Summary

This is an innovative course which has been designed to meet the needs of students who wish to undertake the study of communication with a specific focus on its application within therapeutic and helping contexts.

This creative programme is for people who are interested in:

• Learning more about themselves and other people
• Developing their understanding of the areas of human growth and development; personal development; mental health and well-being
• Studying how we communicate as individuals and as groups
• Developing relationship building skills
• Gaining an understanding the complex nature of counselling as a professional activity and the contexts in which it occurs
• Acquiring a knowledge of therapeutic orientations and the philosophies and ethics which underpin them
• Gaining knowledge of the skills practised within counselling
• Developing their ability to undertake research projects

Career options

Our overall aim is that students develop knowledge and skills to enhance their prospects for employment, academic progress and continuing professional development.

The BSc Communication and Counselling Studies programme in itself is not counsellor training and will not provide the graduate with a professional counselling qualification but rather is concerned with equipping students with a knowledge base of therapeutic communication and associated counselling skills which can be built upon after graduation.

The programme provides an excellent springboard for students who wish to pursue professional counselling training and accreditation following graduation. It is also an excellent platform for graduates who wish to pursue further training for careers in a range of therapeutic or helping roles (social work, nursing, teaching, occupational therapy). The course can be used as a route into the area of more generic graduate schemes. It is ideal for graduate entry into careers such as the civil service, police, retail management or human resource management. Graduates will also have opportunities to apply for postgrad doctoral level research.

During your time at Ulster you will have opportunities to engage with our Employability and Careers staff for advice and support . Employability and careers staff provide tailored classes specifically for students on the BSc Communication and Counselling Studies, to support you with your career goals and aspirations. They will help you identify the skills and experience you need to gain along the way to enhance your CV and employability.