Course Overview
The programme enables participating students to deepen their understanding of counselling theory and practice.
The rationale being that effective practice is based upon an awareness of the complex and contested nature of practical counselling issues rather than through uncritical acceptance of prescription.
The course is designed for practitioners who want to expand their practice by a process of assimilative integration. This is about gradually extending your core modality by adding in elements, with a solid theoretical underpinning, ensuring the overall approach remains coherent.
The programme is designed to enable individual participants who have no first degree to gain bachelors of honours in counselling studies.
This award is validated by The Open University.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have English Language GCSE grade 4 or an equivalent award and a Level 5 relevant qualification (e.g. Diploma in Higher Education/Foundation Degree in Counselling or an equivalent level 5 qualification (e.g. Foundation Degree in Psychology related subjects). Applicants should also have membership of BACP or equivalent professional association with a code of ethics.
Applicants should be prepared to discuss clinical material relating to their clients (this is covered by appropriate confidentiality agreements).
It is expected that students are practising counsellors or have relevant recent experience such as working in related professions (i.e. child protection and associated social services, school support specialist and medical and healthcare practitioners). Other students may be considered for admission and will be individually assessed by the Programme Leader upon submission of a statement of their experience and evidence of their qualification.
Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 Reading Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
Applicants must have or should complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check plus occupational health check during the application process.
What the course covers
Click here for full Open University BA (hons) in Counselling programme specification
The course comprises four modules:
- Advanced clinical practice
- Research methods and project
- Relational thinking in therapy
- Time-limited therapy.
Each module is weighed 30 credits. Provisional descriptions are given below : subject to change.
Advanced Clinical Practice
The advanced clinical practice module includes trauma, dissociation, neuroscience, psychopathologies and specialities. Trauma includes child sexual abuse, birth trauma, sexual assault and covers alternative treatment models. The dissociative model, which is currently on the rise as an explanatory framework, particularly for trauma, is covered in some depth. The latest ideas in neuroscience are covered, particularly relating to trauma. Psychopathologies are also covered – particularly enabling identification and risk assessment. Some specialities are also covered including addiction, self-harm, suicide and eating disorders.
Research Methods and Project
The research module includes tuition on research methods and a research project. You will produce a research proposal, implement your research investigations and prepare a dissertation. Topics have included menopause and mental health, group supervision in mental health charities, impact of covid on neurodiverse children and why counselling is female-dominated.
Relational Thinking in Therapy
In the relational thinking module you will cover the philosophical foundation of the relational approach such as post-modernism which is having a profound effect on society. It also covers relational working with clients, group functioning and power, gender, sexuality and race.
Time-limited Therapy
The time-limited module covers intensive short-term dynamic therapy (ISTDP – a psychodynamic model), cognitive analytic therapy (CAT – often used in trauma treatment and fitting with the dissociative framework) and dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT – a psychodynamic modality designed for IAPT). Ideally you will be able to practice some of the approaches within your own practice.
Throughout the course there is a clinical workshop which is gives you an opportunity to embed your learning and to help you to integrate your learning into your practice. It also provides you with support as you progress through the course.
The course is assessed by a mixture of presentations and essays (including a dissertation).
Wednesday 9:30am : 5pm (September to May)
- Class size is typically 6-10 (maximum 16)
- Taught hours: 384
- Independent study hours: 816
The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards
Open University Students Guide
Click here for full Open University BA (hons) in Counselling programme specification
Fees and funding
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
Annual tuition fees: £8,400 (UK Students) (£8,900 International Students)
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.
Additional Costs: Enhanced DBS Check approximately £52
Progression
This award will provide you a BA (Hons) Degree and would enable you to progress on to Masters degree. It does not give you a qualified counsellor status. If you are not already a counsellor this course will not make you a counsellor.
Duration
One year full-time. 6 hours per week for 30 weeks in a single academic year.
The mode of delivery is face to face.
End Date: May 2027