CO102D: Counselling skills 1: Active Listening and Responding

CO102D: COUNSELLING SKILLS 1: ACTIVE LISTENING AND RESPONDING (2025-2026)

Last modified: 22 Jul 2026 13:41

Course Overview

This online counselling skills course will introduce students to the foundational knowledge and practice experience to start to engage in helping conversations based on the embedded counselling model

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	1
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Terpsichori Kaltsouni

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

During the Counselling Skills 1, students will develop skills and knowledge including:

Ability to explain the difference between formal counselling and the use of a counselling approach (embedded counselling).
Effective listening and people skills that will benefit personal and work relationships, such as active listening attending and responding.
Self-awareness and a better ability to reflect, enabling more effective interventions.
Knowledge of the theory that validates the effectiveness of counselling skills.
Understanding of the ethical framework required in all supporting relationships and identifying the complexities in the meaning of confidentiality when using counselling skills.

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	50
Assessment Weeks	18	Feedback Weeks	21	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	Essay based on the theory of basic counselling skills and the helping relationship. Written feedback will be given.	Word Count	2000

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Understand	Be able to explain the difference between formal counselling and embedded counselling.
Conceptual	Understand	Be able to explain the qualities and skills which are important in the process of creating a helping relationship, including acceptance, genuineness and empathy.
Procedural	Understand	Show understanding and ability to use basic listening and responding skills within different settings.
Reflection	Apply	Be able to describe and start to apply the essential connection between effective use of self-awareness and helping relationships.

Portfolio

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	50
Assessment Weeks	18	Feedback Weeks	21	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	A portfolio of reflective writing focussing on class engagement and practical work. Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Understand	Be able to explain the difference between formal counselling and embedded counselling.
Conceptual	Understand	Be able to explain the qualities and skills which are important in the process of creating a helping relationship, including acceptance, genuineness and empathy.
Procedural	Understand	Show understanding and ability to use basic listening and responding skills within different settings.
Reflection	Apply	Be able to describe and start to apply the essential connection between effective use of self-awareness and helping relationships.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	100
Assessment Weeks		Feedback Weeks		Look up Week Numbers
Feedback

Learning Outcomes

Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on or with the Course Coordinator
Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Reflection	Apply	Be able to describe and start to apply the essential connection between effective use of self-awareness and helping relationships.
Conceptual	Understand	Be able to explain the difference between formal counselling and embedded counselling.
Conceptual	Understand	Be able to explain the qualities and skills which are important in the process of creating a helping relationship, including acceptance, genuineness and empathy.
Procedural	Understand	Show understanding and ability to use basic listening and responding skills within different settings.

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