BSc (Hons) Integrative Counselling
We offer a three year BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling, validated by Middlesex University. This programme was developed and is delivered and assessed by Matrix, and is awarded by and quality assured by Middlesex University. Our course was re-validated by Middlesex University in July 2024.
The final stage of the BSc award can take up to a year to complete after a student finishes the taught aspect of the course in Year 3.
This is at FHEQ level 4. Completion gains you 120 University credits, a Certificate in Counselling Skills and possible entry into Year 2.
This year is composed of twelve units and one seminar. It is for people who have little or no experience in the use of counselling skills, who may seek one or more of the following:
- Personal development of self and relationships
- Development of counselling skills in the course of their work
- Further training as a counsellor
- University credits and a first year of training of a BSc (Hons) degree in Integrative Counselling.
Year 1 Topics
- Introduction to Integrative counselling concepts
- Enquiry of self
- Introduction to research
- Enquiry of other
- Giving & Receiving feedback
- The Humanistic Approach
- The Psychodynamic approach
- The Cognitive Behavioural approach
- The relationship as the integrating factor
- The Therapeutic Frame and the Working Alliance
- Introduction to developmental processes
- Introduction to ethics; non-oppressive practice; power, prejudice, and socio-political concerns
- Counselling and the law
Written work
- 12000 word personal learning journal
- 2 x 2500 word essays
- 2000 word self assessment
- 250 word peer assessment (per group member)
Entry requirements
- A few years’ work and life experience
- The ability to work at FHEQ level 4, this means applying knowledge and skills in a range of activities, making reasoned judgements and be self directive. We expect students to be personally ready to undertake the demands of our course.
- 2 x character references
If you are in recovery from addiction, please contact Ian Argent to discuss your application – ian@matrix.ac.uk.
This is at FHEQ level 5. Completion gains you 240 University Credits, a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and possible entry onto Year 3. There is the option to exit at the end of Yr 2 with either a Dip HE in Integrative Counselling or a Dip HE in Professional Studies.
This year is composed of twelve units and three seminar days. It is for people who have completed Year 1 or an equivalent training and who may be seeking one or more of the following:
- Personal development of self and relationships
- Further development of refined counselling skills in the course of their work
- Further training as a counsellor
- University credits and a second year of training of a BSc (Hons) degree in Integrative Counselling
Year 2 Topics
- Clarkson’s relational framework with focus on the Working Alliance
- Attachment theory
- Introduction to practice and ethical frameworks.
- Initial client contact, assessment, contracting and supervision
- Transactional Analysis
- Short-term work
- The Transferential Relationship
- Trauma
- The reparative relationship
- Working at relational depth
- Working with suicidal ideation
- Anti oppressive practice; working with difference & diversity, issues of power & privilege
- Integrating CBT; Reviewing and evaluating research
- Integration
- Loss and Bereavement; endings and their significance in the counselling relationship
Written work
- 12000 word personal learning journal
- 2 x 4000 word essays
- 2000 word self assessment
- 250 word peer assessment (per group member)
- 2000 word self assessment
In addition for the Diploma HE in Integrative Counselling exit award there is a 5000 word case study.
Entry requirements
- Completion of the Matrix certificate year or the equivalent
- The ability to work at FHEQ level 5, this means showing an ability to develop a rigorous approach to the acquisition to a broadbase of knowledge and skills, making reasoned judgements, and directing own learning. We expect students to be personally ready to undertake the demands of our course.
- 1 x character reference
- 1 x academic/professional reference
If you are in recovery from addiction, please contact Ian Argent to discuss your application – ian@matrix.ac.uk.
This is at FHEQ level 6. Completion gains you 360 University Credits, a BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling and eligibility to become a UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (on completion of 450 client hours).
This year is composed of twelve units and three seminar days. It is for people who have completed the training requirements of Year 2 or an equivalent training and who may be seeking one or more of the following:
- Further development of theoretical underpinning of practice
- Employment as a counsellor in an agency or in private practice
- University credits and a BSc (Hons) degree in Integrative Counselling
If you APL into Year 3 you will not be eligible to apply for UKCP registration at the end of the course. However you may meet the requirements for BACP accreditation.
Year 3 Topics
- Importance of intersubjective theory for clinical practice. Reciprocal relationships, the dialogic and mutuality of the therapeutic relationship.
- Unconscious process revisited. Enactments. Linking theory to clinical practice.
- Existentialism
- Further client assessment and formulation. The theory of change. Linking ongoing client presentation to integrative theory.
- The cycle of awareness and interruptions to contact
- The transpersonal relationship. Dream work
- Common presenting issues
- Psyche and soma. Using body process and counsellor’s use of self to enhance contact with clients
- Shame and interpersonal rupture
- Talking about sex. Working with the erotic transference.
- Counselling research
- Mental health, introduction to personality disorder and other ways of being
- Personal, professional and theoretical relational integration
- Working creatively – theory and practice
Written work
- 12000 word personal learning journal
- 2 x 4000 word essay
- 2 x 500 words written exercise
- Research proposal
- 6000 word case study (and viva assessment)
Entry requirements
- Completion of the Matrix diploma year or the equivalent, with a minimum of 20 supervised practice hours
- The ability to work at FHEQ level 6, this means showing an ability to develop a rigorous approach to the acquisition to a broad base of knowledge and skills, be able to critically review and create a coherent body of knowledge and skills suitable for their own individual work context and personality, making reasoned judgements, and directing own learning. We expect students to be personally ready to undertake the demands of our course
- 1 x character reference
- 1 x academic/professional reference
If you are in recovery from addiction, please contact Ian Argent to discuss your application ian@matrix.ac.uk
BSc (Hons) Programme Specification
Programme SpecificationApplications
Next Taster Session Monday 9th December 6 – 9pm, to book a place, please email annabel@matrix.ac.uk
How to apply
