PP0549 - The Skilled Helper

What will I learn on this module?

You will explore the theory and practice of a range of helping processes drawn from differing contexts and critical perspectives. Attention is given to individual approaches to helping and initiating change. This will include the exploration of counselling within specific contexts (e.g. Transcultural, feminist, online etc.) and representations of helping in the media. There will also be an opportunity to explore critical views of counselling paradigms that have been developed within the disabled people’s movement and other sociological perspectives.

How will I learn on this module?

You will attend a series of lectures and seminars to highlight key concepts and relevant underpinning theoretical models of helping appropriate to guidance and counselling practice. These sessions are supported by the Electronic Learning Portal where you can review key ideas from lectures, and contribute to online discussions. The online reading list will provided guidance as to key texts to support your learning. You will be provided with feedback on a practice of assignment writing prior to finally submitting the assignment

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module tutors will use online resources /electronic learning portal to provide support materials. Group tutorials to support work towards assignments will be provided. You will be provided with opportunities to submit work and obtain formative feedback on your writing and skill development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to articulate the challenges and opportunities afforded by different counselling modalities, including transcultural, online, and feminist approaches, as well as the critique of counselling developed in Critical Disability Studies and other sociological perspectives.
2. You will be able to evaluate representations of counselling and helping in the media

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will demonstrate the ability to collate evidence from a range of academic sources to sustain a clear argument in your study

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will develop an understanding of the ethical dimensions related to different modes of helping as studied within the module

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment: Peer and tutor feedback on written review review of video demonstrating aspects of counselling practice

The summative assignment will be an investigation of work within a specific modality, e.g. transcultural counselling, online counselling, feminist perspectives, mentoring, or of critical Disability Studies perspectives on counselling.
(MO 1,2,3,4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module explores the theory and practice of a range of helping processes drawn from differing theoretical and critical perspectives. This will include the exploration of counselling within specific contexts (e.g. Transcultural, feminist, and online modes of delivery.) and representations of helping in the media. You will analyse representations of counselling and therapeutic work and review these in the light of current best practice. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own interviewing skills and reflect upon them using video feedback. By undertaking this exciting module you will not only enhance your understanding of a variety of modes of helping others, but also practically develop your interviewing skills, thereby developing your own potential, valuable in the employment marketplace.

Course info

UCAS Code B9L9

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Communities and Education

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

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We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

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