The BA (Hons) Counselling (Top up) programme is designed to provide an academic pathway for individuals aspiring to work within the field of the counselling professions, within private, voluntary, independent and statutory sectors. The programme has been developed in response to continuing demand for counselling skills, training and mental health services in the region. The award reflects contemporary applications of humanistic counselling modalities and other approaches, applicable to a range of client needs and professional settings. It equips the practitioner with the knowledge and skills recommended for best practice within a range of primary care.The educational focus of the programme involves students building on existing knowledge and skills to enable their professional and academic development, and supports the concept of lifelong learning and continuing professional development.