Counselling Skills and Sociology BA (Hons)

Our dynamic Counselling Skills and Sociology combined honours degree is ideal for those wanting a deeper knowledge of the complexities of society, who also want to gain practical counselling skills and an understanding of therapeutic principles and approaches. You will be supported and empowered to develop a lifelong curiosity and unique way of looking at the world around you through a critical lens – a 'sociological imagination' – that will stay with you long after graduating.

In an ever-changing world grappling with diverse social challenges, there's a growing demand for informed, critical thinkers who can navigate these issues reflexively, and who can apply practical skills in doing so. Our curriculum is designed so that both subjects complement one another and give you a well-rounded, applied understanding of social inequalities and contemporary issues, and a deep insight into counselling theory and practice. You will be taught by staff who are actively engaged in sociological research and counselling practice, who bring this expertise to their teaching. 

The topics you study are engaging and current, including examining the role of key social forces such as the media, consumer culture and education system in shaping our lives, understanding racial inequalities and their historical and global context, and learning key principles and practical skills utilised by therapists to support a diverse range of individuals in various contexts.

You will learn about a range of counselling and therapeutic approaches, developing your self-awareness and ability to communicate with people in an ethical, empathic and professional way. It is a unique chance to study for a multidisciplinary degree with a strong practical and employable component.  

Studying this course provides you with a chance to gain knowledge of complex social issues, in addition to highly developed, embedded counselling skills to help others. It can provide the foundations for further therapeutic training for those who wish to continue onto professional counsellor qualification routes. It is a practical, reflective and academic course which combines theory with social and contextual considerations. You will be introduced to cutting-edge research and theoretical perspectives that will help you to challenge dominant and taken-for-granted understandings of social problems, issues and debates.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprising either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week, depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is primarily delivered in-person, with some online learning. You can expect to take part in interactive sessions comprising lecture content, task-based workshops and peer-led seminar discussions that enhance subject knowledge and build core skills.  

As a student, you will be involved in the design, delivery, and experience of your learning at university, recognising the importance of student agency and co-creation in education. Opportunities to collaborate in your learning process include student representation; feedback; inclusive teaching initiatives (such as workshops or discussions around making the curriculum more inclusive, where your input is crucial); student-led workshops and seminars; collaborative curriculum design; peer teaching; access to digital platforms where you can share resources; project-based learning (such as coursework projects where you will have choice over the topic); being part of a learning community with your fellow students; and having input into how these communities are structured and operate. 

Outside of timetabled teaching, you should expect to spend an average of 30-34 hours per week on independent study, which might include undertaking weekly learning activities for each module in your own time, undertaking wider reading, using the University's library, one-to-one tutorial time with staff, working with peers, and preparing work for summative assessments. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods to optimise learning and skill development for a diverse range of learners with unique needs and preferences, and to enable you to build a wide array of skills to thrive in the workplace. These will include formative assessment such as group tasks and discussions where you can receive feedback from lecturers and your peers to build your confidence and skills. Summative assessment will include written coursework, such as essays (short and long form, case study reports, and writing for public as well as academic audiences. In addition, summative assessment will focus on visual, verbal and practical skills, encompassing, for example, presentations and recordings of counselling skills practice.  

You will be given ongoing support with assessments throughout each module, in addition to being guided on how to utilise past feedback. We continuously review the assessment methods used, to ensure they are inclusive and engaging, and so that they equip you with all of the skills that graduate-level employers are looking for.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core – building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Job prospects

Studying Counselling Skills develops strong skills and knowledge which are transferable to a wide range of occupations. Graduates may pursue careers and training in a range of areas such as education, the police force, prison work, social work, law and retail management. Graduates may also pursue further therapeutic training or academic research. 

Below are some potential career paths and roles for Counselling Skills and Sociology graduates:  

• Life Coach: Help people make decisions and changes to reach their potential.
• Play Therapist: Help children and young adolescents to work through difficult life experiences.
• Social Worker: Promote people’s voices and seek to have a positive impact on an individual and their family's wellbeing.
• Charity worker: Help individuals and their communities to thrive.
• Youth worker: Guide and support young people in their personal, social and educational development.

Further certifications, experience, or advanced degrees may be required for the above roles.

Sociology graduates pursue diverse career paths including in the public sector and civil service, politics and government, social work, charity and advocacy work, public relations, advertising, market research, journalism, academia and teaching. The critical and analytical skills developed through studying Sociology are highly transferable and extremely sought after by employers. 

Progression options

MA Social Work

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.