Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling
Open University
Key Information
Campus location
Online United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 6,924 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* cost per year full-time; £3,462 - cost per year part-time
Introduction
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 diploma, 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 work-based learning at a local college with OU knowledge-based modules
- If you already have the required CPCAB qualifications, you can top up to the diploma by studying just the OU theory modules
- Builds a solid foundation for further study.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- undertaking practical work
- working in a group with other students.
Program Outcome
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Curriculum
Course details
This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll gain the 120 credits required for Stage 1 from successful completion of the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
- Next, in Stage 2, you can complete your diploma with 30 credits of further CPCAB Level 5 study plus 90 credits of OU study or, alternatively, complete the diploma with 120 credits gained entirely from OU modules.