This course offers modern, specialist clinical training in an authentic environment.
Through your studies, you’ll develop understanding in areas including child development, psychopathology, creative techniques, art materials and play. There's a focus on developing self-awareness too, so you'll engage in observed groups.
From Year 3 you'll complete a placement totalling 150 clinical hours.
The course is designed so that you develop British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) competences.
This course opens up exciting possibilities for you to work in mental health and associated fields.
You might work as a qualified counsellor, therapist, mental health worker or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) professional.
Alternatively, you could explore social work, pastoral care or education.
Teaching and modules
Develop your person-centred counselling skills, before progressing on to a clinical placement.
This course covers practical counselling skills, as well as exploring person-centred theory. There are opportunities to use play and art materials, and develop your own set of resources to support therapeutic creative expression.
You'll learn more about current therapeutic work, and the significance of early experiences on emotional well-being and mental health. You're also encouraged to reflect on your own practice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
Whole course
Foundation Skills for Counselling Children and Psychotherapy
Foundation Theory for Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy
Personality Theory
Counselling Practice (Young Person)
Personal Development and Peer Group Participation
Counselling Practice (Child)
Historical Perspectives - Counselling Children and Young People
As well as conventional forms of assessment, you’ll keep personal journals which our tutors will review every week.
Facilities
Benefit from the support of a high-quality counselling and therapy service.
While studying, you'll be based at Renew Counselling in the centre of Chelmsford.
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English.
All candidates must include in their written applications, commentaries about relevant experience of working with young children and/or young people and their rationale for wanting to undertake the course.
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.
To receive an offer of a place on this course you must be successful at interview.
Alternatives
Entry to the course through accreditation by Anglia Ruskin University of prior learning will also be considered.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
Fees and funding
£4,767UK students starting 2025/26 (part-time, per year)
Part-time fee notes
Part-time course fees assume that you’re studying at half the rate of a full-time student (50% intensity, or 60 credits per year). Course fees will be different if you study over a longer period, or for more credits. All fees are for guidance purposes only. Your offer letter will contain full details of credits and fees, or you can contact us if you'd like more information.
Paying your tuition fees If you're a UK student, you don't need the money to pay for university now.
If you accept an offer to study at university, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your course fees.
Both full-time and part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. You'll start repaying the loan in the April after you graduate.
