Bereavement and Loss (Level 7, 30 credits)
Part-time
Distance Learning
One semester
September 2025
In a nutshell
This online module will enable you to further your understanding of working with clients therapeutically with issues related bereavement, loss and change. The course offers theoretical and experiential learning opportunities to explore this crucial topic in a sensitive and respectful learning environment.
You will be offered cognitive based and experiential learning as part of your participation on the programme and there will be opportunities to engage in extra curriculum activities related to death/grief where available, e.g. attendance at the University's Day of the Dead event.
You will:
- learn how to approach one of the most important aspects in one’s life: death/grief.
- explore the theoretical principles related to attachment, bereavement and loss
- benefit from insights from professionals and academics in the field of counselling and psychotherapy
All about the course
The 'Bereavement and Loss' module offers theoretical and experiential learning opportunities to explore the topic in a sensitive and respectful learning environment. Contemporary theories are presented by a range of counselling practitioners with a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge in the field. The module offers an excellent opportunity for you to enhance your awareness of your own responses to bereavement and loss as well as deepen your understanding of the people you live and work with.
This module contributes towards the development of resilience and skills around thinking, appraising and recognising the importance of psychological theories and models of grief in the process of grieving for individuals.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
This module can be taken as a standalone module for continuing professional development. Our students find work in a range of areas, including mental health organisations, hospices or bereavement services and organisations who deal with grief in children and young people.
Further study at the University of Salford could include:
MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice)
PgCert Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies)
Career Links
You will have the opportunity to hear from members of the counselling and psychotherapy team, gaining insights from professionals who are currently involted in the academic field of counselling and psychotherapy and have rich and relevant experience when working with loss.
In addition, the module also incorporates lectures from lecturers in aligned professions so that you can get a multidisciplinary perspective into loss and grief. For example, we have hosted lectures from nurses, mental health nurses and midwives.
This year we also held a 'Day of the Dead' project which involved extended links and talks/workshops with a lot of industry partners and professionals from our local stakeholders and also academics from other University institutions and with an expertise knowledge in grief and loss.
What you need to know
Previous study and experience
The programme is suitable for practicing counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health workers who wish to expand their practice and gain skills and knowledge of working with grief and loss in their settings.
You will need to be demonstrate an ability to self-reflect, work in small and larger groups, and be an independent learner at Level 7, either through prior CPD or completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,530 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.