demands of the programme.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check is not a formal entry requirement. However, you must obtain a satisfactory DBS check before undertaking any placement or practice-based activity. Criminal convictions, including spent convictions, may significantly restrict the placements and employment opportunities available to you.
Assessment takes place through academic, practical and reflective work.

Assessment methods include:

• essays and written reports;
• case study presentations;
• seminar presentations and supporting rationales;
• practical skills assessments;
• reflective portfolios;
• observed supervision practice;
• a dissertation proposal presentation; and
• an independent dissertation.

There are no formal written examinations.

The dissertation is assessed through a mid-year presentation and a final written dissertation. You may undertake either a primary research project or a literature-based dissertation, subject to approval and appropriate ethical review.
Ethical and professional practice is embedded throughout the programme. You will critically engage with the BACP Ethical Framework, professional boundaries, supervision, safeguarding, reflective practice and responsibility to clients.

East Lancashire Learning Group holds organisational accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. BACP Organisational Accreditation is a recognised quality standard relating to the management and delivery of counselling and psychotherapy services. It does not mean that the BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy is a BACP-accredited training course.

Students may choose to apply for BACP membership, subject to meeting BACP’s eligibility requirements and paying any applicable membership fee. Membership may provide access to professional guidance, research, resources and continuing professional development opportunities.
Graduates who meet BACP’s eligibility requirements may apply for individual membership. As the programme is not a BACP-accredited course, applicants would normally need to pass BACP’s Certificate of Proficiency before applying to join the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
BACP membership, the Certificate of Proficiency and registration are separate from the academic award. They are not automatic and remain subject to BACP’s requirements at the time of application.
Additional costs may include an appropriate DBS check, professional membership, travel connected with professional or practice-based activity and any other requirements associated with individual placements or employment.
Learn more about this course in the LJMU course catalogue: link to be confirmed in September 2026.
This programme is validated by Liverpool John Moores University.
Upon completion of the programme, one certificate will be issued by LJMU.
Upon completion of the programme, a graduation ceremony will be arranged by East Lancashire UC.

The fees for our courses are:
• Full time - £9,525 per year
• Part Time - £4,763 per year

The course fees are payable to East Lancashire Learning Group.
The programme supports continued professional development and progression within counselling, psychotherapy and related services.

Relevant areas may include:
• counselling and psychotherapy services;
• mental health and wellbeing support;
• community and voluntary organisations;
• education and student support services;
• health and social care organisations;
• family and relationship support; and
• independent or portfolio practice.

Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study, specialist professional training, research or further development in counselling supervision.

Completion of the programme does not automatically provide BACP registration or guarantee entry to a particular job, professional role or further course. Employers, universities and professional bodies may require additional training, supervised practice, experience, membership or registration.
Students have access to:

• dedicated counselling pods for practical and reflective activities;
• teaching rooms suitable for seminars, group work and role play;
• library and higher education study facilities;
• individual study spaces;
• computers and digital learning resources;
• books, professional journals and online research materials;
• the Virtual Learning Environment for course materials, assessments and feedback; and
• academic, careers, wellbeing and student support services.
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