We look forward to working with you while studying at CCCU. You will have access to specialist, experienced tutors and a vibrant, diverse community of peers and practice. You will explore key aspects of Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring, alongside more diverse subjects that are of value in society such as wellbeing, sustainability, social justice and global perspectives on health and education. These topics are integral to both understanding and helping others and being a global citizen.

This course will introduce you to some exciting areas of theory and practice that aim to develop your skills and knowledge about yourself and about working with others. Interpersonal skills are crucial in the fields of counselling, coaching, and mentoring. They involve the ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, empathise, and establish meaningful connections with others. Below are some of the key interpersonal skills you will develop.

1. Communication: Good communication skills are essential for expressing thoughts and ideas clearly, as well as for active listening to understand clients' needs, concerns, and perspectives.
2. Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's vital in counselling, coaching, and mentoring to show empathy towards clients or mentees, as it helps create a supportive and trusting relationship.
3. Active Listening: Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the client is saying, understanding their message, and responding appropriately. It demonstrates respect and shows that you value the client's thoughts and feelings.

Although to become a counsellor you will need to undertake a further professional qualification the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has further information about these key skills that you might want to explore - follow this link to find out more; The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website.

During the course you will have the opportunity to develop your practical skills. We have a vibrant and comprehensive peer mentoring programme which we encourage you to be part of. In your first year you have the opportunity to be mentored and then to become a mentor in your second and third years. This is a great opportunity to be able to hone your skills and add the experience to you CV. Click here to find out more: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/our-students/ug-current/libraries-and-study-support/study-support/access-a-student-peer-mentoring

Your welcome and induction will be w/c 16 September 2024 - we look forward to meeting you then.

If you would like to do some reading before you start your course, we recommend these texts. They will be used throughout the course and provide a very good theoretical foundation for your studies.

• Egan, G. (2017) The Skilled Helper: A problem-management and opportunity development approach to helping, 10th Ed. Pacific Grove, California: Brooks/Cole.
• McLeod, J. (2009) An Introduction to Counselling,4th Ed. Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Westergaard, J. (2017) An Introduction to Helping Skills; counselling coaching and mentoring. London: Sage

It is useful to note that the University Bookshop offers 10% discount on most titles in print and have some price-beating book bundles. They also price match Amazon on core texts recommended in the module handbooks you will receive when you start in September.