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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.

Course Summary

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Foundation Degree

Course code: X09

Credits

120 or 150 (CPCAB study) + 120 or 90 (OU study) = 240

How long it takes
Study method: Classroom based (CPCAB courses) +
Distance learning (OU study)

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Course details Am I ready? Fees & funding Careers

Course details

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.

Access – preparing you for study

If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! You can start with an Access module designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study. Visit Am I ready? for more information about starting with an Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

We recommend that you study Stage 1 – the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – part-time over two years, at a local college before registering for this OU foundation degree.

The CPCAB diploma provides the basic theory and practice of counselling. You’ll explore different counselling approaches; and ethical, safe work with a diversity of clients. You’ll gain practical counselling experience as a trainee in a supervised placement; and undertake required personal therapy (or alternative personal development). For further information about this CPCAB course and its entry requirements, see Am I ready?


Modules	Credits
You’ll study the following CPCAB course:
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling	120

Stage 2 (120 credits)

In Stage 2 you can choose a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma (either Psychotherapeutic Counselling, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory), or an OU module that explores the issues around death and dying or looks at mental health by focusing on the brain’s functions. You’ll then examine how different counselling approaches work with the issues of fear and sadness, and finish with a choice of OU modules covering psychology and mental health.

This is a recommended study route. You can choose the order of study but note:

we recommend that you only take the Level 4 CPCAB diploma alongside the knowledge-based (OU modules) if you are able to study full time
if you choose to move on to a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma you must have completed the Level 4 CPCAB qualification.


Modules	Credits
You’ll choose one CPCAB course or one OU module:
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling	30
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory	30
Death and dying (K260)	30
The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SDK228)	30
You’ll study the following OU module:
Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240)	30
You’ll also choose one of the following OU modules:
Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary (DD210)	60
Mental health and community (K240)	60
Psychology of childhood and youth (E219)	60
If you choose to study a Level 5 CPCAB course you can study both K260 and SDK228 in place of the 60-credit option.

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Foundation Degree in Counselling uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
undertaking practical work
working in a group with other students.

All qualifications require you to complete learning and assessment activities within a required timescale and according to pre-determined deadlines. You will therefore need to manage your time effectively during your studies and the University will help you to develop this skill throughout your degree. Information on assessment will be available to you at the start of each module.

If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

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; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

You cannot count credit for study you have already completed elsewhere towards this qualification other than the specified CPCAB courses required for this qualification.

Please download and complete this application form to have your CPCAB study linked to your Open University record.

On completion

On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Foundation Degree in Counselling.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Essential Documents website.

Foundation Degree in Counselling

Entry requirements

We recommend that you complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling before registering for this qualification. (You can transfer the 120 credits from the CPCAB diploma when you register for this OU foundation degree.)

To study the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma course you need to have completed 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’s discontinued module, Introduction to counselling (D171), followed by a successful interview with the training provider.

This qualification is limited to areas where the CPCAB courses are delivered, so you should check the CPCAB website for details.

For further information see our faculty website.

General study skills

Anyone can study with The Open University, but if it's a while since you did any academic work it's worth checking that your time management, computing and English skills are up to speed. Visit Can I do it? to find out more.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time completing 60 credits a year.
This will normally mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Read about how some of our students have fitted OU study into their lives, then find out if you have enough time to study by completing our time planner.

An OU qualification will always help you stand out from the crowd, now and in the future – whether you’re just starting out, developing your career, or changing direction entirely.

Skills for career development

This foundation degree will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical perspectives employed within counselling; the historical and cultural context of this profession; and the appropriate professional principles required for effective counselling practice. You’ll also acquire professional skills that are transferable to many other roles in health, social care and education – including the ability to:

practise safely and effectively in a recognised model of counselling
act in accordance with the relevant legal, ethical and procedural boundaries
make professional judgements and interventions
reflect on, review and audit your professional practice.

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

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the website are available to see at any time, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):

professional counsellor
counselling psychologist
clinical psychologist
educational psychologist
health psychologist

occupational psychologist
sports and exercise psychologist
psychotherapist
social worker
advice worker

lecturer
careers adviser
retail manager
adult guidance worker
human resources officer.

You can also visit GradIreland for the Republic of Ireland.Want to see more jobs? Use the career explorer for job ideas from the National Careers Service, Prospects and Plan IT

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2017 - Registration closes 14/09/2017

Credit transfer: apply by 17/08/2017

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Foundation Degree in Counselling

Course Summary

Foundation Degree

Course details

Access – preparing you for study

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

General study skills

How much time do I need?

How much will it cost in England?

Additional costs

Study costs

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Request Psychology and Counselling prospectus

The Open University

OU Community

OU Students Community

Support

Study

Policy

Course details

Access – preparing you for study

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

Entry requirements

General study skills

How much time do I need?

Your next step

How much will it cost in England?

Additional costs

Study costs

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Request Psychology and Counselling prospectus

Where do you live?