Degree type: BA (Hons)
UCAS Code: CL85 BA/MH
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
The course includes modules on mental health, counselling skills, research, psychology and health studies. You are introduced to a broad range of perspectives on mental health and counselling, and learn approaches that are based on the evidence, and that also draw on the perspectives of people who have (or have had) mental health problems.
An important element of the course is work placement. Note that students entering year 3 will have to provide the appropriate criminal records check documentation before being eligible to undertake placement, which is a core module.
How you learn
A variety of teaching methods is used to develop your knowledge and skills. Teaching is focused around a lecture programme supported by tutorials, practical exercises, case studies and seminars. There is a strong collaborative input from specialised health areas at Abertay including health professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
This helps to provide you with a multidisciplinary, collaborative experience of health and teamwork. You will typically spend around 12 hours per week attending classes and will undertake approximately 20 hours per week of private study. In year 4, the Honours project is your opportunity to produce a professional standard project report which integrates your learning and individual research interests.
How you are assessed
Assessment on this course is carried out through coursework, exam and work placement report. A broad range of coursework assessment is used throughout, including essays, poster presentations, laboratory reports, portfolios and class tests. A stronger emphasis on examinations is a feature of assessment in the later years.
Higher BBC; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBC; UCAS Tariff 168 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: English or a literate subject (e.g. History)
Criminal record check required
Health screening check required
Interview required
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
In line with advice from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, EU/international applicants must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 5.5 in any one section or an equivalent qualification.
In addition, all applicants satisfy a Disclosure Scotland and health screening check.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
In addition, all applicants satisfy a Disclosure Scotland and health screening check. All applicants are interviewed.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
Career opportunities are available in the NHS, social care sectors, voluntary organisations and education. The course may also provide a platform for further education and vocations within allied health professions and employment within community-based practice.
Although this course provides the opportunity to work towards the COSCA accredited Certificate in Counselling Skills, the course is not intended to provide counsellor training.
