Foundation Degree in Counselling
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Foundation Degree
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 240 credits
Description
The value of counselling to improve well-being and quality of life is increasingly recognised in society. From everyday worries to serious mental health issues like chronic anxiety and depression, counsellors and psychotherapists are helping us cope with the stresses and strains of life. At the OU, we’ve responded to this growing interest by developing the Foundation Degree in Counselling in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). This foundation degree course will prepare you to become a professional counsellor, equipping you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work in this field. You’ll engage in a unique mix of learning experiences, combining knowledge-based study (with the OU) with practical experiences in small groups in a local learning outlet, and learning through supported practice and supervision (with the CPCAB).
How to register
Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.
Career relevance and employability
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.
Studying this foundation degree 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 acquire professional skills that are transferable to many other roles in health, social care and education and include 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.
There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Counselling, and you will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after your name.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Health and Social Care, Psychology and Social Sciences.
Study explained
- Costs
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- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Your questions
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