The Masters research year allows counselling practitioners qualified to post-graduate level (or equivalent) to enhance and deepen their knowledge. The research proposal allows students to begin to formulate research questions and make informed choices about research methodologies. It also requires students to critically review the literature in the area they propose to study. Ethical and legal considerations will be explored in depth and required ethical clearance obtained. Proposals will have a clear theoretical grounding and will be placed in historical and philosophical contexts. Presenting research proposals to tutors and peers will afford students to further develop their proposed project.

Self-directed learning is a major part of the MSc year. There will be opportunities for giving and obtaining peer feedback, as well as tutor-led discussion groups and personal tutorials. Attendance will be flexible in accordance with student need and tutor availability.

Counselling textbooks
Learning Resource Centre
Access to video/DVD recording and playing equipment

Etherington K (2004) Becoming a Reflexive Researcher: Using Our Selves in Research: London: Jessica Kingsley
Hart, C (1998) Doing a Literature Review. London: Sage
Loewenthal D, Winter D (2006) What Is Psychotherapeutic Research? (UKCP Karnac)
McLeod J (2003) Doing Counselling Research (2nd Edn). London:Sage
McLeod J (2003). Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Sage

Internal candidates need to have completed 105 credits and can complete the Postgraduate Psychotherapeutic Diploma whilst studying for this module.
External candidates need to have achieved the full Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling prior to beginning this module.

Summative assessment: 1. A 3,000 word REPORT weighted at 100%

These assessment ask students to: 1. demonstrate their ability to conceive of a research proposal 2. carry out a substantive literature review 3. make considered choices about appropriate research methodologies 4. provide a scheme of work for addressing research questions Formative assessment Tutor and peer feedback will be important in shaping students? analytical stance towards the topic they have chosen to research in more depth.

The Masters research year allows counselling practitioners qualified to post-graduate level (or equivalent) to enhance and deepen their knowledge. The research proposal allows you to begin to formulate research questions and make informed choices about research methodologies. It also requires you to critically review the literature in the area they propose to study. Ethical and legal considerations will be explored in depth and required ethical clearance obtained. Proposals will have a clear theoretical grounding and will be placed in historical and philosophical contexts. Presenting research proposals to tutors and peers will allow you to further develop your proposed project.