Free online learning for adults: click here

  • Home
  • FD Psychodynamic Counselling – Nescot College Courses

FD Psychodynamic Counselling

Course Summary

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.

Nescot is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

  • 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


Following the programme, the student will be qualified to work in public and private practices as a counsellor. The programme also fulfils the requirements for BACP accreditation which may be undertaken once the student has obtained the necessary post-qualification experience and has completed the BACP accreditation application process.

In addition, on successful completion of the programme students will be able to progress to a relevant level 6 programme such as the BA (Hons) Counselling Studies at Nescot thus furthering the knowledge and skills base and meeting the proposed government agenda for regulating the profession.

Fees for Academic Year 2024/25

Annual tuition fees: £8,000

Full fee information here

Fees are for 2024/25 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.


Additional costs:

  • Personal Therapy – approximately £50-70 per week over the two years.
  • Residential trip – approximately £350 per year.
  • BACP student membership - £82 (for 2022-23) per year.
  • DBS - £52.
  • Insurance may be required for some agencies – typically around £100 per year.
  • Clinical assessment may be required for some agencies – typically around £80.
  • Supervision – some agencies make a small charge for supervision – typically around £15-20 per month. 
  • IT equipment – it is useful to have your own computer although the LRC does have computers you can use on site.

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: Wednesday 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.

Click here to go to our university-level information and support pages.

Disclaimer:

This Nescot College website describes the facilities and courses which the College intends to offer during the academic year commencing Autumn 2024. The web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate and every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in these pages is helpful, fair and accurate at the time of printing. However, this information is subject to change over time.

Nescot will take reasonable steps to provide the courses and services as described, however, the College cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Some circumstances, such as staff changes, resource limitations and other factors over which the College has no control, such as industrial action or a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module (please note that this list is non-exhaustive), may result in the College having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes, modules and/or student services detailed on the website. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught or the manner of teaching delivery, and the facilities provided to deliver or support the programme. Where circumstances demand an unavoidable change or where it is necessary for the College to discontinue a programme of study, Nescot will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect and all proposed changes will be notified to potential applicants who have registered an interest in the relevant programme at the earliest possible opportunity as well as being reflected on the College’s website. In addition, any changes between the website and the proposed course and services will be notified to applicants at the time of making an offer.

All prices quoted may be subject to change and you will be notified of any such change when any offer of a place is made to you by Nescot.

Should you become a student of the College, this notice shall be a term of any contract between you and Nescot. Any offer of a place at the College shall be subject to the student enrolment conditions and the College’s rules and regulations as amended from time to time. A copy of the Nescot’s current terms and conditions can be obtained in writing from Nescot, Quality Office, Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS.

Last updated - 09/10/2023

Overview

  • Course Code:

    N4720

  • Study type:

    Full Time

  • Award:

    Foundation Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling

  • Awarded by:

    The Open University

  • Course length:

    2 years. See 'details' for timetable information.

    End Date: May 2026

  • Start date:

    September 2024
Apply now
  • Course Code:

    N4720

  • Study type:

    Full Time

  • Award:

    Foundation Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling

  • Awarded by:

    The Open University

  • Course length:

    2 years. See 'details' for timetable information.

    End Date: May 2026

  • Start date:

    September 2024

  • 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


Following the programme, the student will be qualified to work in public and private practices as a counsellor. The programme also fulfils the requirements for BACP accreditation which may be undertaken once the student has obtained the necessary post-qualification experience and has completed the BACP accreditation application process.

In addition, on successful completion of the programme students will be able to progress to a relevant level 6 programme such as the BA (Hons) Counselling Studies at Nescot thus furthering the knowledge and skills base and meeting the proposed government agenda for regulating the profession.

Fees for Academic Year 2024/25

Annual tuition fees: £8,000

Full fee information here

Fees are for 2024/25 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.


Additional costs:

  • Personal Therapy – approximately £50-70 per week over the two years.
  • Residential trip – approximately £350 per year.
  • BACP student membership - £82 (for 2022-23) per year.
  • DBS - £52.
  • Insurance may be required for some agencies – typically around £100 per year.
  • Clinical assessment may be required for some agencies – typically around £80.
  • Supervision – some agencies make a small charge for supervision – typically around £15-20 per month. 
  • IT equipment – it is useful to have your own computer although the LRC does have computers you can use on site.

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: Wednesday 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.

Click here to go to our university-level information and support pages.

Disclaimer:

This Nescot College website describes the facilities and courses which the College intends to offer during the academic year commencing Autumn 2024. The web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate and every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in these pages is helpful, fair and accurate at the time of printing. However, this information is subject to change over time.

Nescot will take reasonable steps to provide the courses and services as described, however, the College cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Some circumstances, such as staff changes, resource limitations and other factors over which the College has no control, such as industrial action or a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module (please note that this list is non-exhaustive), may result in the College having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes, modules and/or student services detailed on the website. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught or the manner of teaching delivery, and the facilities provided to deliver or support the programme. Where circumstances demand an unavoidable change or where it is necessary for the College to discontinue a programme of study, Nescot will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect and all proposed changes will be notified to potential applicants who have registered an interest in the relevant programme at the earliest possible opportunity as well as being reflected on the College’s website. In addition, any changes between the website and the proposed course and services will be notified to applicants at the time of making an offer.

All prices quoted may be subject to change and you will be notified of any such change when any offer of a place is made to you by Nescot.

Should you become a student of the College, this notice shall be a term of any contract between you and Nescot. Any offer of a place at the College shall be subject to the student enrolment conditions and the College’s rules and regulations as amended from time to time. A copy of the Nescot’s current terms and conditions can be obtained in writing from Nescot, Quality Office, Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS.

Last updated - 09/10/2023

Ask a question

Ask a question about your application, the course or anything else to do with Nescot here, and our team will get back to you. 

Ask a Question
Back to top