PP0635 - Guidance and Counselling Project

What will I learn on this module?

Building on research understanding and skills developed throughout your programme, this module will introduce you to key ideas, perspectives and activities in social research relevant to guidance and counselling. You will develop knowledge and understanding about what and how things can be ‘known’ (epistemology), ways of seeing the world (paradigms), approaches and traditions in research (methodology), collecting or generating data (methods) and analysing or interpreting findings (analysis). In addition, you will understand how to relate each of these elements into a coherent research project and will appreciate relevant ethical issues that apply to your research.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be involved in designing, implementing and writing up an independent study. You will build on your previous knowledge and skills developed in other modules to develop a deeper understanding of a particular topic which will be negotiated in advance with tutors. You will gain practical experience of undertaking an academic project in a subject area within your programme, critically examine theories and relate them to data. The module will give you valuable experience of designing, managing, conducting and presenting your own project or study. The study is largely an independent piece of work, which means that you will need to organise, plan and manage your own time and effort appropriately. Your learning will develop as you make informed, critical and reflective connections between directed activities, reading, planning, discussions with peers and tutors, your research activity and writing.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through directed learning workbooks, electronic and interactive content via the eLP, lectures, an electronic interactive reading list and 1-1 support from an academic tutor. You will be expected to be proactive in identifying and raising issues for discussion with module leaders and your supervisor in particular –these should be prompted by your reading, journaling and planning related to your project. In addition, you will be able to take advantage of the University Library’s Skills Plus programme as you develop your skills as an undergraduate researcher.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be familiar with and understand relevant research traditions, theories and activities associated with the study of guidance and counselling
2. You will develop detailed knowledge of your chosen project topic within guidance and counselling

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will demonstrate an ability to manage and sustain a small scale research project from proposal to completion, including writing an extended dissertation.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will demonstrate a range of interpersonal, ethical and organisational skills associated with designing and completing a small scale academic research project.
5. You will demonstrate ability to articulate enquiry around a topic of personal and academic interest to you.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assignments:

You will take part in a series of presentations, structured around the various elements of the project. These will enable you to consider and receive peer and tutor feedback on your ideas as you work towards your final dissertation.

You will submit and receive tutor feedback on an overview of the structure of the dissertation as well as a section of the dissertation (total 750 words).

Summative assignment:

You will submit and be assessed on the production of a final dissertation or report (100%) (MLOs 1,2,3,4,5) (9,000 words).

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

You will be involved in designing, implementing and writing up an independent study as part of your final year. In this context you will build on knowledge and skills developed in previous modules, and will develop a deeper understanding of a particular topic which will be negotiated in advance with tutors. In this module you will gain practical experience of undertaking an academic project in a subject area within your program and critically examine theories and relate them to data. The module will give you a valuable opportunity of designing, managing, conducting and presenting your own project or study. The study is largely an independent piece of work, which means that you will need to organise, plan and manage your own time and effort appropriately.

Course info

UCAS Code B9L5

Credits 40

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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