Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The value of counselling to improve 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 foundation degree, developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), will prepare you to become a professional counsellor – equipping you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work in this field. Key features of the course
- Enables you to qualify as a professional counsellor
- Combines OU knowledge-based modules with work-based learning at a local college or other learning provider
- If you already have the required CPCAB qualifications, you can top up to the foundation degree by studying just the OU theory modules
- Builds a solid foundation for further study
Modules
This qualification has two stages. Stage 1 is achieved through successful completion of the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. We recommend that you study this diploma part-time over two years at a local college. You can visit the CPCAB website to find your nearest learning providers. Upon completion of the CPCAB Diploma, you will register for Stage 2 of this OU foundation degree. You then have two possible routes to completion; you can combine further CPCAB study with OU study, or alternatively, complete the foundation degree with credit entirely from OU 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.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Although students can begin the Foundation Degree in Counselling (X09) without prior qualifications – we recommend that you complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling before registering for this qualification. (You can transfer the credits from the CPCAB diploma when you register for this OU foundation degree.) It should be noted that there are entry qualifications for the CPCAB level 4 course - you need to have completed the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or its equivalent, plus the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or its equivalent, followed by a successful interview with the training provider) . This qualification is limited to areas where the CPCAB courses are delivered. Please use the Find a Centre link on the CPCAB website to see where your closest learning provider is located.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2025/2026 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ