Counselling Skills and Sociology BA Hons

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Course Summary

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.

Why You'll Love It

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You'll have the opportunity to put theory into practice

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What You'll Study

The Counselling Skills and Sociology degree course offers an in-depth understanding of the key social issues and challenges affecting our lives today and, in the future, alongside giving you the practical skills needed to explore and respond to such issues independently.

Sociology

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop an understanding of what sociology is, key themes within the discipline, and how sociologists look at and study the world using theory and research skills.

Another core subject you will explore concerns the role of media in contemporary society and the way that different groups are represented. You will also consider global inequalities and environmental changes, enabling you to participate in debates on ecology and climate change. 

Counselling Skills

You will develop an understanding of various ethical issues within counselling, such as confidentiality, informed consent, boundaries, and working with risk. We explore all stages of the counselling process, from beginnings to endings, and incorporate reflective practice to support you in understanding your own beliefs and values in relation to ethics. 

You will be introduced to the 'core values' and begin to understand how these create and sustain the helping process. With this understanding, you will work with your peers to practise your own counselling skills.

Modules

This module provides an introduction to the basic principles, key concepts, and key theories that underpin the use of counselling skills. Students are introduced to the ‘core values’ and begin to understand how these create and sustain the helping process. With this understanding, students will work with their peers to practice their own counselling skills.

This module provides students with an understanding of various ethical issues within counselling, such as confidentiality, informed consent, boundaries, and working with risk. We explore all stages of the counselling process, from beginnings to endings, and incorporate reflective practice to support students in understanding their own beliefs and values in relation to ethics.

This module provides an introduction to sociological and social theory, as well as key sociological concepts, and demonstrates the breadth of sociological investigation in contemporary society. It considers the making of social identities – both individual and collective with a focus on theorising social divisions, in particular diversity and inequality. The module proposes thematic applications of social science, including education, work and leisure, consumption, culture, knowledge and belief, impairment, normalcy and disability, as well as the body, health and medicine.

Additionally, the module considers the making of Sociology as a discipline, reflecting upon the considerable roles that modernity and colonialism have played in its development and direction. The module also fosters an understanding of the contributions of authors from within and beyond the sociological canon in thinking about what is next for sociological research.

Alongside fostering the requisite sociological knowledge, the module equips students with core academic skills.

Explore how media shapes public perceptions, in particular in reference to deviance in this dynamic sociology and criminology module. "Media and the Representation of Deviance" delves into the influence of both traditional and contemporary media platforms on societal views, looking in particular at deviance, from crime to inequality, mental health and politics. Students will examine key academic literature and theories, learning to critically analyse concepts such as agenda-setting, news values, and media framing, as well as influential models like Chomsky and Herman's propaganda model and moral panic theory. The module covers the evolution of media, from its historical roots to the complex world of social media, examining the power dynamics in media ownership, the regulatory landscape, and the framing of social issues. Through case studies, students will apply theoretical insights to real-world examples, understanding how media representations impact public opinion and influence policy on topics like mental health, poverty, welfare, and crime. By the module's end, students will be equipped to construct well-supported arguments on the role of media in shaping social inequalities, understand its power in influencing societal outcomes, and critically reflect on emerging trends in media representation. This module is essential for anyone interested in understanding the media’s role in constructing narratives around deviance and its broad impact on society.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 2, you are offered opportunities to put your learning into practice through real-world experience to support and develop your future career plans. This includes the chance to gain relevant work experience, study abroad, engage with a research project, or learn a language. 

Counselling Skills

The course focuses on building on the knowledge of counselling theory and practice and personal development gained in Year 1, learning about a variety of counselling and therapeutic perspectives, and understanding the counselling process for groups with varied life experiences and at different stages of the life cycle. This provides the theoretical foundation for the further development of practical counselling skills.

You will explore issues relating to an individual's experience during the life span, drawing on theories such as those of loss, attachment, and adversity, as well as provide opportunities to discuss specific presenting issues. You will begin to understand the relationship between counselling theory and specific presenting issues, such as anxiety, depression, shame and trauma. Alongside this, you will continue to develop your practical counselling skills.

Sociology

In Year 2 (Level 5), you will build on your learning and skills, by engaging in theoretically informed debates on contemporary social issues such as mobilities, globalisation, status, social class, and decolonisation. You will also study race, ethnicity, nationality and citizenship in a historical perspective that takes account of power and inequalities. This entails an exploration of how human mobility and the categorisations of groups of people transform societies, and how these social phenomena can contribute to and explain continued social inequalities.

You will advance your understanding of sociological theory through informed debates on contemporary social issues. You will explore topics such as mobilities, globalisation, status, social class, and decolonisation, focusing on applying theory to real-life situations. 

Modules

This module allows students to build a more in-depth understanding of the complexities of social life, by learning a range of social theories, and building the capacity to critically approach social issues and their theorisations.

Within the module, students learn about the fundaments of sociological theories and the main schools of thought within Sociology, as well as how social theory applies to different social domains, such as class, gender and power. Further, students learn about social theory as a practice. This includes developing a critical capacity to examine the advantages and disadvantages of different social theories, and how they can help us to understand the real world. It also includes approaching theories not for their own sake, but as tools that can be used to understand social situations, from establishing formal sociological research projects, to translating social theory to approach practical issues. In particular, attention is given to how social theory can aid an understanding of how social issues can affect people differently according to their social position, background and needs.

Over the course of the module, students will both work on specific academic readings, and learn to develop theoretical frameworks to inform research projects.

This module offers students an understanding of the interactions between race, ethnicity and migration in the contemporary governance of global injustice, inequality, and in the structuring of society. It introduces students to race and ethnicity as fluid and contradictory categories, and as social constructions with real social and legal consequences. It further discusses migration, both as a range of practices and relations that people enact, and as a system of governance that manages inequality in the freedom to move, and in life opportunities.

The module approaches race and ethnicity to show the global variation of the concepts, going beyond the criteria used in the Global North and in anglophone contexts. It further discusses migration, both in terms of different practices of global mobility and participation and society, and in terms of specific aspects of governance, from border controls and migrant detention, to the attribution of citizenship rights. It also explores how systemic inequities in race and ethnicity intersect with criminal justice practices, influencing outcomes such as policing, sentencing, and incarceration.

The module introduces students to how race, ethnicity, and migratory experience and background can lead to diversity in the impact of social issues. It encourages students to critically examine the ways in which race, ethnicity, and migration inform societal responses to crime, law enforcement, and broader patterns of injustice. The module further guides students to consider life histories and the mutual relation between social concepts and individual biographical experiences.

The main purpose of this module is develop your practical counselling skills. Students are introduced to a range of skills to support this development, and working with peers from the course, will begin to embed these within a distinct helping relationship.

This module will develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of counselling theories and processes. It will address issues relating to an individual's experience during the life span, drawing on theories such as those of loss, attachment, and adversity, as well as provide opportunities to discuss specific client issues, such as trauma, anger, and shame.

This experiential module is designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic studies. This module aims to bridge the gap between personal social missions, theory and practice, equipping students with critical awareness, essential skills and experiences for their future plans, including employment, further study and other ventures. The module is enriched through partnership working between academics and others working in a range of organisations promoting social impact. Students will have opportunities to foster their own social missions, develop and apply academic understanding and key skills through working on real-world projects. Key components of teaching and learning include:

Real-World Projects: Students engage in projects that address actual challenges faced by organisations, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and key skills in practical settings.
Service Learning: Initiatives that combine community service with learning objectives, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.
Reflective Practices: Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences through journals, discussions, and skills analyses to enhance critical thinking and personal growth.
Networking Opportunities: A range of networking opportunities will be shared that students can engage in during independent study to build sector insights and develop their networks.
Skills workshops: Experts will deliver Social Impact Leadership workshops giving insight into personal success and challenges in their paths and teaching key skills towards success.
Career Guidance workshops: Knowledge from Career Experts will underpin career guidance to support students to develop personalised plans for actioning towards aspirations, including employment, further study and other aspirations.

This module aims to empower students with the tools and resources necessary to secure meaningful employment and embark on successful careers.

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Choose one of the following:
1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting. The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff. All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means: Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc) Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement. All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer. The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.
2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
3. One of the following Language options:	Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts.
Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional The multiple facets of global citizenship Ethical engagement and practice The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity Intercultural communication Culture shock Cultural adjustment Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad. Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical. Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC. Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future. Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.
Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include: The multiple facets of Global citizenship Ethical engagement and practice Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity Intercultural communication Theories, models and strategies of learning Theories and models Intercultural competence Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection Experiential learning models Self-directed experiential learning Personal and placement-related skills Enhanced independence Improved command of multicultural behaviour Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity Effective time management and organisational skills Project management – working away from University and independent study Self-management and personal development Team building and team work Part B: Overseas Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours.
Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country.
Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country.

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional

3. One of the following Language options:

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts.

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

The multiple facets of global citizenship
Ethical engagement and practice
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Intercultural communication
Culture shock
Cultural adjustment
Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:

The multiple facets of Global citizenship
Ethical engagement and practice
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Intercultural communication
Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
Experiential learning models
Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

Enhanced independence
Improved command of multicultural behaviour
Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
Effective time management and organisational skills
Project management – working away from University and independent study
Self-management and personal development
Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours.

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country.

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country.

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

University Placement Year Optional
Subject Placement Year Optional
International University Placement Year Optional

Counselling Skills

You will learn about theories of multiculturalism, diversity and discrimination which impact the counselling context. This will involve critically reflecting on how such issues come into play and are navigated in the helping relationship. Furthermore, you will consider the role of social science outside of academia, and its potential to promote positive social change through engaging the public and making social scientific knowledge more accessible.

You will explore a range of careers within the field of counselling and perform a critical examination of those roles within their specific context. You will begin to explore the concept of multicultural competence, and how this relates to the counselling relationship, through learning about pertinent issues of social justice, such as intersectionality and power. You can choose to undertake a research project exploring a highly relevant social issue of concern to Counselling Skills.
You will also get the chance to consolidate your knowledge and skills through undertaking an independent project on a key counselling-related issue of your choice, with continued support and guidance from experienced staff. 

Sociology

In Year 3 (Level 6), key topics explored include the sociology of consumption, where you will engage in critical consideration and reflection on the predominance of consumer culture in our everyday lives, and the social and ecological implications of this.

This will involve critical discussions of the role of dominant power interests in shaping public knowledge of social issues and inequalities, and the potential of social science to provide counter-narratives and advocate for marginalised communities. Education is another key topic, where you will critically evaluate its role in society, placing such debate within the wider context of neoliberalism, capitalism and postmodern thinking.

You will examine how social scientists can promote social change. You will explore the role of power in framing social issues, the challenges of public social science, and the responsibilities of social scientists to educate and advocate for marginalised communities. You will develop skills in effectively communicating to diverse audiences. 

You will explore contemporary challenges in the education system in relation to social capital and equality of opportunity, analysing some of the barriers educators and students face in supporting students to reach potential and access opportunities.
Theoretical understandings span across all three years of study, in which you will build the ability to apply and appraise theory in reference to a variety of real-world problems.

Modules

This level 6 major project module will take students on a transformative journey that will enhance their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and academic writing. Students will learn about the philosophical foundations of social research and will be able to reflect on their own philosophical and methodological standpoint. Research design, ethical issues and methodological tensions will be covered throughout the first two terms of this module. A practical focus on quantitative and qualitative data analysis will aid students to become career ready for the research sector. Teaching will be face to face in small groups, where students will work with peers to consider the staged process of research design and apply what they have learnt to real world research phenomena. Once students have developed their knowledge and understanding of research methods and data analysis techniques, they will embark on their own piece of research under the guidance of an academic supervisor. By writing a substantial piece of independent research students will gain essential skills in research methodology, data analysis, and academic writing that will serve them throughout their academic and professional career.

This module brings together the three strands of counselling skills: skills practice, theory, and personal development, developing students understanding of how the three elements come together and how they might be applied in the context of future careers. Students are taught advanced counselling concepts, demonstrating how they are applied in context, and are given the opportunity to practise the concepts themselves. Students are given the opportunity to reflect the process and their future careers.

This module introduces students to the sociology of consumption and encourages critical consideration of the rise and continued predominance of consumer culture in our everyday lives, and its implications. The module situates mass consumption historically, tracing expansion of the consumer society in Western capitalist economies during the twentieth century, and exploring the impacts of subsequent developments, such as globalisation, neoliberalism and technological advancements. It introduces students to various theoretical approaches within the sociology of consumer culture and encourages students to critically engage with theories and debates surrounding key topics, including advertising, consumer sites and spaces, brands, identity, social exclusion, debt, and sustainable consumption. Throughout, students are encouraged to critically consider the wider implications of the prominence of consumer culture, globally, environmentally, socially and individually, and to apply their own critical reflections, observations and experiences in their evaluation of each of the topics and theories covered.

This module on International Political Economy is concerned with the (re)production of power and wealth within the contemporary world order. The module explores complex questions and global challenges that are rooted in an understanding of power, international relations and economy. Students are asked to think critically about how the politics of the international economy is governed and through an evaluation of power and inequality. Such questions include: Why and how does the politics and economics of the world take its current form? In what ways do the structural features of the world economy shape power and visa versa, and with what consequences? In what ways does the international political economy create uneven consequences and shape interactions in the international community? Case studies will be drawn from across the world and, in particular, from Latin America. Indicative content includes:

Theoretical Approaches of IPE: Orthodox, Critical and Radical theories.
The Subject of International Political Economy and its Methods
The Evolution of the IPE: Empires and mercantilism; economic liberalism; the liberal economic order; Pax Britannica, industrial capitalism and imperialism; Power, Contemporary capitalism and global governance – who does the governing?; contemporary imperialism.
Bretton Woods Institutions; the Washington Consensus, Post-Washington Consensus and Critique; Dismantling Embedded Liberalism; States, Markets and Institutions.
Key issues, global challenges and responses in the IPE: Globalization and its discontents; North-South Relationships; International Trade, Finance and Development; Transnational Production; Global Division of Labour; Sustainable Development; International Security, Conflict and Migration; Culture, Indigeneity and IPE; Resistance to the Global norms; Climate change and energy security; the IPE of ideas and knowledge production

The aims of this module are four-fold:

To provide an in-depth understanding of the historical development of the IPE.
To provide a critical analysis of the main institutional and structural contours of the global political economy and the effects of these.
To offer perspectives and insights that engage with, stand in contrast to and challenge dominant paradigms about power dynamics within the global political economy.
To provide a sophisticated understanding of global issues and challenges through mainstream, critical and radical theories of IPE.

Education has long been established as a means of achieving greater equality for all, with educational policy positioned as egalitarian. This module critically explores education’s identity within contemporary contexts of neoliberalism, capitalism and postmodernity. It includes an exploration of the possibilities and barriers to emancipatory education, including globalisation, technological advancements, and contemporary educational improvement agendas.

The module invites students to consider how their personal biographies relate to both contemporary and legacy educational policy agendas. The module utilises critical social theory to debate the impact of educational reform, and the social and structural forces that drive it. The module also considers the social conditions required for education to deliver greater equality, and the impact that curriculum design has upon social mobility.

What role do social sciences play beyond the University? This module introduces students to the key discussions in public social science. You will be encouraged to consider the possibilities and challenges sociologists face in engaging with the public and contributing to social change. Where do sociological/ criminological ideas and theories originate from, who do they serve, and, most importantly, what impact can they have?

We will examine how sociologists and criminologists approach public social science, both historically and today, critically evaluating the institutional structures that shape it, including funding, influence, and policy considerations. Students will explore the role of current sociological and criminological research in driving social change and informing policy across diverse sectors. Together, we'll discuss the major social challenges that public social scientists encounter today.

The module also encourages you to think about life after University, considering the responsibilities and opportunities you have as a social science graduate to bring your sociological and criminological insight to the world. In line with this focus, assessments will test a variety of skills beyond traditional essays.

This module develops students’ critical understanding of the wider social, political and cultural issues which both challenge and inform the helping relationship. This increased understanding enables students to consider the implications for the helping relationship, leading to a greater awareness of the issues which inform and shape the lives of the helper and helpee.

This module explores a range of organisations where counselling skills are used, and considers how the dynamics and culture within these organisations effects the use of those counselling skills. Students are introduced to a range of careers within the field of counselling and perform a critical examination of those roles within their specific context.

How You'll Learn

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.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff	112 points
GCE A Level	Typical offer – BCC-BBC
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
International Baccalaureate	28 points
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers - BBBB
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level	Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Students often elect to purchase a laptop, where students choose to do so, the cost it likely to be around £800-£1000.

Most software specific to your course is available free to students through agreements we have with the software vendors.

Occasional, optional, field trips may be offered, depending on student demand, these are typically within the UK and where chargeable the cost is likely to be under £100. Students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course.

Who You’ll Learn From

Emily Fozard

Senior Lecturer

Dr Nancy Evans

Lecturer

Dr Joe Rigby

Senior Lecturer

Dr Kim Ross

Deputy Head

Dr Djordje Sredanovic

Lecturer

Amanda Mcgarry

Senior Lecturer

Dr Paul French

Lecturer

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Accommodation

Catering

Your Future Career

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.

Counselling Skills and Sociology BA (Hons)

Don't Settle, Strive

Quality Checked

Course Summary