Counselling Children and Young People (4-18 years)
Bangor , United Kingdom
Counselling Children and Young People (4-18 years)
Prifysgol Bangor University
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Program Overview: Counselling Children and Young People (4-18 years)
The Bangor University Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People is a rigorous, professional qualification designed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who wish to extend their practice into specialist therapeutic work with young clients aged 4 to 18. The programme is professionally aligned to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Competencies for Working with Children and Young People (4-18yrs), ensuring graduates meet recognised professional standards.
You will develop the skills to work therapeutically using a person-centred approach from the Humanistic perspective, while also drawing on cognitive and behavioural methods to adopt an integrative approach. Alongside practical training in counselling skills, you will gain an understanding of child development and insight into the world of young people from social, psychological, and educational perspectives.
The programme is delivered flexibly with weekly online classes via videocall one evening a week for 24 weeks, supported by on-demand recorded lectures and regular weekly drop-in sessions. You will also complete an assessed placement of 100 hours of supervised counselling with children and young people in settings such as schools, charitable organisations, or other therapeutic environments.
Key Program Highlights
- Professionally aligned to BACP Competencies for Working with Children and Young People (4-18yrs)
- 100 hours of assessed supervised counselling placement with children and young people
- Flexible online delivery with evening classes, recorded lectures, and weekly drop-in support
- Taught by expert staff from the College of Human Sciences, drawing on Psychology, Counselling, and Childhood Studies expertise
Curriculum & Modules
The holistic curriculum builds on your existing therapeutic skills to enable you to work safely and effectively as a counsellor for children and young people. Modules cover ethical practice, child development, therapeutic relationships, collaborative working, and self-care, all aligned to the BACP training curriculum stages.
Introduction to Counselling for Children and Young People
20 creditsCovers ethical and professional practice including child protection, safeguarding, risk assessments, communication with children and young people, beginnings and endings, child and adolescent development, mental health, and working within the counselling setting. Aligned with Stage 1 of the BACP training curriculum.
Advanced Counselling for Children and Young People
20 creditsBuilds on foundational skills with advanced topics including therapeutic relationships, managing the therapeutic journey, working collaboratively with parents, carers, and agencies, and self-care and reflection. Aligned with Stage 2 of the BACP training curriculum.
Understanding Childhood and Youth
20 creditsIntroduces key paradigms in childhood and youth studies, engaging with national and international research and policy. Develops critical understanding of child development, mental health theories, and the social, cultural, and political perspectives of childhood.
Modern Families
20 creditsExplores contemporary family structures, dynamics, and challenges that impact children and young people. Examines how diverse family contexts influence therapeutic work and the wellbeing of young clients.
Supervised Clinical Placement
Assessed componentA 100-hour assessed placement of supervised counselling with children and young people in a school, charitable organisation, or other therapeutic setting, aligned to BACP Competencies for Working with Children and Young People.
Professional Competencies Assessment
Integrated assessmentIncludes observed counselling skills practice sessions, recorded assessed sessions with mock clients, transcription and annotation exercises, and a BACP competencies mapping exercise for both online and in-person work.
Specialist Focus Areas
Admission Requirements
This is a post-qualifying programme designed for experienced counsellors seeking to specialise in work with children and young people. Applicants must demonstrate both academic qualifications and substantial clinical experience. All applications and enquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Prior QualificationCounselling qualification at Diploma or Masters level
- Professional MembershipMembership of an appropriate counselling professional organisation such as the BACP or UKCP
- Clinical ExperienceMinimum 100 hours of supervised counselling practice with adult clients, evidenced by a letter from the training provider or relevant organisation
- ReferencesTwo satisfactory references, one of which must be from your counselling supervisor
- Background CheckEnhanced DBS check on Child and Adult Workforce and Barring Lists with DBS Update Service subscription (overseas equivalent for non-UK applicants)
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 7.0, with no score lower than 7.0 in any component
- InterviewClear evidence of English communication skills must be demonstrated during the admissions interview
- ExemptionBangor University MSc Counselling graduates (within previous 3 years) are exempt from English language requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Bangor University and external bodies offer various funding opportunities for postgraduate students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on scholarships and financial support available for this programme.
Bangor University Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships may be available for postgraduate taught students at Bangor University. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by academic year.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this programme are equipped to work as specialist counsellors for children and young people aged 4-18 in a wide range of therapeutic settings. The qualification aligns with BACP professional competencies, supporting your registration and career progression in an expanding field with growing demand for qualified child and adolescent therapists.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Bangor University, founded in 1884, is a well-established institution with strong research credentials. In the REF 2021, 85% of research at Bangor was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university's Psychology department is one of the largest and longest-established in the UK, with particular strengths in applied and clinical research.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | QS Subject Rankings | Top 350 |
| Psychology | THE Subject Rankings | 251-300 |
| Psychology | EduRank UK | #47 in UK |
| Overall UK | The Guardian | #62 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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