Counselling
This foundation degree, developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), will prepare you to become a professional counsellor – equipping you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work in this field.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 4 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 7 years
Study method:
Classroom based (CPCAB courses)
Distance learning (OU study)
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
• Please note that government funding such as Student Fee Loans and Advanced Learner loans cannot be claimed for study at two different institutions in the same academic year. If you are able to access government funding to study the CPCAB element of this qualification (which will be affected by the centre you study at, and local funding regulations in the UK nation where you live), this may increase the length of time it takes you to complete your studies.
Entry Requirements
Although you can begin the Foundation Degree in Counselling without prior qualifications, we recommend that you complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling before registering for this qualification as this covers the Stage 1 element of the Foundation Degree.
Once you have completed your CPCAB Level 4 Diploma at a participating CPCAB Centre, you can transfer the 120 credits from the CPCAB Diploma when you register for this OU qualification.
If you have not already completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma, you need to make sure that it is delivered by a centre in your area, as otherwise you cannot complete the Foundation Degree. Entry to the CPCAB Level 4 course requires the completion of
• the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or its equivalent, plus
• the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or its equivalent, such as the OU module, Introduction to counselling (D171) (now discontinued),
• a successful interview with the training provider.
The 'Find a Centre' link on the CPCAB website can help you find where your closest CPCAB Centre is located to complete these three qualifications. You should then contact the centre direct to check it is offering the qualifications in the year you are planning to start studying.
You can find more information about the Foundation Degree in Counselling on the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
This foundation degree in counselling allows you to:
• practise as a professional counsellor in a wide range of settings, from the statutory to voluntary sector
• work with a diverse range of people and issues such as mental health problems, relationship problems, physical illness and trauma.
It also provides the required hours of specified learning which – with appropriate practice, supervision and personal development – will enable you to apply for individual accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). You can also use it as a staging post for further professional development, including the possibility of topping up to an honours degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Foundation Degree in Counselling
The value of counselling to improve wellbeing and quality of life is increasingly recognised. From everyday worries to serious mental health issues like chronic anxiety and depression, counsellors and psychotherapists are helping us cope. This foundation degree, developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), will prepare you to become a professional counsellor – equipping you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work in this field.
You are required to complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma, so make sure that it is delivered by a local training centre if you have not already completed it.
Key features of the course
• Enables you to qualify as a professional counsellor
• Combines OU knowledge-based modules with work-based learning at a local college or other learning provider
• If you already have the required CPCAB qualifications, you can top up to the foundation degree by studying just the OU theory modules
• Builds a solid foundation for further study.
This programme of study is also offered as the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (W09),which might be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland.
This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• You’ll gain the 120 credits required for Stage 1 from successful completion of the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
• Next, in Stage 2, you can complete your foundation degree with 30 credits of further CPCAB Level 5 study plus 90 credits of OU study or, alternatively, complete the foundation degree with 120 credits gained entirely from OU modules.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.