In the research proposal module students to begin to formulate research questions and make informed choices about research methodologies. It requires students to critically review the literature in the area they propose to study and reflect on their own interest and influence on the project.. Ethical and legal considerations will be explored in depth and required ethical clearance obtained. The research topic proposed will have a clear theoretical grounding and will be placed in historical and philosophical contexts. There is ongoing reflection on the role of a researcher and on links between the researcher and the topic. Students are encouraged to complete a reflective journal including creative elements as a method of reflexivity
Students reflect on the practical aspects of carrying out research activities and propose a timeline for completion of the research and the dissertation. This aids a smooth transition into the active research process in the dissertation module.
The ethics form is completed alongside the preparation for the research project and writing of the introduction, refelction and research plan.

1.Demonstrate critical and systematic understanding of the research process and ability to critically evaluate a range of research methods.

Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding

2.Demonstrate critical reflection and originality in applying relevant research methods to your own counselling research area, showing ability to clearly communicate your rationale for choice of topic and method in the context of current literature.

Reflection, learning, application, communication

3.Evaluate ethical dilemmas and implications of judgements made in planning your research project, showing appropriate decision making in the context of counselling research .

Reflection, application, learning

4.Demonstrate application of knowledge, practical understanding, initiative and personal responsibility in creating a timeline of research activities and writing.

Reflection, application, problem solving

Computer and projection facilities for lectures
Break out rooms for group work
Access to Learning Resource Centre and library facilities

BACP (2019) Ethical Guidelines for Research in the Counselling Professions. Lutterworth: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Etherington, K. (2004). Becoming a reflexive researcher: Using ourselves in research. London: Jessica Kingsley.
McLeod, J. (2022) Doing Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: SAGE
Plus texts relevant to the research topic and methodology

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
Prior experiences and/or alternative qualifications may be accepted where possible

The proposal module allows counselling practitioners qualified to post-graduate level (or equivalent) to enhance and deepen their knowledge in the field of counselling research. This includes ethical decision making, carrying out a literature review in an area of interest relevant to counselling and reflecting on the philosophical and practical aspects of research.
The research proposal introduces students to a variety of research methodologies. They begin to formulate research questions and make informed choices about relevant approaches to researching their chosen topic. They critically review and report on the literature in the chosen area. Ethical and legal considerations will be explored in depth to enable application for ethical approval of the proposed counselling research project.

There are two elements of assessment for this module:

Proposal words 3000 Words (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4):

This will include communication of a clear rationale for your research topic and the personal and professional influences on this choice. Show the relevance of the area of research for the counselling profession and links with other research and writing in this area of interest. Discuss initial ideas on methodology in the context of your philosophy and relevance of the method for the topic being researched. Reflect on your role as a researcher so far in this 3rd year.

Ethics form (LO3, 4)

Contact Hours:
50 hours of taught classes which will include lecture and, small and large group work

Independent study hours.
70hrs Reading

55hrs Assessment preparation
25hrs Personal reflection and journal writing

Teaching on this module starts with a one-day induction and preparation day. There follows 50 hours of class time in small and large groups

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 individual tutorials. Attendance is expected at all taught sessions and supervisions. This helps build a supportive group learning environment.

The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitate discussions of ethical and professional issues as well as critical evaluation of different research methodologies.

Reflective practice is familiar as a counselling student and encouraged as a counselling researcher by completing a reflective journal.

Students will have the opportunity to deliver a poster presentation demonstrating their proposed area of research.

You will be assigned a research supervisor and there will be opportunity for individual and group supervision during the module.