Course summary
Foundation Degree level courses are available for those candidates who wish to progress to professional qualifications. Successful completion of this course will enable you to provide a therapeutic counselling service within the context of an agency's service framework. You will explore psychodynamic and person-centred approaches within a framework of Clarkson’s 5 facets of the therapeutic relationship. By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate that they can work safely, ethically and professionally with clients presenting with a range of problems. Theory This is comprised of a programme of seminars developing understanding of the self, personal history and interpersonal relating within both Person-Centred and Psychodynamic theory Professional Framework A programme of seminars designed to equip students with the knowledge of practice issues. Seminars will be mainly tutor-led and will involve discussion of typical practice issues. Skills Development A series of practice sessions aimed at helping students develop their ability to work with clients. A variety of skills exercises are used including whole group work, pairs work and work in triads (Year 1). Casework Discussion Working in groups, students will take turns to present actual client work. The objective is to enable students to integrate theory, self-awareness and skills into ethical and professional practice (Year 2). Common Presenting Issues There will be a number of sessions where you will explore working with people with specific issues such as bereavement, abuse issues etc. Personal Development Fortnightly Personal Development Group and weekly Learning Journal entries. Students also attend personal therapy and a residential weekend. Study Skills (Y1) and Advanced Study Skills (Y2) Study Skills supports students in all aspects of producing academic work at L4 & L5. Advanced Study Skills (Y2) introduces FDA students to the basics of academic research and is not compulsory for Diploma students. In addition to the College fees there are other costs to be considered including:
- Personal therapy (typically £45 per session)
- Supervision: most agencies provide supervision but occasionally students either supplement existing supervision, with the agreement of the agency, or organise supervision privately at around £45 per hour
- Books, photocopying, travel, childcare, etc.
Modules
Modules covered in Year 1
- Introduction to the Theory of Person-Centred Counselling.
- Introduction to the Theory of Psychodynamic Counselling.
- Working Professionally as a Counsellor
- Introduction to Counselling Practice
- Self-Development for Counsellors
- Study Skills
- Integrative Practice for Counsellors
- Client Issues in Counselling
- Developing a Professional Approach to Counselling
- Work based Learning for Counsellors
- Reflective Self-development for Counsellors
Assessment method
As well as seminars on theory, professional practice and mental health, you will be helped to develop your counselling skills in role plays prior to starting a placement in a counselling agency. In addition to a variety of academic assessments, you also need to complete 110 hours of supervised voluntary client work in your agency and 40 hours of personal therapy during the two years of this course.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B940
- Institution code:
- G45
- Campus name:
- Cheltenham
- Campus code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
Both CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies are required. Equivalent non CPACB qualifications and training will be considered. The CPCAB courses each have 90 guided learning hours including a substantial element of skills practices. It is the candidates' responsibility to demonstrate that their training/qualification is equivalent to the entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Attendance is required at a briefing and interview which is normally held in March
Other
You will be required to have English at GCSE grade C or above. An equivalent English Language qualification will be required for non English speaking students.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | |
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Across all skills. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 53 |
To study Higher Education at Gloucestershire College, normally applicants will be required to have GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent). The College will consider Functional Skills Qualification in English and Maths at Level 2. The ability to demonstrate the required level of proficiency in English and Maths, through an appropriate assessment at the College’s discretion may be considered. All decisions are based on an applicant's individual circumstances and the College will approach each application on a case by case basis.
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
| EU | £7700 | Year 1 |
| England | £7700 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7700 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7700 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7700 | Year 1 |
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
Fees are subject to change, for queries on financial support please contact our Student Services team on 0345 155 2020 (option 5) or visit - https://www.gloscol.ac.uk/student-and-parent-guide/financial-support/loans-and-other-financial-support/
Provider information
Gloucestershire College
Gloucestershire College
Princess Elizabeth Way
Cheltenham
GL51 7SJ