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CE289-30 Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Department
Centre for Lifelong Learning
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Cathryn MacLeod
Credit value
30
Module duration
30 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

This module aims to offer students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to critically engage with research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. They will gain an understanding of what research currently exists and where to find it. We aim to prepare students to conduct their own original research in Year 4, through facilitating their understanding of research methods, their benefits and drawbacks, and their ability to critically evaluate and appraise current research papers. Students will also study the theme of ethics in research and learn how to ensure that their research will be conducted ethically and appropriately. The module also aims to furnish students with the academic skills of preparing for and writing a research proposal and a literature review.

Module aims

This module aims to offer students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to critically engage with research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. They will gain an understanding of what research currently exists and where to find it. We aim to prepare students to conduct their own original research in Year 4, through facilitating their understanding of research methods, their benefits and drawbacks, and their ability to critically evaluate and appraise current research papers. Students will also study the theme of ethics in research and learn how to ensure that their research will be conducted ethically and appropriately. The module also aims to furnish students with the academic skills of preparing for and writing a research proposal and a literature review.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

An overview and understanding of the current situation in research into counselling and psychotherapy.
Preparation for next year’s individual research project – writing a research proposal and preparation for writing a literature review.
Reading a research paper.
The critical appraisal of research papers.
Understanding and critically evaluating research methods.
Selecting appropriate research methods.
Ethics in research.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • To understand how counselling has historically been researched and its efficacy evidenced.
  • To explore methodology in quantitative and qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy.
  • To learn about recent research findings in counselling and psychology and consider their impact on practice.
  • To understand ethical issues around research in counselling and psychotherapy.
  • To choose and refine a research topic, and write a research proposal.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

NEEDED

Transferable skills

NEEDED

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 8 sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes (4%)
Seminars 12 sessions of 1 hour (4%)
Tutorials 1 session of 1 hour (0%)
Private study 275 hours (92%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Appraisal of Research Paper 70% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Research Project Proposal 30% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Detailed written feedback relating to criteria for assignments.
In-text comments.
Verbal feedback via tutorial / consultation and in observed practice.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 3 of UCEA-X1GB Undergraduate Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship
  • Year 3 of UCEA-X1GA Undergraduate Person-Centred Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship