Introduction to counselling
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The tremendous expansion of counselling over the last 20 years reflects the changing nature of society, an increase in the number of people perceiving a need for professional help with their problems, and a growing recognition of the value of such support. This 12-week online course provides an accessible and interesting introduction to the theory and practice of counselling. While the course is primarily theoretical, it also develops some awareness of the basic skills in counselling practice. You will get a good grounding in key topics in counselling, including its cultural and historical origins; different theoretical orientations; and the vital role of the counselling relationship.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Psychology and Social Sciences.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | D171 |
| Credits | 15 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| No examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
This course reflects a growing interest in counselling and the helping professions generally, which in turn has led to more people seeking careers in these fields. In addition, there has been widespread recognition of the value of an understanding of counselling theory and skills to other ‘people oriented’ professions, such as human resources, whether in the private or public sector. This course provides a starting point for people interested in pursuing a career in counselling or those who simply want to know more.
The course introduces a range of issues central to counselling, including the cultural and historical origins of counselling, different theoretical approaches to counselling (including humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural orientations), and the fundamental role of the counselling relationship in enabling growth and change. In addition, basic skills in listening, attending and responding appropriately will be introduced and developed through audio-visual materials and structured self-directed activities.
The course is taught primarily through a textbook and other text-based study materials. Counselling skills are also introduced through a specially produced DVD and by practising self-directed activities. Online forums are offered to further support students in their learning.
Vocational relevance
Whilst this course does not qualify students to practise counselling, it does meet the needs of new students who wish to complete a ‘taster course’ in order to determine whether counselling is a suitable career, as recommended by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). It also provides academic and practical learning of relevance to many others – for instance, those in business or other professions where ‘people skills’ are particularly important – who are seeking further knowledge and training in basic counselling theory and skills.
Entry
Introduction to counselling is a Level 1 course that provides core subject knowledge and study skills.
As there are some aspects of the course content and activities that are not suitable for students under the age of eighteen years, entry is only open to students over the age of eighteen at course start date.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio-visual components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader. Musical notation and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Textbook and written study guide material, DVD and additional learning resources available online via the website.
You will need
A television and DVD player.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with study material. They will mark and comment on your written work, and you can ask them for advice and guidance with your studies. In addition there will be online forums. If you are new to the OU, you will find your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in April and October 2012. We expect it to be available twice a year.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Psychology and Social Sciences.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | D171 |
| Credits | 15 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| No examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
This course was interesting, but hard going. I have some knowledge of counselling theories, but this course asked for much ...
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I did D171 as my open choice 15 points for the BSc(hons) Psychology degree as I'm quite interested in counselling. ...
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Course satisfaction survey
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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