Peter Symonds' College

The Foundation Degree in Humanistic Counselling based on Transactional Analysis is designed for individuals seeking a recognised accredited qualification as a counsellor and the opportunity to develop personally and professionally, using Transactional Analysis theory as a main theoretical model. This course is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). 

In year 1 you will spend a minimum of an additional 8 hours a week on the course, although this will differ from individual to individual. This involves personal therapy, finding a placement, reading around the subject, maintaining a Personal Reflective Learning Journal and researching and assignment writing.

In Year 2 time will be spent in an approved agency undertaking 1:1 counselling with clients, attending agency supervision and possibly team days in the agency. Time will be spent also on preparation for supervision, research, preparation for presentations, reading around and assignment writing.

The BA (Hons) Humanistic and Integrative Counselling Top-Up course involves: 

• Attendance at 8 weekend modules (Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am – 5:30pm) along with an additional 9 additional Supervision Sundays.
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Students will be actively involved in the assessment processes through self, group and peer assessment. The major vehicle for assessment will be the Personal Reflective Learning Journal which students maintain throughout the course of the year. In addition to this there are formal written assessments one of which will involve research.

Modules include: 

• Professional Enquiry
• Clinical Practice and Professional Development and Ethics
• Expanding Vision and Practice
• Working with Brief Therapy
• Working with Couples and Relationships
• Working with Existential Dilemmas

The Masters in Integrative Psychotherapy is a part-time, 2-year programme that is designed for experienced counsellors wishing to take the next step in their career and become a psychotherapist. The course is written with SCOPED B and C requirements in mind. Attendance is one evening a week, plus one weekend per term. This course will be awarded by the Middlesex University (subject to validation). 

Assessment will include essays, reports, individual and group presentations, case studies, research reports and several work-based assignments. These strategies are designed to enable the development and application of key transferable skills in a practice-based, counselling setting. There are no examinations.

You will study the following Modules in Year 1:

• Personal and Professional Development (30 credits)
• Research Methodology in Counselling (30 credits)
• Enhancing and Embedding Practice (EEP) 45 credits. EEP 1: Exploration of Relating (Intersubjective Systems Theory and Philosophy), EEP2: Working with Difference: The Social Unconscious (Systemic Power Influence), EEP3: Exploration of Existence (Phenomenological Existential)
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Year 2 Modules:

• Personal and Professional Development (30 credits)
• Research Dissertation (30 credits)
• Designing and Developing Practice (DDP) 45 credits. DDP1: Working with Difference: Embodied Pluralism (Neurodiversity, Gender, Sexuality), DDP2: Exploration of Self (Intrapsychic Systems), DDP3: Exploration of the Effect of Trauma (Somatic Awareness)

The Childcare and Education Degrees are for people working in the following sectors:

Early Years

Early Years degree courses are designed for those working with children from birth, within the Early Years Foundation Stage, to the end of the Reception Year in Schools. It includes those working or wishing to work as nannies and child minders providing that the children being cared for are within the relevant age range. 

Special Educational needs & Disability (SEND)

SEND courses are designed for those working in schools with children from Early Years through to secondary age who have additional needs. Students on this course will explore a variety of contemporary topics and issues, such as behaviour management, social pedagogy and inclusive education. They will also carry out research relevant to their workplace.

Teaching & Learning Support

Teaching & Learning Support courses are designed for those working or wishing to work in schools with children in key stages 1 and 2 (children in years 1-6). Learners will explore a variety of contemporary topics and issues such as behaviour management, social pedagogy and inclusive education and will carry out research relevant to their workplace. Many of our Teaching & Learning students are working as Teaching Assistants and go on to gain their PGCE on completion of the BA Top-Up course. 

Within the Foundation Degrees you will cover the following modules in Year 1:

• Developing and enhancing academic skills
• Supporting curriculum delivery
• Developing education and pedagogical approaches
• Research skills
• Teaching and professionalism
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In Year 2, you will study: 

• Assessment in the curriculum
• Safeguarding, working with families and professionals
• Social pedagogy
• SEND and inclusive education
• Educational ethics and methodologies
• Understanding and managing behaviour

Whilst studying the BA, you will study the following modules:

• Research project within the curriculum pathway
• Managing social and emotional aspects of learning
• Exploring the philosophical dimensions of SEND within education and beyond or Teaching of Mastery
• Exploring contemporary issues
• Learning in the outdoor environment