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Counselling

Cert HE Understanding Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse

This two-year full-time or four-year part time course, validated by Sheffield Hallam University, has been designed to cover content and modules related to the core duties of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) or Children and Young People Domestic Abuse Support Worker (CYPDASW). This course cleverly connects the knowledge, skills and behaviours with the necessary competencies associated with the three career pathways. The course has also been designed in consultation with external stakeholders and employers to ensure that the indicative content and respective employability skills meets the needs of the sector.

What You’ll Learn

Course Structure

Year 1 Certificate stage

Module 1 – Foundations of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (20 credits)

Module 2 – Ethics, Legislation and Safeguarding (20 credits)

Module 3 – Communication and Survivor Engagement (20 credits)

Module 4 – Crisis Response and Safety Planning (20 credits)

Module 5 – Case Work and Professional Practice (20 credits)

Module 6 – Equality and Anti-Oppressive Practice (20 credits)

Year 2 Diploma stage

Module 1 – Children, Young People and Families (20 credits)

Module 2 – Trauma-Informed Practice and Recovery (20 credits)

Module 3 – Advocacy, Courts and Accountability (20 credits)

Module 4 – Multi-Agency Working and Navigation (20 credits)

Module 5 – Sexual Violence and Specialist Practice (20 credits)

Module 6 – Independent Professional Project (20 credits)

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time

How You're Assessed

Assessment Methods

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus. On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussions with your tutor.

Typically, students can expect to receive 6-hours of teaching over one day per week.

The programme offers a range of assessment strategies aimed at developing key graduate skills, including critical awareness and reflexivity in both academic and personal contexts. Assessment comprises:

  • Essays
  • Case Studies
  • Reports
  • Podcasts
  • Portfolios
  • Role Plays
  • Reflective Reports
  • Group Work/Projects.
  • Presentations
Where You Go Next

Progression

Foundation degree graduates will have the opportunity to access top-up programmes in Criminology and/or Criminal Justice, and there are several universities that offer top programmes. Nottingham Trent University offers a BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (top-up) and the University Centre of Blackburn College and UCEN Manchester both offer a BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice (top-up).

Graduates will also have the skill set to move straight into industry and may undertake ISVA- IDVA roles, work within support roles, work in GP practices or within the Criminal Justice System and youth services.

Costs

Course Fees

UK

£8190.00 per year

Additional Costs

Your Tuition fees cover the majority of costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition and assessment.)

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:

  • Books (you will have access to an extensive range of electronic books and journals from your module reading lists in the LRC, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities

If your course includes a work placement, you may be required to pay for a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

For Careers Advisers

Quick Reference Guide

Level

Level 5

Duration

1 Year

Study Mode

Full-Time

Awarding Body

Sheffield Hallam University

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Applications are open. Apply online in minutes.

Questions? Call 01724 294125 or email enquiries@ucnl.ac.uk