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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling
The value of counselling in improving 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 diploma, developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), prepares you to become a professional counsellor, equipping you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work in this field.
The same programme of study is also offered as the Foundation Degree in Counselling (if recognised in your country).
This counselling diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
We recommend you study the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling before registering for this OU diploma.
The CPCAB diploma provides the basic theory and practice of counselling. You’ll explore different counselling approaches and ethical, safe practice with a diverse range 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 where you can study it, see Entry requirements.

ModulesCreditsStart month

In Stage 2, there are two routes to complete this diploma. The first route requires studying a Level 5 CPCAB Diploma and an OU module on mental health that focuses on the brain’s functions. In the second route, you'll choose one of our psychology and mental health modules. With both routes, you’ll study an OU module that combines counselling approaches and theory with a critical approach to controversial debates around mental health and illness.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)30Oct
Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)60Oct

ModulesCreditsStart month
You’ll choose one of the following OU modules:
Applying psychology (D250)60Oct
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225)60Oct
Critical perspectives on mental health in society (K243)60Oct
Death, dying and bereavement (K220)60Oct
You'll also study the following OU module:
Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)60Oct

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal and practice tutors, flexible learning materials, online tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling upon successful completion.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
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 Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You'll begin with studying the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling for two years before registering for this OU diploma of higher education. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You have a maximum of seven years from the start of the first OU module to complete all the required learning.

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.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your Open University modules, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
The CPCAB courses include practice-based, experiential learning in small groups at a local learning outlet (including role-play exercises). On these courses, you will also gain practical counselling experience as a trainee in a supervised placement and undertake required personal therapy (or alternative personal development). Practical and professional skills and competencies will be assessed using a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including tutor observations, testimony from placement supervisors, and assessed documents and reports (e.g. learning reviews, case studies). See the CPCAB website for full details.
Although you can begin the Diploma of Higher Education 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 this Diploma of Higher Education.
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 Diploma of Higher Education. Entry to the CPCAB Level 4 course requires the completion of
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 to check whether it offers the qualifications in the year you plan to start studying.
You can find out more information about the entry requirements on the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website.
You cannot count credit for study you have already completed elsewhere towards this qualification other than the specified CPCAB courses required for this qualification.
£6,132* (Route 1) | £8,176* (Route 2)
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Please note: if you intend to use a Tuition Fee Loan to pay for your course, you can't study and fund an OU module and the CPCAB qualifications in the same funding year. This is because the loan can only be used to fund one provider at a time.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
If you meet the entry requirements, please complete this application form to have your CPCAB study linked to your Open University record.
You will need to provide your CPCAB certificate(s) with your application form. You can send us details of your CPCAB Level 4 qualification and then send us the evidence of your CPCAB Level 5 qualification (should you opt to do the specified CPCAB Level 5 qualification), or you can send us evidence of both the CPCAB Level 4 and 5 at the same time.
If you submit an application for the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma only, this qualification should appear on your record within 4 weeks of receipt of your application. If your application includes a CPCAB Level 5 qualification, this may take longer to process.
We will need your completed application by 13 August 2026. Applications received after this date will not be processed in time for the October 2026 start.

This diploma course 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:
This diploma of higher education in counselling allows you to:
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.
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. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, 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. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience:
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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