Foundation Degree in Counselling
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Foundation Degree
- Code
- G14
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 240 credit points
Description
The Open University’s Foundation Degree in Counselling is a higher education qualification which will provide an understanding of the theory and skills required to practise as a professional counsellor. The foundation degree is provided in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), and consists of 150 points of CPCAB work-based study, and 90 points of Open University (OU) knowledge-based study. The CPCAB courses are delivered through a network of Further Education Colleges and other registered training providers.
The first part of the CPCAB study is the CPCAB Level 4* Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (120 points). This qualification will provide you with the theory and practice of counselling in small groups over the course of two years part-time. The second part of the CPCAB study requires either the CPCAB Level 5* Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling or the CPCAB Level 5* Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory which will count as 30 points toward the foundation degree.
To gain the foundation degree you will also need 90 points of OU study from OU (HE) Level 2 courses, comprising the new compulsory 30-point HE Level 2 course Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240), plus a further 60 points from a specified range of optional OU courses in psychology and mental health.
The work-based (CPCAB) and the knowledge-based (OU) components can be taken in any order to suit your convenience; however it is necessary to complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma before beginning the CPCAB Level 5 qualification.
The foundation degree will be suitable for individuals with some knowledge of basic counselling theory and skills who wish to train further to become qualified to practise in a professional setting. It will also prepare students for further study, enquiry and reflection on their practice.
The foundation degree will take three or more years to complete part-time, and by completing a further 120 points at HE Level 3 you can gain an OU honours degree.
*CPCAB awards are statutory qualifications delivered within the National Qualification Framework which is regulated by Ofqual. The CPCAB level 4 diploma described here has been assessed as equivalent to OU (HE) Level 1 study and the Level 5 CPCAB qualifications have been assessed as equivalent to OU (HE) Level 2 study. The Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory is the same as the previously named 'Level 5 Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory' and both are acceptable qualifications for this foundation degree.
Planning your studies
For the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma you will be required to have first successfully completed a course both in counselling skills (such as the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent), and in counselling studies (such as the OU’s Introduction to counselling (D171) - or the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or equivalent). To find out more about the CPCAB courses you are advised to look at the CPCAB website or contact CPCAB directly by email admin@cpcab.co.uk.
It is important to note that progression on to the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma is not an automatic process and is dependent upon a successful interview with the training provider.
During the work-based (CPCAB) components you will need to have access to a suitable counselling setting (paid or voluntary) and you will need professional supervision of your counselling practice and to engage in a number of hours of personal therapy. Assistance on making these arrangements will be given by the FE College/registered training provider delivering the diplomas.
The knowledge-based (OU) courses – Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240) and other optional OU courses – will develop your theoretical knowledge, which will further inform your practice.
Prospective students should be aware that the Foundation Degree in Counselling is limited to areas where the CPCAB courses are delivered and that at present this does not include Scotland. We do hope that in future this will change and will continue to work over the next two years to further expand the places delivering CPCAB courses at levels 4 and 5. Students wishing to study for this award should check with CPCAB to ensure that the appropriate courses are delivered in their area before beginning to study for the qualification.
A range of assessment methods will be used including written assignments, case studies, oral presentations, audio-recording of counselling practice and examination.
For full details and frequently asked questions about the foundation degree, visit our Foundation Degree in Counselling website.
Career relevance and employability
This qualification will directly qualify you to practise as a professional counsellor in a wide variety of settings from the statutory to voluntary sector. The foundation degree has been designed to provide you with all the necessary knowledge and skills to practise effectively as a counsellor in line with current professional requirements. On completion of the degree there are opportunities for continued professional development including the possibility of continuing your studies to receive an honours degree.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this 240-point foundation degree:
You must take the following CPCAB courses which provide 150 points towards this foundation degree and are delivered by a network of FE and private training providers (see the CPCAB website for more details):
| Level 1 compulsory CPCAB course | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
120 |
| Level 2 optional CPCAB courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | |
| or | ||
|
30 |
And 30 points from the following compulsory OU course:
| Level 2 compulsory OU course | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | May 2011 |
And 60 points from the following optional OU courses:
| Level 2 optional OU courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
|
60 | Feb 2011 |
|
30 | Feb 2011 |
|
30 | Feb 2011 |
|
60 | Oct 2010 |
|
30 | Oct 2010 |
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
You will need to claim credit for your CPCAB study. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. Please read the Essential Information notes and complete and return the Credit Transfer claim form, which you will find in the “How to apply” section of this website.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of the required courses you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Counselling, and you will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
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An undergraduate qualification in Health and Social Care, Psychology and Social Sciences.
Study explained
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- Study explained
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