Counselling (Foundation Degree)

A part-time course providing the understanding, practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for a career in counselling - ideal if your job involves using counselling skills or if you are interested in a career in this area.

Why study Counselling (Foundation Degree)?

The Foundation Degree in Counselling aims to meet the increased demand for capable practitioners in the Counselling field. The course is part of our training opportunities at the Psychology Department at Bath Spa and is delivered in partnership with Weston College in Weston-Super-Mare, where you will be based. The course enables students to develop analytical and reflective thinking, internalise knowledge and skills and to become confident and competent counsellors. We are interested in students' personal development and will provide necessary support.

Course structure

The course integrates an exciting range of subject areas, and includes a residential weekend with all students and tutors. You will explore topics such as:

• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Health/social care
• Business and management studies
• Professional conduct
• Counselling skills within a humanistic framework
• Self-awareness
• Mental health and other factors
• Counselling tools
• Internal and external supervision

These subjects all share a common interest in working with people and understanding 'what makes them tick'. This course covers both theoretical and practical elements, and will develop your understanding, knowledge and skills. This Counselling training course consists of 12 modules, which are delivered across three years part-time. This is a practice-based professional qualification and requires placement work (100 hours in Year 2 and 60 hours in Year 3) and commitment to personal counselling/psychotherapy. All our counselling training provision is firmly rooted in the Humanistic School of Thought and students will be trained in Roger's Person Centred Counselling integrating related philosophical directions, such as Phenomenology, Existentialism and Gestalt Theory. We offer students a solid foundation in the contemporary debate of humanistic counselling traditions

Modules

Sample Modules

• Introduction to Humanistic Approaches to Counselling
• Application of Theoretical Perspectives to Counselling Practice
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Working with Diversity
• Reflectivity and Self-awareness
• Professional Issues for Counselling Practitioners
• Body-minded Interaction
• Work-related Practice

After successful completion of this course, you may wish to apply to progress to the third year of an associated honours degree course. In the event of insufficient places being available to accommodate all Foundation Degree students who wish to progress, there will be a selection process based on achievement during the Foundation Degree, supplemented by audition and interview as appropriate, and will be subject to satisfactory academic references. 

Course assessment

Assessment is through a variety of methods including:

• Assignments
• Individual projects
• Written reports
• Presentations
• External exams

A part-time course providing the understanding, practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for a career in counselling - ideal if your job involves using counselling skills or if you are interested in a career in this area.

Teaching methods

You will be taught by experienced and committed members of staff who have a vast knowledge of the subject area. Particular areas of expertise are working with children and young people.

Taught sessions will include formal lectures, group assignments and practical sessions. Much of the teaching and learning is done in small groups with high levels of tutor support.

Course enquiries

Weston College:

Telephone: (01934) 411411.

mktg@weston.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

You should have successfully completed a Counselling Skills Certificate, have an understanding of the use of counselling skills within the work environment and have a level of maturity which allows you to use your life experiences to enhance your learning.

Minimum 80 UCAS Tariff points gained from a level 3 course, for example BTEC National Diploma (MM).

OR an Advanced Certificate in Counselling.

Please be aware that you will be required to complete a new Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Application through Bath Spa University as part of the admissions process for this course.

Career opportunities

People with a professional counselling qualification work in a great many areas from industry to the prison service to private practice as organisational consultant. Initially most students work with Counselling Agencies to achieve the necessary 450 client-counselling hours, which entitles them to apply for accreditation with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). In recent years, changes in the health and social care sectors opened new academic qualification routes such as Honours Degrees in Counselling.