What should I focus on for SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care?

Use real-world examples to illustrate discrimination and power.

What should I focus on for SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care? (2)

Reflect on your own biases and how they might affect practice.

What should I focus on for SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care? (3)

Understand the ethical and legal frameworks around diversity.

What should I focus on for SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care? (4)

Use a reflective model like Gibbs or Kolb.

What should I focus on for SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care? (5)

Be honest about areas for development.

What are common mistakes in SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care?

Confusing equality with treating everyone the same.

What are common mistakes in SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care? (2)

Ignoring the counsellor's own power and privilege.

What are common mistakes in SEG Awards Vocational Health & Social Care? (3)

Assuming diversity only refers to race or ethnicity.

Health & Social Care

SEG Awards

Vocational

Specification: 610/0060/8

The SEG-AWARDS Vocational Health & Social Care specification covers 148 topics with 698 learning objectives (610/0060/8). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

148

Units

698

Learning Outcomes

858

Assessment Guidance

899

Key Skills

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing equality with treating everyone the same.
•Ignoring the counsellor's own power and privilege.
•Assuming diversity only refers to race or ethnicity.
•Being too vague about personal qualities.
•Neglecting the importance of self-care.
•Failing to link reflection to specific changes.
•Neglecting personal safety by not checking for dangers such as environmental hazards before approaching.
•Placing an unresponsive person on their back instead of the recovery position if they are breathing normally.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use real-world examples to illustrate discrimination and power.
•Reflect on your own biases and how they might affect practice.
•Understand the ethical and legal frameworks around diversity.
•Use a reflective model like Gibbs or Kolb.
•Be honest about areas for development.
•Show how you have used feedback to improve.
•In practical assessments, verbalize your actions to demonstrate your thought process to the assessor.
•Remember the key first aid principles: Preserve Life, Prevent Deterioration, Promote Recovery.

Qualification Units

148 units

How this qualification is graded

Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

Pass

Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

Merit

Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

Distinction

Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

Counselling skills and diversity

This unit explores discrimination, diversity, and power issues within the counselling process. Learners must understand how these factors affect the therapeutic relationship and develop culturally competent practice.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma In Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Counselling Skills and Personal Development

Counselling skills development involves self-understanding, personal qualities, support needs, and self-reflection. Learners explore how to grow personally for helping roles.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills, SEG Awards Level 2 Award In Counselling Skills

2 learning outcomes12 guidance points2 criteria

Emergency First Aid in Social Care Services

This element equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to act as an emergency first aider within a social care context. It covers incident assessment and the provision of immediate care for a range of acute conditions, including unresponsiveness, choking, stroke, chest pain, bleeding, shock, and minor injuries, emphasizing safe and effective practice in accordance with current first aid protocols.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes27 guidance points2 criteria

Delivering Community Based Solutions through Social Prescribing

This subtopic examines the practical mechanisms for implementing social prescribing to connect individuals with non-clinical community support. It covers the facilitation process, including referral pathways, partnership working, and person-centred planning, as well as the critical factors influencing successful delivery such as asset mapping, volunteer management, and outcome measurement.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Academic Writing Skills

This element equips learners with foundational academic writing skills essential for further study in health science professions. It covers interpreting assignment briefs, structuring coherent responses, and adapting tone and format to specific audiences. Mastery of these skills enables effective communication of health-related concepts in academic and professional contexts.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

7 learning outcomes22 guidance points3 criteria

Adhering to Health and Safety Requirements in a Health and Social Care Context

Health and safety compliance is a fundamental duty in care settings to protect individuals, staff, and visitors from harm. This subtopic covers preparing environments safely by following support plans and risk assessments, applying hazard control measures like safe moving and handling, and rigorously adhering to infection prevention protocols such as hand hygiene and PPE use. Practitioners must demonstrate consistent application of these practices to meet regulatory standards and ensure person-centred care.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

SEG Awards Youth Support Worker Level 3 End-point Assessment - Core Content

This component of the End-point Assessment evaluates the youth support worker’s ability to integrate fundamental principles of youth work—such as safeguarding, empowerment, and equality—into their daily practice. It assesses applied competence in engaging with young people, supporting their development, and navigating multi-agency contexts to promote positive outcomes.

SEG Awards Youth Support Worker Level 3 End-point Assessment

5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Consider Nutritional Needs of a Variety of Individuals

This element explores the distinct nutritional requirements across the lifespan, focusing on children, young people, and older individuals, while also addressing special dietary needs and the barriers that prevent healthy eating. Learners will apply this knowledge to assess and support diverse individuals in real-world health and social care settings, promoting wellbeing through tailored dietary advice.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Personal development for users of counselling skills

This element focuses on the learner's journey of self-exploration and growth through the application of counselling theories and skills. It requires a deep, reflective engagement with therapeutic concepts to enhance self-awareness and inform ethical, effective practice. The integration of theoretical knowledge with experiential learning is central to developing personal qualities essential for counselling roles.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

An Introduction to the Youth Work Sector

This subtopic provides foundational insight into the role and value of youth work in supporting young people’s personal and social development. It examines the multifaceted issues—such as mental health, social exclusion, and risky behaviours—that affect young people, alongside the legal and policy frameworks shaping ethical practice. Learners explore diverse youth work settings, from detached street-based projects to residential services, understanding how context influences professional approaches.

SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Exploring Youth Work

4 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Advanced counselling skills

This subtopic deepens learners' ability to structure and manage a therapeutic counselling series from initial contract to ending, integrating advanced relational skills and theory. It emphasises ethical, safe, and effective practice within a counselling session, including managing boundaries, responding to complex client material, and working with the therapeutic process. Learners develop critical reflective capacity to evaluate their own practice, recognise transference and countertransference, and utilise supervision to enhance client outcomes.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Business Practice for Complementary Therapies

This element equips learners with the entrepreneurial skills to establish a viable complementary therapy practice, covering legal requirements, financial planning, and marketing strategies. It enables reflexologists to translate clinical skills into a sustainable business by applying key criteria such as insurance, data protection, and ethical advertising. Through researching a concept and drafting a formal business plan, students demonstrate readiness to launch and manage a professional reflexology service.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology for Wellbeing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Community Organising Purpose, Values and Principles

This element explores the fundamental purpose of community organising as a practice that empowers communities to collectively identify and address shared concerns, challenging power imbalances and fostering sustainable social change. It examines the core values—such as equity, participation, and solidarity—and the guiding principles like active listening, relational power-building, and democratic decision-making that underpin effective organising. Understanding these foundations is essential for distinguishing community organising from other forms of community work and for applying it ethically in diverse contexts.

SEG Awards Level 3 Award in Community Organising

1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Understand Safe Medication Practice in Social Care Services

This subtopic explores the essential principles of safe medication practice within social care services in Northern Ireland, focusing on legal frameworks such as the Human Medicines Regulations and local policies. It covers the practical aspects of handling medications—from ordering and storage to administration and disposal—while emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of social care workers in preventing errors and promoting service user safety. Understanding common medication types, their effects, and adverse reactions is crucial for delivering person-centred care and maintaining regulatory compliance.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Data Handling and Algebra

This subtopic equips learners with essential quantitative skills for health science professions, focusing on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting health-related data, applying probability to assess clinical risks, and using algebra to solve practical healthcare problems such as dosage calculations and epidemiological measures. Mastery of these foundations supports evidence-based practice and safe clinical decision-making.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes20 guidance points2 criteria

Crime and Society

This subtopic provides an essential foundation in criminology for counselling practitioners, exploring why crime occurs through key theoretical lenses such as biological, psychological, and sociological explanations. It examines how social factors like class, age, ethnicity, and gender shape patterns of criminality, and teaches critical analysis of crime statistics and their limitations. Understanding the multifaceted effects of crime on victims, communities, and public policy is crucial for effective client support within health and social care settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

The Principles and Theory of Social Prescribing

This subtopic examines the foundational principles, theoretical underpinnings, and contextual framework of social prescribing, enabling learners to define it as a non-medical, community-based referral pathway that addresses the social determinants of health. It explores how social prescribing integrates into wider healthcare systems, emphasising its role in personalised care and the shift from biomedical to biopsychosocial models. Learners will also analyse the various methods and models of delivery, including link worker roles, referral processes, and partnership working with voluntary and community sector organisations.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves analysing concepts, ideas, and opinions objectively. This topic covers basic concepts of critical analysis and their application to evaluate arguments and evidence. It is essential for counselling to avoid bias and enhance understanding.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

3 learning outcomes22 guidance points3 criteria

Database Software

This element focuses on the practical use of database software to manage structured information within health science contexts, such as patient records, research data, or appointment schedules. Learners will develop skills in creating and modifying non-relational database tables, entering and organising data accurately, and utilising software tools to run queries and produce meaningful reports that support evidence-based practice in health and social care settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

7 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

Working with Vulnerable Adults to provide Holistic Support

This element focuses on equipping social prescribing link workers with the skills to support vulnerable adults through a holistic, person-centred approach. It covers key safeguarding legislation like the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and explores how to facilitate holistic support by addressing social, emotional, and practical needs in partnership with community assets and healthcare professionals. The aim is to promote wellbeing, independence, and empowerment while safeguarding the individual from harm.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Understanding Safeguarding in Social Care Services

This subtopic equips learners with essential knowledge for safeguarding adults in social care settings, covering the identification of abuse types, appropriate responses to allegations, understanding legal frameworks around restrictive interventions, and the importance of mental capacity and consent. It directly applies to daily care practice, ensuring safety and upholding rights.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Developing meeting skills

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental principles of effective meeting practice within health science settings. It covers the various purposes and formats of meetings, from formal board meetings to informal team huddles, and emphasises the critical role of preparation, active participation, and accurate documentation. Learners will develop practical skills in creating agendas, contributing constructively, and understanding follow-up actions, all essential for collaborative working in health and social care environments.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes13 guidance points2 criteria

Development of Social Policy

This subtopic explores how legislation directly shapes the formation and evolution of social policy within the health and social care sector. It equips learners to trace the historical development of key policies and recognise their practical implications for counselling practice, service delivery, and professional accountability.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology explores human growth and change across the lifespan, from infancy to old age, focusing on key processes such as socialisation, cognitive development, and the nature/nurture interplay. In the context of counselling, this knowledge enables practitioners to understand client issues within a developmental framework, recognising how early experiences and later-life transitions shape mental health and behaviour.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Eating Disorders

This element explores the nature and impact of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. It examines the complex interplay between emotional well-being and eating behaviours, highlighting how psychological factors can trigger and maintain disordered eating patterns. Learners will develop essential knowledge for health science professions, enabling them to recognise signs, understand risk factors, and appreciate the importance of holistic support.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Developing Personal Study Skills

This element focuses on equipping learners with the foundational study skills essential for progression to further study in health science professions. It covers efficient information location and storage, critical reading and structured response, purposeful academic writing, basic IT applications to support learning, and active participation in academic discussions. Mastery of these skills ensures learners can independently manage the demands of higher-level study and professional development in healthcare contexts.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Ethical Issues in Social Policy

This subtopic explores the role of ethics in shaping social policies within health and social care, focusing on how moral principles guide decision-making. Learners examine current legislation and policies linked to ethical dilemmas, and develop the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives in debates, preparing them for professional reflection and practice.

11 learning outcomes23 guidance points3 criteria

Fundamentals of Physics

This subtopic introduces the foundational principles of physics essential for health science, covering measurement, matter, forces, and motion. It equips learners with the ability to apply these concepts to understand bodily functions, medical equipment, and safety in healthcare settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes15 guidance points2 criteria

European History

This subtopic explores how European historical developments have shaped contemporary counselling practices, examining the social, cultural, economic, and political forces that influenced the evolution of therapeutic approaches and the societal perception of mental health.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Health Promotion in Care Settings

Health promotion in care settings focuses on enabling individuals to take control of their health through education, behaviour change techniques, and supportive environments. Learners explore the theoretical models underpinning health promotion, practical strategies for advocating healthy lifestyles, and the complexities of balancing autonomy with well-intended advice. The element also stresses the importance of care workers managing their own health and safety to sustainably deliver high-quality support.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

12 learning outcomes25 guidance points3 criteria

Exploring Family

This subtopic examines the transformation of familial bonds across generations and cultures, exploring how internal family relationships and external societal influences shape individual identity and wellbeing. Learners will consider the role of the family unit in contemporary society and its implications for counselling practice. Emphasis is placed on recognising diverse family structures and the fluidity of roles within them.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

4 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Health Psychology

This subtopic introduces the fundamental concepts of health psychology, focusing on how psychological processes impact physical health and illness. It contrasts the traditional medical model, which views health purely in biological terms, with the bio-psychosocial approach that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. This knowledge is essential for understanding patient behaviour, designing holistic care interventions, and preparing for further study in health science professions.

12 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

Exploring Industrialisation in Britain

This subtopic examines the transformative period of industrialisation in Britain, focusing on the shift from agrarian to industrial societies and its profound effects on living conditions, work, and social structures. Understanding these changes is essential for appreciating the historical context that shape modern counselling needs, as industrialisation introduced new forms of stress, family dislocation, and urban challenges that continue to influence mental health and well-being.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Human Health and Disease

This subtopic explores the fundamental characteristics of microorganisms and their role in causing infectious diseases. It examines how personal behaviours, such as hygiene and vaccination choices, influence the transmission of pathogens, and evaluates the contribution of medical research—including antibiotics, vaccines, and public health strategies—in controlling disease spread and improving population health outcomes.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Exploring Perspectives in Psychology

This subtopic equips learners with foundational knowledge of major psychological perspectives—such as psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, and biological—and their relevance to counselling practice. It critically examines the core assumptions, strengths, and limitations of each perspective, fostering the ability to compare, contrast, and apply them to real-world counselling scenarios and contemporary mental health issues.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Exploring Sociological Explanations

This subtopic explores how societal structures—such as family, education, and social class—influence individuals' life experiences and mental well-being, providing counselling professionals with a critical lens beyond personal opinion. Understanding key sociological theories (e.g., functionalism, Marxism, feminism) enables learners to contextualize client issues within broader social forces, fostering empathy and informed practice.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Human Life Processes

This subtopic explores the fundamental biological processes that sustain human life, focusing on cellular functions, circulation, and digestion. Learners will examine how cells are organised into tissues and organs, and how blood transports essential substances throughout the body. The digestive system's role in breaking down food to release nutrients and energy is also investigated, providing a foundation for understanding health and disease in healthcare contexts.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

13 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Developing the Practical Skills for Supporting Behaviour Change

This subtopic explores the practical methodologies and interpersonal techniques essential for guiding clients through sustainable behaviour modification. It applies motivational interviewing and goal-setting frameworks within a social prescribing context to empower individuals in managing their health and well-being.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Diversity and Ethics in the Use of Counselling Skills

This subtopic explores the fundamental principles of professional ethics in counselling, including key frameworks such as the BACP Ethical Framework, and their direct impact on the counsellor-client relationship. It examines the nature of discrimination and the importance of anti-discriminatory practice to ensure inclusive, respectful, and effective use of counselling skills across diverse populations.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Counselling skills and personal development

This element focuses on the critical self-reflexive practices required for effective counselling, emphasising the identification of personal development needs, an understanding of the continuous personal development cycle, and the recognition of how group dynamics and personal growth impact therapeutic relationships and client outcomes. Learners must demonstrate the ability to systematically plan their own development, ensuring ethical and competent practice within professional counselling roles.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma In Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Communication and Group Work Skills

This subtopic introduces learners to core communication techniques and group work dynamics essential for effective youth work practice. It explores a range of communication styles and their impact on building rapport with young people, while developing practical skills in cooperative working and reflective self-assessment to enhance personal and professional development.

SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Exploring Youth Work

6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Understanding counselling theory

This subtopic explores the foundational theories underpinning counselling practice, requiring learners to analyse a major therapeutic model (such as person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, or psychodynamic) in depth and compare its core concepts, techniques, and philosophical assumptions. Additionally, it examines the principles of other widely recognised models, enabling learners to appreciate the diversity of therapeutic approaches and their relevance to different client needs and settings.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Continuing Professional Development and Reflective Practice in Health and Social Care

This subtopic focuses on the integration of reflective practice and continuing professional development (CPD) within health and social care, emphasising adherence to employer-agreed working methods. It equips learners to critically analyse their own practice, identify learning needs, and engage in structured development activities that align with their job role and organisational requirements, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to individuals.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Counselling in a diverse society

This subtopic examines the critical role of cultural awareness, power dynamics, and social identity in therapeutic counselling. It focuses on how practitioners can ethically navigate cultural differences, systemic inequalities, and personal biases to foster genuine therapeutic alliances. Learners explore practical frameworks for delivering culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive counselling in diverse, multicultural settings.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Explore Principles of Healthy Eating

This subtopic explores the foundational principles of healthy eating, examining the direct relationship between diet and overall health and well-being. Learners will gain practical knowledge of the components of a balanced diet, the roles of essential nutrients, and safe food preparation methods to support individuals in making informed dietary choices.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Aspects of Energy

This subtopic explores the physical principles underpinning diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in health science, linking optical phenomena such as refraction and total internal reflection to endoscopy and imaging. It clarifies the distinction between temperature and heat, essential for safe patient thermoregulation and understanding metabolic energy balance. The study of simple electrical circuits applies to defibrillators and monitoring equipment, while the conservation of energy principle governs all energy conversions from cellular respiration to medical device operation, ensuring a holistic grasp of energy flow in healthcare settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

The Practice of Community Organising

This subtopic delves into the essential practice of community organising, focusing on the development of core skills in active listening, accurate recording, and critical reflection to ensure authentic community engagement. It also equips learners with the knowledge and strategies to create diverse and inclusive networks, recognising that effective organising relies on representing and mobilising all segments of the community for collective impact.

SEG Awards Level 3 Award in Community Organising

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Environmental Health and Safety in Social Care Services

This subtopic covers the essential knowledge and practical skills for maintaining a safe environment in social care settings, focusing on hazardous substance management, fire safety protocols, and infection prevention. It equips learners with the competencies to comply with health and safety regulations, protect themselves and service users, and respond effectively to risks typical in care environments.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes15 guidance points2 criteria

Healthy Eating and Well-Being for the Complementary Therapy Client

This subtopic equips reflexology practitioners with essential knowledge of macronutrients, micronutrients, and their food sources to promote a balanced diet and overall wellbeing. Learners explore how to provide general healthy eating information to clients within the scope of complementary therapy, reinforcing the link between nutrition and the body's ability to respond positively to reflexology treatments.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology for Wellbeing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

An introduction to personal development

This element introduces learners to the foundational process of personal development within a counselling context, emphasising self-awareness and the identification of personal qualities essential for effective helping. It encourages critical reflection on one's own values, beliefs, and experiences to understand how they influence interactions with others, while also exploring the significance of core attributes such as empathy, genuineness, and resilience. Practical application involves initial self-assessment activities and the creation of a personal development plan to foster growth in these areas, directly supporting readiness for further training or helping roles.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Using Counselling Skills

This subtopic focuses on the practical application of core counselling skills within a professional helping relationship, covering their identification, intentional use during the interaction, and appropriate closure. Learners must demonstrate how to integrate listening, questioning, and empathy to support a client effectively, while maintaining ethical boundaries and concluding sessions with clear summaries and forward planning. Mastery involves both theoretical understanding and the ability to apply these skills in real or simulated settings to reflect vocational competence.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award In Counselling Skills, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills

6 learning outcomes15 guidance points2 criteria

Exploring Stereotyping and the Media

This subtopic examines how media representations perpetuate societal stereotypes, shaping public perception and behaviour. It explores the historical evolution of media stereotypes and the psychological and sociological theories that explain their prevalence and impact, particularly relevant for counselling professionals to understand clients' internalised biases.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Human Physiology

This subtopic introduces the fundamental principles of human physiology, covering the hierarchical organisation of the body from cells to systems, the structure and functions of the digestive system, the concept of homeostasis and feedback mechanisms, and the role of hormones in regulating body processes. Students gain insight into how the body maintains internal stability and coordinates complex functions, providing a foundation for careers in health science.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

12 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Human Sex and Reproduction

This element explores the human reproductive systems, detailing the anatomy and functions of male and female organs. It covers the menstrual cycle, gametogenesis, and fertilisation, alongside contraception and topical reproductive issues, providing essential knowledge for aspiring health science professionals.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

10 learning outcomes13 guidance points2 criteria

Improving Own Learning and Performance

This element focuses on developing self-awareness in learning preferences and performance within a health science context. Learners identify personal strengths and areas for improvement, set SMART targets, create action plans, and systematically review progress to enhance academic and professional capabilities essential for health science professions.

15 learning outcomes27 guidance points3 criteria

Information Literacy

This element introduces learners to the fundamentals of information literacy essential for academic study and evidence-based practice in health science professions. It focuses on identifying credible sources, planning effective search strategies, systematically collecting relevant data, and presenting findings in a format tailored to a specific audience and purpose. Mastery of these skills underpins professional development and ensures that future healthcare practitioners can critically evaluate and apply information to support high-quality care.

16 learning outcomes22 guidance points3 criteria

Interpersonal Skills

The 'Interpersonal Skills' element equips learners with essential self-awareness and communication abilities for health science contexts. It covers identifying personal strengths, managing stress, responding to criticism, interpreting body language, and adapting to diverse behaviours, fostering effective and empathetic professional interactions.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

10 learning outcomes20 guidance points2 criteria

Introduction to History

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental historical concepts of primary and secondary sources and the pervasive impact of bias on historical accounts, specifically within the study of counselling and psychotherapy. Understanding these concepts is essential for critically evaluating how the history of mental health support has been documented and interpreted, enabling future practitioners to appreciate the evolution of therapeutic approaches and professional practice.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Interview Skills

This subtopic equips learners with the practical skills to prepare for and succeed in interviews for further study or employment in health science professions. It emphasises demonstrating readiness through professional presentation, effective communication, and the ability to reflect on and learn from performance to support continuous personal development.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Introduction to Humanities

This unit introduces humanities, covering fields of study, historical and current debates, methods, and impact on life and work. Learners apply methods to study a specific area of humanities.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Introduction to Health Studies

This subtopic introduces the field of health studies, exploring its multifaceted nature, the various perspectives that shape our understanding of health, and the purpose of studying health from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. It examines the research methods used to investigate health issues and how findings are applied in practice, while also providing insight into the diverse career paths and essential skills required for success in the health sector.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

8 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Introduction to Psychology

This topic introduces psychology as a science, covering major approaches, research methods, applications, careers, and ethics. Learners will gain foundational knowledge for further study in health sciences. Critical thinking is developed.

13 learning outcomes21 guidance points3 criteria

Introduction to Computer Studies

This subtopic introduces foundational computing concepts essential for further study in health science professions. Learners explore the capabilities of common software applications, develop problem-solving skills using computing tools, and examine the societal impact of technology in healthcare contexts. Practical integration of computing into personal study routines and awareness of relevant career pathways are also emphasized.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Life Processes and Living Things

This element introduces foundational biological principles essential for understanding human health and disease. It covers cellular structure and function, genetic inheritance, and organismal interactions, providing a scientific basis for clinical practice, diagnostics, and patient care. Learners will explore how plant and animal systems relate to broader biological concepts, fostering critical thinking for health science careers.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

12 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Introduction to Social Work

This element introduces learners to the foundational aspects of social work, exploring its definition, purpose, and underlying principles. It examines how these principles shape professional practice and the diverse career paths available, along with the essential skills and qualities required for effective social work.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Introduction to Sociology

This subtopic introduces learners to key sociological concepts, theories, and research methods, enabling them to examine how social structures, institutions, and processes influence human behaviour and identity. It provides a foundational understanding for applying sociological insights to counselling, recognising the impact of social factors on clients' lives and wellbeing.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes4 guidance points

Managing Your Own Learning

This subtopic develops learners' ability to take ownership of their educational progression in the context of health science careers. It emphasises identifying personal learning goals, evaluating opportunities and constraints, and constructing and monitoring a structured learning plan. Mastery of these self-management skills is crucial for effective study and continuous professional development in health-related fields.

17 learning outcomes25 guidance points3 criteria

Developing counselling skills

This topic covers developing counselling skills, including establishing, developing, and concluding relationships using core counselling skills. Learners must also reflect on their own skill development.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma In Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Barriers to Health

This subtopic examines the multifaceted obstacles—social, economic, cultural, and systemic—that hinder equitable healthcare access across Britain. Learners explore how factors like socioeconomic status, geographic location, language barriers, and institutional discrimination create disparities, and consider the implications for health outcomes and policy interventions.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Managing Caseloads within a Social Prescribing Environment

Managing caseloads within a social prescribing environment involves the systematic organisation, prioritisation, and review of client cases to ensure effective, safe, and person-centred support. It requires practitioners to balance client needs with available resources, maintain clear communication with multidisciplinary teams, and recognise when to seek guidance to sustain quality outcomes. Mastery of caseload management is critical for preventing practitioner burnout, reducing risk of client harm, and maintaining compliance with organisational and safeguarding protocols.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

British History

This subtopic explores pivotal themes and periods in British history, focusing on how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts have shaped societal attitudes, institutions, and individual well-being. Understanding these historical dimensions provides essential background for counselling concepts, helping practitioners appreciate the root causes of contemporary issues and the evolution of support systems.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

4 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Understanding the context for the use of counselling skills

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental definition of counselling skills, distinguishing them from formal counselling and other helping activities. It emphasizes the critical necessity of practising within a robust ethical framework, adhering to professional codes such as confidentiality and boundaries. Learners explore the contextual factors of the counselling environment, including physical and psychological safety, and the vital role of casework supervision in ensuring safe, effective practice and ongoing professional development.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Safe Food Handling and Dysphagia Awareness in Social Care Services

This subtopic equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to handle food safely in social care settings, emphasizing personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness to prevent contamination. It also introduces dysphagia awareness, enabling learners to identify swallowing difficulties, understand associated risks such as aspiration pneumonia, and apply national and local guidelines to support individuals with tailored food and fluid modifications.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes15 guidance points2 criteria

The Process of Community Organising

This subtopic explores the foundational stages of community organising, emphasising how deep listening, power analysis, and overcoming barriers guide collective action. It highlights the critical role of the action-reflection cycle in iterative learning and sustainable community change, enabling organisers to adapt strategies effectively in real-world contexts.

SEG Awards Level 3 Award in Community Organising

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Counselling Placement

This element centres on the practical application of counselling skills within a supervised placement setting, requiring learners to establish and maintain professional working agreements, keep accurate client records, integrate theoretical knowledge into client work, apply supervisory feedback, and engage in critical self-reflection to enhance ethical and effective practice.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Therapies

This element provides the essential anatomical and physiological foundation required for safe and effective reflexology practice. Learners explore the structure and function of all major body systems, along with common pathological conditions, enabling them to understand how reflexology can support wellbeing. This knowledge underpins client assessment and the ability to recognise when to adapt treatments or refer to medical professionals.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology for Wellbeing

1 learning outcomes12 guidance points

Introduction to Counselling Skills Theories

This subtopic introduces learners to foundational counselling theories, including person-centred, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural approaches, and explains their practical significance. Understanding these theories enables counsellors to recognise client needs, select appropriate interventions, and maintain ethical practice by grounding their work in established frameworks.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate In Counselling Skills

4 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Delivering a Youth Work Programme

This subtopic introduces learners to the practical aspects of delivering effective youth work programmes, emphasizing the selection and application of varied delivery methods that engage young people and promote positive outcomes. It explores the critical role of young people’s active involvement in all stages—planning, delivery, and evaluation—to ensure programmes are responsive, inclusive, and empowering. The focus is on understanding the principles and practices that underpin successful youth work delivery.

SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Exploring Youth Work

5 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Principles of Food Safety for the Home Environment

This unit introduces learners to critical food safety practices for the home, emphasizing the prevention of contamination and foodborne illnesses through correct handling, hygiene, storage, and waste disposal. It also addresses how storage methods can impact the nutritional value of food, ensuring safe preparation and cooking temperatures are maintained to protect health.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

1 learning outcomes11 guidance points

Leadership Skills

This element explores the essential traits and skills of effective leadership within health and social care settings, focusing on how leaders inspire teams, make ethical decisions, and foster collaborative relationships. It examines the dynamic between leaders and team members, including trust-building, communication, and conflict resolution, and provides practical frameworks for leading in diverse care environments. Learners will analyze real-world scenarios to develop their own leadership capabilities and understand their impact on service delivery and team well-being.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Materials and their Properties

This subtopic explores foundational chemistry concepts essential for understanding the properties of materials used in health science professions. It covers the nature of chemical reactions, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, and factors influencing reaction rates, linking these principles to biological systems and medical applications such as drug formulation, biomaterials, and diagnostic techniques.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

10 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Numeracy in Context – Planning a Mathematical Project

This element focuses on developing the skills to plan, execute, and evaluate a mathematical project within a health science context. Learners will identify a practical problem that requires quantitative analysis, design a project plan, collect and interpret data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. The aim is to enhance numeracy, critical thinking, and project management abilities essential for further study and careers in health professions.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

13 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

Organisation and Evaluation of Study

This subtopic focuses on developing essential self-management and reflective skills necessary for effective study in counselling. Learners explore techniques for monitoring progress, managing time, identifying personal learning styles, and critically reviewing their own work to enhance academic and professional development.

13 learning outcomes20 guidance points3 criteria

Plagiarism

This element explores the concept of plagiarism within counselling education, emphasizing its definitions, contexts, and consequences. It equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to identify, avoid, and address plagiarism in their own academic and professional writing, fostering ethical practice and academic integrity essential for the counselling profession.

17 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating

This subtopic explores the fundamental roles of nutrients in the human body and how dietary choices directly impact health outcomes. It examines the principles of energy balance and weight management, as well as the crucial link between nutritional intake and physical performance. Students learn to apply these concepts to promote health and well-being in health and care settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

8 learning outcomes12 guidance points2 criteria

Poverty in Contemporary Britain

This element explores the multifaceted nature of poverty in contemporary Britain, examining its definitions, historical evolution, and measurement methodologies. It also investigates the disproportionate impact of poverty on specific social groups and evaluates the effectiveness of current policy interventions. Understanding these concepts equips aspiring counsellors to contextualise clients' experiences and to advocate for systemic change.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Practical Presentation Skills

This subtopic focuses on developing competent presentation skills tailored for counselling contexts, enabling learners to clearly communicate therapeutic concepts, ethical frameworks, and client scenarios. It integrates practical use of visual aids, adaptive delivery styles, and reflective practice to enhance audience engagement and information retention. Mastery of these skills is essential for professional development, client education, and interdisciplinary collaboration within health and social care settings.

17 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

Physical Processes

This subtopic explores the fundamental physical principles that underpin many diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in health science. It covers energy transfer, electricity, forces and motion, and waves, highlighting their practical applications in healthcare settings such as thermoregulation, bioelectrical signals, biomechanical analysis, and medical imaging. Understanding these concepts supports safe practice and effective use of health science equipment.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

11 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

Multimedia Software

This subtopic focuses on the practical skills needed to plan, create, edit, and present multimedia products using industry-standard software. Learners will apply these skills in health science contexts, such as producing patient education materials or promotional content for healthcare settings. Mastery of multimedia software enables effective communication of complex health information to diverse audiences.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

4 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Number and Graphical Representation

This subtopic equips learners with essential numerical skills required for accuracy in healthcare settings, including performing calculations, interpreting graphical data, and using technology appropriately. Mastery of these concepts underpins safe practice in areas such as medication dosage, patient monitoring, and research interpretation, fostering confidence in applying mathematics to real-life health science scenarios.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Physiology and Exercise

This subtopic explores the physiological foundations of the human body's response to exercise. Learners examine the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, and analyse how these systems adapt to regular physical activity. Understanding these principles is essential for careers in health sciences, as it underpins effective patient care and exercise prescription.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

11 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

Prejudice and Discrimination

This subtopic examines the definitions and distinctions between prejudice and discrimination, exploring how stereotypical attitudes form and are sustained within society. It evaluates the psychological and social origins of these attitudes and their detrimental consequences on individuals and groups. Crucially, it underscores the role of Equal Opportunities Policies in promoting fairness and non-discriminatory practice in counselling settings.

17 learning outcomes30 guidance points3 criteria

Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care

This subtopic equips learners with essential knowledge of safeguarding and protection within health, social care, and counselling contexts. It covers recognising indicators of abuse, responding appropriately to concerns, and understanding the legislative frameworks that underpin safe practice. Emphasis is placed on proactive strategies to reduce the risk of harm and the importance of reporting unsafe practices.

16 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

Psychology

This subtopic introduces fundamental psychological concepts essential for counselling practice. It explores key terminology, ethical considerations in psychological research, and various methods psychologists use to investigate behaviour. Understanding these foundations enables counsellors to apply evidence-based approaches ethically in their practice.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Recognising Issues of Substance Misuse

This subtopic equips learners with foundational knowledge to distinguish between legal and illegal substances, understand the wide-ranging consequences of substance use and misuse on individuals and society, and identify appropriate support pathways. It emphasises practical application in counselling settings, enabling recognition of warning signs and effective referral to relevant services.

10 learning outcomes22 guidance points3 criteria

Research Skills

This element introduces learners to the foundational research skills necessary for evidence-based practice in counselling. It covers understanding qualitative and quantitative methods, planning ethical research, reporting findings clearly, and critically evaluating research quality. These skills support reflective practice and inform client-centred care.

11 learning outcomes26 guidance points3 criteria

Personal Learning Skills

This element focuses on understanding the cognitive and neurological basis of learning, enabling learners to evaluate their own learning preferences and develop effective strategies for lifelong learning. It equips learners with the skills to plan and implement 'learning to learn' techniques, which are essential for success in health science professions where continuous professional development is required.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Measuring Outcomes and Improving Support Mechanisms

This topic covers evaluating social prescribing and improving support mechanisms. Learners must understand the evaluation process and how to enhance outcomes for individuals.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Building a Personal Career Portfolio

This subtopic focuses on enabling learners to recognise and articulate their own skills, experiences, and personal qualities, then compile a structured portfolio to evidence these for career progression in health science professions. It includes practical guidance on constructing a professional Curriculum Vitae (CV) and developing a personal action plan to achieve career goals, ensuring learners are prepared for further study or employment in the healthcare sector.

7 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

Safe Moving and Positioning of Individuals in Social Care Services

This element focuses on the safe moving and positioning of individuals within social care settings, ensuring learners understand their legal responsibilities, apply correct manual handling techniques, and implement organisational policies to minimise risk of injury to both the individual and the care worker. It requires practical competence in using equipment such as hoists and slide sheets, assessing individual needs, and promoting dignity and independence while adhering to health and safety legislation like the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) as amended.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

Safe Practice within a Youth Work Setting

This subtopic equips learners with essential knowledge of health and safety, safeguarding, risk assessment, and professional boundaries within youth work settings. It emphasizes the practical application of organisational policies to ensure a safe and supportive environment for young people, while maintaining ethical and professional conduct. Mastery of these elements is crucial for protecting both youth and workers, and for meeting legal and regulatory standards in the sector.

SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Exploring Youth Work

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Using counselling skills

This element develops the practical competence to apply core counselling skills such as active listening, paraphrasing, and open questioning within an ethical, client-centred framework. Learners learn to establish a safe, contractual relationship, manage boundaries, and conduct structured sessions that empower clients to explore their concerns autonomously. Reflective practice is integral, enabling students to critically evaluate their interventions and enhance their professional development.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Theoretical approaches in the use of counselling skills

This subtopic explores the foundational theoretical frameworks that underpin counselling practice, including person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and integrative models. Learners examine core concepts such as unconditional positive regard, the unconscious, cognitive distortions, and the therapeutic alliance, while also understanding how theory informs ethical, effective, and reflective counselling skills in real-world settings.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma In Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

The Principles of Weight Management

This subtopic explores the critical principles of weight management, including the health risks of obesity and underweight, the psychological impact of body image on eating behaviours, and evidence-based strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Learners will apply these principles to design a personalised short-term weight management programme, integrating nutritional, physical activity, and behavioural support components. The focus is on practical application within health and social care settings to promote client well-being.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Principles and Practice of Complementary Therapies

This element provides learners with a foundational understanding of complementary therapies, exploring their historical evolution, theoretical underpinnings, and the regulatory and ethical frameworks governing practice. It emphasizes the integration of these principles into professional reflexology, ensuring safe, effective, and client-centred treatment. Learners will critically examine how historical and contemporary influences shape the delivery of complementary healthcare, preparing them for competent clinical practice.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology for Wellbeing

1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Counselling theory

This element explores the foundational theories underpinning therapeutic counselling, focusing on an in-depth understanding of one major therapeutic model (such as person-centred, psychodynamic, or cognitive-behavioural) alongside the core principles of other recognised models. It equips learners with the theoretical knowledge needed to critically evaluate different approaches and integrate theory into practical counselling work.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Study in Higher Education

This element guides learners in exploring higher education pathways relevant to counselling and related disciplines, evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of specific courses. It develops the ability to plan personal development for graduate-level careers, emphasizing the value of transferable skills and life experiences in accessing and succeeding in higher education. Practical application includes constructing a realistic action plan that aligns academic choices with long-term professional goals.

12 learning outcomes25 guidance points3 criteria

The professional context of counselling

This subtopic introduces learners to the professional framework within which counselling operates, distinguishing helping relationships from everyday social interactions. It explores major therapeutic models such as humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural approaches, and examines how the physical, emotional, and ethical environment impacts the counselling process. Understanding these elements ensures practitioners can create safe, effective, and boundaried therapeutic relationships.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

4 learning outcomes7 guidance points

The Sociology of Health

This subtopic examines health as a socially constructed concept, moving beyond biological definitions to consider cultural, historical, and power-based influences on what is labelled as health or illness. For counsellors, this knowledge is vital to avoid pathologising client experiences and to recognise how societal structures shape individual well-being, thereby promoting a more empathetic, client-led approach to support.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

10 learning outcomes20 guidance points2 criteria

The Welfare State

This subtopic explores the evolution of the British welfare state from 19th-century Poor Laws to post-war reconstruction, examining key legislation and the Beveridge Report. It equips counselling students with essential knowledge of contemporary welfare services—such as health, social care, housing, and benefits—and their direct relevance to clients’ life circumstances. Understanding competing welfare ideologies (e.g., social democratic, neoliberal) fosters critical awareness of how political values shape service delivery and impact vulnerable individuals.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

5 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Resources for Nursing

This subtopic equips learners with essential numerical competencies for safe and effective nursing practice, focusing on drug dosage calculations, solution strengths, infusion rates, and the use of conversion graphs. Mastery of these mathematical skills is critical to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety in clinical settings. The content bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for real-world healthcare scenarios where precision is paramount.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Understanding Child Protection Theory

This subtopic equips learners with foundational knowledge of child protection within counselling contexts, bridging theory with practice. It examines children's rights and needs, forms and effects of abuse, and mandates professional responses to disclosures. Emphasis is placed on accurate, ethical record-keeping, understanding family dynamics leading to abuse, roles of multi-agency professionals, and the critical balance between confidentiality and safeguarding obligations.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

9 learning outcomes19 guidance points2 criteria

Skeleton and Muscles

This element explores the structure and functions of the human skeleton and muscles, providing foundational knowledge for health science professions. It examines how the skeletal system supports the body, protects organs, and enables movement, while the muscular system facilitates locomotion and vital physiological processes. Understanding the interplay between these systems and their maintenance through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices is vital for promoting patient mobility and preventing musculoskeletal disorders.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Understanding Diversity within Society

This element explores the concept of diversity within society, focusing on the range of social groups, their unique practices, and the commonalities that bridge them. It equips learners in counselling contexts with the foundational understanding needed to respect diversity, promote tolerance, and appreciate the valuable contributions that diverse communities make to society.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

7 learning outcomes20 guidance points2 criteria

Presentation Software

This subtopic develops practical skills in using presentation software to create professional slideshows relevant to health science professions. Learners gain competency in inputting and combining various types of information, applying formatting and structural tools to sequence slides effectively, and preparing the presentation for delivery, including timing and navigation. Mastery of these skills is essential for communicating health-related information clearly to diverse audiences in educational, clinical, or professional settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Understanding Equal Opportunities

This subtopic explores the concept of equal opportunities within counselling, emphasising the ethical and legal responsibility of practitioners to provide non-discriminatory, inclusive services. It covers recognition of direct and indirect discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexuality, alongside strategies for challenging such inequalities and signposting clients to relevant support agencies. This understanding underpins safe, effective, and person-centred counselling practice.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Work Experience

This unit covers planning, undertaking, and reviewing a work experience placement. Learners will develop employability skills and reflect on their experience to identify strengths and areas for development.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

8 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Reading Strategies

This element develops essential reading strategies needed for academic and professional success in health science. Learners practice skimming, scanning, detailed reading, and critical analysis of health-related texts such as care plans, research summaries, and patient information leaflets. Mastering these skills enables effective evaluation of evidence and enhances communication in healthcare settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Working in a Group

This element focuses on the dynamics, stages, and characteristics of groups within a counselling context, enabling learners to effectively plan, participate in, and reflect on group work. Understanding group processes such as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (Tuckman's model) is essential for facilitating therapeutic or support groups, enhancing communication, and fostering a safe environment for clients. Practical application includes designing session plans, managing group interactions, and evaluating personal contributions to promote continuous professional development.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Understanding Mental Health

This subtopic introduces learners to the foundational concept of mental health, exploring its definitions and the spectrum of mental illness. It examines therapeutic approaches and medication, while also addressing the challenging aspect of aggressive behaviour often associated with certain conditions. The critical role of effective communication skills in therapeutic settings and the collaborative network of care agencies and professionals are emphasised to prepare learners for compassionate practice in health science contexts.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Understanding the Physical Development of Children and Young People

This subtopic explores the sequential and predictable patterns of physical growth from birth through adolescence, emphasizing the interdependence of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. It covers how practitioners can design inclusive, safe, and stimulating environments to support fine and gross motor skill acquisition, while addressing barriers related to gender, race, culture, or disability. Understanding these concepts is fundamental for aspiring health science professionals to promote holistic well-being in early years and youth settings.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes12 guidance points

Young People, Law and Order

This element explores the multifaceted reasons for youth involvement in crime, the ripple effects on victims, families and communities, and the structure of the Youth Justice System. For trainee counsellors, understanding these dynamics is essential to provide empathetic, non-judgmental support and to signpost young people to appropriate interventions, including restorative justice and local prevention programmes.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Working ethically with counselling skills

This element explores the fundamental principles of ethical practice when using counselling skills, focusing on the application of formal ethical frameworks such as the BACP Ethical Framework. It examines how these frameworks guide decision-making, boundary management, and client safety across diverse settings. Learners develop understanding of when and how to make ethical referrals, ensuring client welfare remains paramount.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma In Counselling Skills

1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Implementing Values-led Practice in a Health and Social Care Context

Implementing values-led practice involves applying core principles—such as dignity, respect, and person-centred care—to everyday support tasks. Learners must interpret care plans, work collaboratively with individuals and teams, tailor communication to meet diverse needs, and maintain accurate, confidential records. Mastery of these skills ensures safe, ethical, and legally compliant care delivery within the Northern Ireland health and social care context.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Self-Assessment for Youth Work Practice

This subtopic guides learners in critically evaluating their personal qualities, skills, and potential to contribute effectively to youth work within their community. It emphasises the importance of honest self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for improvement, culminating in a structured personal development plan that targets further training and growth opportunities in the youth work sector.

SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Exploring Youth Work

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Business and the Economy

This subtopic examines the fundamental macroeconomic factors of economic growth, inflation, and unemployment, and their direct and indirect effects on business operations. Within the context of counselling services, learners explore how fluctuations in these economic indicators influence client demand, funding streams, costs, and overall business viability, ensuring a grounded understanding of the economic environment in which counselling practitioners and organisations operate.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Standards and Values Underpinning Social Care Practice

This element explores the foundational standards and values required for safe social care practice in Northern Ireland. It examines the regulatory duties of registered Social Care Workers under the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and embeds person-centred values such as dignity, respect, and empowerment into everyday care delivery. Understanding these principles ensures that support is tailored to individual needs, promoting positive outcomes and maintaining public trust in the profession.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Safe and Effective Practice in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland), SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

2 learning outcomes12 guidance points2 criteria

Chemistry in Society

Chemistry in Society explores how foundational chemical discoveries have shaped modern healthcare and everyday life. Learners investigate a historical development in chemistry, the pervasive role of chemical processes in medicine and technology, and the specific applications and natural occurrence of a selected element. This knowledge underpins further study in health science professions by linking theory to practical, life-saving innovations.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Micro-Commissioning for Social Prescribing

Micro-commissioning in social prescribing involves the strategic allocation of small-scale, local resources to co-design and deliver community-based activities and services that address non-medical needs. It empowers link workers and partner organisations to respond flexibly to individual and population health determinants, fostering integrated, person-centred care and reducing health inequalities through grassroots innovation.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Provide Reflexology for Complementary Therapies

This subtopic focuses on the practical competencies required to safely and effectively deliver a reflexology session within a complementary therapies context. Learners must demonstrate thorough consultation, appropriate treatment planning, and proficient application of reflexology techniques, followed by critical reflection on their practice to enhance client outcomes and professional development. Mastering these skills ensures that treatments are tailored to individual client needs and adhere to professional standards.

SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology for Wellbeing

1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Understanding Eating Disorders

This subtopic explores the definition and classification of eating disorders as serious mental health conditions, delving into the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural causes. It examines the profound physical, emotional, and social impacts on the individual and their wider network. Learners also focus on the management of a specific eating disorder through evidence-based, multidisciplinary approaches.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling

This subtopic explores the organisational and professional imperatives that underpin safe and effective counselling practice. It addresses the dual responsibilities of individual client welfare and systemic accountability through robust safeguarding protocols, ethical decision-making, and structured supervision. Mastery of these elements ensures practitioners can navigate complex clinical environments, manage risk, and respond appropriately to common mental health presentations such as depression and anxiety.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Chemistry of Life

This covers the chemistry of life, including atomic structure, biological molecules, and enzyme function. It links chemical principles to biological processes.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

7 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

Use Food and Nutrition Information to Plan a Healthy Diet

This element equips learners with the ability to interpret food labels and additive information, and to apply this knowledge in planning nutritious diets within care settings. It emphasises practical application, such as using labelling to manage allergies, selecting additive-free options, and upholding individuals' rights through informed choice and confidentiality when documenting dietary needs.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Research methodologies in counselling

This element explores the application of research methodologies within therapeutic counselling, enabling learners to critically evaluate existing evidence and contribute to practice-based knowledge. It encompasses selecting and implementing appropriate methods, analysing data ethically, and presenting findings to inform client outcomes and professional accountability.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Working with Young People in the Local Community

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamentals of youth work within their immediate locality, emphasising the unique characteristics, resources, and challenges of their specific community setting. It explores the key social, economic, and cultural issues affecting young people locally, and examines how effective youth work practice can foster meaningful participation and empowerment. The emphasis is on practical application, enabling learners to connect theory to real-world scenarios they encounter in their youth work environment.

SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Exploring Youth Work

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Business Finance

This element equips learners with essential financial literacy for running a small counselling practice or being self-employed. It covers identifying appropriate sources of business finance, using simple investment appraisal techniques to evaluate capital projects, and applying cost–benefit analysis to make sound investment decisions that balance financial and therapeutic outcomes.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Motivational Interviewing Skills

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred counselling style that strengthens a client's own motivation and commitment to change. In social prescribing, its spirit—characterised by partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation—provides the foundation for empowering individuals to adopt healthier behaviours, while core skills like open questioning, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarising are applied to explore ambivalence and build intrinsic motivation.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Chemistry: Structure and Changes

This subtopic provides the essential chemical principles underpinning human biology and health science, exploring how atomic structure governs bonding and reactivity in physiological processes. Learners examine the organisation of elements in the periodic table to predict behaviour relevant to nutrients, electrolytes, and medications, and analyse types of chemical reactions that sustain life, including acid-base balance crucial for homeostasis. Practical competence in representing substances and reactions with symbols and equations is developed to support safe and effective practice in health-related contexts.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions

6 learning outcomes21 guidance points2 criteria

Communication skills in helping relationships

This element examines the foundational communication skills essential for establishing, developing, and appropriately closing therapeutic interactions in counselling contexts. Learners explore techniques such as active listening, open questioning, paraphrasing, and summarising, while also understanding the importance of non-verbal communication and professional boundaries. Mastery of these skills ensures a safe, empathic environment that fosters client trust and facilitates meaningful helping relationships.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Self-awareness for Counsellors

This subtopic focuses on the critical development of self-awareness in therapeutic counselling, emphasizing the exploration of personal philosophy, integration of counselling theory, and reflective practice. It promotes a deep understanding of how the counsellor's own experiences, values, and biases influence the therapeutic relationship and outcomes. Practical application involves continual self-assessment and supervision to enhance professional competence and ensure ethical, client-centred care.

SEG Awards Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Motivational Interviewing Skills to Support Vulnerable Adults

This subtopic explores the foundational principles of motivational interviewing (MI), including expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. Learners apply these MI skills—such as open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing—within social prescribing contexts to empower vulnerable adults to articulate goals and overcome ambivalence. Mastery of these techniques enables link workers to facilitate person-centred conversations that enhance motivation and engagement with community-based support, ultimately improving health outcomes.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Co-ordination of the Human Body

This subtopic explores how the human body achieves co-ordination through the nervous system and specialised sensory organs, enabling rapid responses to internal and external stimuli. It integrates the structure and function of the nervous system, eye, and ear, emphasising their roles in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating perception. Practical application includes understanding diagnostic assessments and care considerations in health science professions.

SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Further Study in Health Science Professions, SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Progression to Further Study in Health Science Professions

7 learning outcomes23 guidance points2 criteria

Structures and Cultures within Communities

This element explores the multifaceted composition of communities, including their demographics, assets, and social networks, and examines the cultural norms, values, and practices that shape community identity. It critically analyses how social prescribing intervenes by leveraging these structures and cultures to facilitate non-clinical support, enhancing individual and community wellbeing. A deep understanding enables effective, culturally competent practice that aligns with person-centred care principles.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Contemporary British Political Ideologies

This element explores the foundational concepts of politics and the landscape of contemporary British political ideologies, crucial for understanding the socio-political context in which counselling services operate. It equips learners with the ability to define politics from multiple perspectives, identify the main UK political parties and their core principles, and critically analyse how these ideologies shape current political issues affecting health and social care. Grasping these political dynamics enables counsellors to better comprehend clients' lived experiences and the systemic factors influencing their wellbeing.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Crime and Deviance

This element explores how crime and deviance are not fixed concepts but are socially constructed, varying across cultures and historical periods. Learners examine biological, psychological, and sociological explanations for criminal and deviant behaviour, assessing how these perspectives inform counselling practice. The unit also critically evaluates statistical data on crime, highlighting issues such as underreporting and bias, to equip learners with a nuanced understanding essential for empathetic client work.

SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Supervision and Professional Support

Supervision in social prescribing is a structured professional support mechanism that enables link workers to reflect on their practice, maintain ethical boundaries, and safeguard client well-being. This subtopic explores the different forms of supervision—such as one-to-one, group, and peer supervision—and emphasises the critical importance of confidentiality, reflective practice, and understanding the unique limitations of the link worker role. Mastery of these concepts ensures that practitioners can effectively discuss cases, receive feedback, and identify personal development needs to enhance service delivery.

SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing

1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Understand Communication, Recording and Information Sharing in Health and Social Care Services

This unit explores the pivotal role of effective communication in delivering personalised, safe care, and the legal and organisational frameworks that ensure accurate, confidential recording and appropriate sharing of information. It equips learners with the knowledge to apply communication techniques that respect individual needs and to manage records in compliance with data protection laws, thereby safeguarding service user rights and promoting integrated care.

SEG Awards Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Northern Ireland)

1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

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