Level 5 Psychodynamic Counselling

Course Overview

The Foundation Degree programme aims to provide a sound theoretical framework and practical training in psychodynamic counselling. It is intended for those who have already undertaken Level 2 and Level 3 training in counselling and wish to continue to become fully qualified as counsellors either in employment or in private practice. The Foundation Degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills base required for life-long learning in a continually expanding area.

This course is taught face to face at Nescot.

This award is validated by The Open University.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should normally have English Language GCSE grade C or an equivalent award.
• Successful completion of a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling or equivalent Counselling course. (Note that an on-line Level 3 course will only be accepted if it contains a significant amount of face-to-face counselling skills practice or the applicant can demonstrate an equivalent in another setting).
• Students will be required to engage in personal therapy (with an accredited psychodynamic therapist approved by Nescot) as part of the course.
• Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
• Applicants must complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, plus an occupational health check, during the application process. Please note: Students will be liable to pay for their DBS check.

At the time you submit your application form, please also complete this Application Questionnaire, and upload it to your application portal. Please note there is no need to complete the personal Statement.

Interviews will be held in March/April

What the course covers

The programme is considered full-time but normally students attend:

Year 1 : Level HE 4
1st term: Thursday and Friday 9.30am until 5pm/5.15pm
2nd term: Thursday evenings 6pm until 9pm and Friday 9.30am until 5.15pm
3rd term: Friday only 9.30am until 5.15pm

Year 2: Level HE 5
Friday from 9.30 am until 5.15 pm

There are 2 residentials October/ November (Extra cost)
Year 1:1st term, date TBC Thursday 9am until Saturday 3 pm
Year 2:1st term, date TBC Thursday 9am until Saturday 3 pm

This course is taught face to face at NESCOT

• Class size is typically 12-18 (maximum 18)
• Taught hours: 230
• Independent study hours: 2,070

Click here for the full Fd Psychodynamic Counselling Programme Specification

The course will provide you with the necessary training in skills and theory to meet the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy requirements in those areas to accredit individual counsellors. The qualification is recognised within the profession as representing the highest standard of professionalism and ethical integrity. Most employers regard BACP accreditation as an essential requirement.

What is psychodynamic counselling?
In a nutshell, psychodynamic counselling is based on the belief that the past influences the present and the future. It pays attention to unconscious processes. For example, it can help clients to become aware of some relational patterns. It also focuses on the relationship clients have with themselves. The aim is to increase the level of self-awareness in order to enable clients to become more autonomous and less conflicted.

The core aims of the Foundation Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling are to:

• Enable students to practice competently & ethically as psychodynamic counsellors, within a variety of settings with a good knowledge of psychodynamic theory.
• Provide a complex & broad theoretical framework & practical training in psychodynamic counselling.
• Develop critical analysis of theory and practice.
• Aid theoretical and practical development by appropriate assessment at all stages.
• Develop personal & group responsibility for learning and counselling including self & peer evaluation.
• Provide opportunities for essential personal growth.

Year 1 (120 credits)

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Concepts
• Research Methods for Counselling Theories
• Clinical Case Study
• Work-Based Portfolio

Year 2 (120 credits)

• Human Development
• Psychopathology
• Preparation for Work
• Final Client Study
• Final Year Portfolio

Normally, successful applicants are required to provide a DBS during the process of securing a clinical placement.

The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards

Open University Students Guide

Click here for the full Fd Psychodynamic Counselling Programme Specification

At the time you submit your application form, please also complete this Application Questionnaire, and upload it to your application portal. Please note there is no need to complete the Personal Statement.

Fees and funding

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Annual tuition fees: £8,200 (UK Students) (£8,700 International Students)

Full fee information here

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.

Course Requirements and Associated Costs

Personal Therapy:

Students are required to engage in personal psychodynamic therapy from the start of the course and maintain this commitment for the full duration of the programme.

Estimated cost: £50:£80 per session.

Residential Trip:

A residential training weekend is included in the programme.

Cost: Approx £400.00

DBS Check:

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to ensure students are eligible to work safely with clients during placement.

Cost: £52

Supervision Requirements:

If a student is on placement delivering psychodynamic counselling but the placement agency does not provide a psychodynamic supervisor, the student will need to arrange private psychodynamic supervision.

Frequency: Fortnightly

Estimated cost: £50:£80 per session