EDF5533 - Informing practice through research - 2019

This unit extends students' counselling practice through a focus on two elements of professionalism: evidence-based and reflective practice. In this unit, students will examine applied and academic research and evaluation in relation to mental health issues and counselling, and evaluate the quality of, and approaches used to gather, research evidence. Over the course of this unit students will also reflect and draw on their current or previous clinical professional experience, consolidating their skill in understanding and selecting traditional and innovative (digital) evidence-based assessments and interventions. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills in self-reflection relating to their own professional development as counsellors.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of how to approach research in professional counselling practice
2. examine research-based evidence and evaluate it according to quality indicators
3. demonstrate an understanding of traditional and innovative advances in counselling assessment and interventions.
4. extend familiarity on applying digital instruments and tools and implement these in practice
5. reflect on the legal, ethical and professional principles and practices relevant to various research methodologies and interventions in counselling.

After satisfactorily completing this unit, 10 non-contact hours are automatically accrued towards the total of 300 professional experience hours completed over the duration of the Master of Counselling course.

Annotated Bilbliography (4000 words, 50%)

Reflective essay (4000 words, 50%)

Flexible mode offers a stand-alone online offering that allows students to learn and engage in content and assessment in a supported way. It also provides a face-to-face component over the semester to engage students with the online learning content, which students can attend if they are able and interested.

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for flexible students:
   • 20 hours on campus classes, 12 hours online classes and 4 hours directed online learning over the semester, or
   • 24 hours directed online learning and 12 hours online classes over the semester
2. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 14 hours of online study per term
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Counselling