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Faculty of Social Sciences

Foundation Degree in Counselling

Frequently asked questions

We will seek to answer common questions in this section and these will be updated regularly so please do check back from time to time if you have a query about the award. If you have an enquiry, please contact the advisory service on +44 (0)845 300 60 90.

  1. I want a qualification in Counselling where do I start? How do I train as a Counsellor?
  2. I've done D171 – where do I go next?
  3. I've done CPCAB courses and am practising as a Counsellor – what do I have to do at the OU to get the FD in Counselling?
  4. I've done DSE212 and other psychology courses and now want to train as a professional counsellor. Where do I start?
  5. I have a first degree in X but want to retrain as a Counsellor. What do I do?
  6. I don't have any qualifications at all but want to become a professional Counsellor. What should I do?
  7. I have taken courses in counselling which have been awarded credit by the OU but which are not CPCAB courses. Will they count toward the FD in Counselling?
  8. How long will it take me to qualify as a Counsellor/get the FD in Counselling?
  9. Can I get a list of FE colleges/registered training providers?
  10. I don't live in the UK. Can I still do the FD in Counselling?
  11. What does D171 give me in credit terms?
  12. Is the Foundation Degree in Counselling going to be held in Scotland?
  13. Can DSE202 be counted instead of DSE212 since DSE212 is the replacement for DSE202 and the content is similar?
  14. Am I eligible for financial support for the CPCAB courses?
  15. How do I gain credit for the CPCAB diplomas I have taken?
I want a qualification in Counselling where do I start? How do I train as a Counsellor?

The FD Counselling award description provides full details of the award. CPCAB offers level 2 and 3 theory and skills courses but you can begin with Introduction to counselling (D171) as an introductory taster course. If you want to continue developing your studies in counselling, D171 and another CPCAB course e.g. CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills allow entry on to the CPCAB level 4 and 5 courses.

I've done D171 – where do I go next?

The FD Counselling award description provides full details of the award. CPCAB offers level 2 and 3 theory and skills courses but you can begin with Introduction to counselling (D171) as an introductory taster course. If you want to continue developing your studies in counselling, D171 and another CPCAB course e.g. CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills allow entry on to the CPCAB level 4 and 5 courses.

I've done CPCAB courses and am practising as a Counsellor – what do I have to do at the OU to get the FD in Counselling?

If you have only completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma, you will need to take one of the two CPCAB Level 5 courses. These are not currently widely available although we expect this to change so please do request these courses at your nearest learning outlet as they are likely to respond to demand. Please note: To get your CPCAB study linked to the Open University’s Foundation Degree in Counselling, you will need to complete and return the Credit Transfer application form together with your original CPCAB module certificate/s. You do not need to provide a transcript or syllabus for this CPCAB study. You will also take 60 points of the optional OU knowledge based courses, and the compulsory course that we are producing Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240) will be available for you to take in May 2010.

I've done DSE212 and other psychology courses and now want to train as a professional counsellor. Where do I start?

You will need to complete introductory courses in counselling skills and counselling studies to gain access to the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma. The FD Award description gives full details. Exploring psychology (DSE212) and Child development (ED209) both have supplementary online material on this website to help you understand better the relevance of these fascinating resources.

I have a first degree in X but want to retrain as a Counsellor. What do I do?

Your previous studies and life experience will undoubtedly be invaluable but you will still need to complete the programme of introductory skills and studies courses to successfully gain entry to studying the award courses.

I don't have any qualifications at all but want to become a professional Counsellor. What should I do?

This is not a problem at all. Your first steps are to complete introductory courses in counselling skills and studies. The award description gives full details.

I have taken courses in counselling which have been awarded credit by the OU but which are not CPCAB courses. Will they count toward the FD in Counselling?

No, only CPCAB courses count toward the award of the FD whilst other counselling courses given credit by the OU may be used against other qualifications.

How long will it take me to qualify as a Counsellor/get the FD in Counselling?

It will take three to five years. The CPCAB Level 4 Diploma currently qualifies you to practise as a counsellor (this should take two years of study). It will take longer to qualify for the Foundation Degree by taking the extra OU courses. You can take the courses in any order, however, it is necessary to complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma before beginning the CPCAB Level 5 courses.

Can I get a list of FE colleges/registered training providers?

Visit the CPCAB website for information on finding your local learning outlet (approximately 130 learning providers throughout the country to date).

I don't live in the UK. Can I still do the FD in Counselling?

There are some training centres in other countries but it would be wise to contact the CPCAB for advice on their courses and the OU Student Registration and Enquiry Services for advice on whether the OU courses are delivered in your country please call +44 (0)845 300 6090.

What does D171 give me in credit terms?

Introduction to counselling (D171) does not count directly in credit terms towards the FD in Counselling although it is recommended as a vital first step for those people new to counselling and the 15 points of credit gained can be counted to other OU awards.

Is the FD in Counselling going to be held in Scotland?

I'm afraid we cannot offer any definite guarantee about delivery in Scotland at the present time. We are however in discussion with a number of learning providers and do hope that we will be able to offer the award in Scotland at some time in the future.

Can DSE202 be counted instead of DSE212 since DSE212 is the replacement for DSE202 and the content is similar?

No. This course is not included as a permitted course in the award description.

Am I eligible for financial support for the CPCAB courses?

CPCAB courses are not OU courses and are delivered outside the OU in FE colleges. There is no financial support available from the OU for the CPCAB courses although obviously the student can apply for financial support for the OU courses.

How do I gain credit for the CPCAB diplomas I have taken?

To get your CPCAB study linked to the Open University’s Foundation Degree in Counselling, you will need to complete and return the Credit Transfer application form together with your original CPCAB module certificate/s. You do not need to provide a transcript or syllabus for this CPCAB study. Check credits for your previous study