1. Welcome Information session
FdA Counselling
Welcome
Information session

2. Programme Philosophy Humanistic and Person-Centred
Central approach is delivered within an
integrative framework
Students study a range of complementary humanistic approaches including:
Gestalt, Psychosynthesis, Existential and Transactional Analysis
Students also learn to appreciate other models including CBT, Solution-Focused and the Psychodynamic approaches

3. Programme Structure Two years Full-time, or three years Part-time
Current days: Monday PT
Tuesday and Wednesday FT
nb: These days are likely to change in future years
Stage One: 120 credits
(PT 18 months, FT 12 months)
Stage Two: 120 credits (As stage one)

4. Times for Full-time mode
Level 4 first year is comprised of 2 semesters of 17 weeks plus Helping Placement.
Core times are plus Personal Development Group (PDG), plus tutorials.
The first session of learning is an induction and this happens in September
Level 5 second is also comprised of semesters, and includes a the Counselling Placement (PDG and tutorials as year 1)

5. Part time Part-time, level 4 (stage one)
September Induction week (one day)
Three 17 week semesters in total ( months)
Core times are 9.30 – 4.30 plus Helping Placement plus tutorials
Part-time, level 5 (stage two)
As stage one plus counselling placement

6. FdA Award
Students need to successfully complete all 240 credits across stages 1 and 2 in order to be awarded the FdA award
Students who leave at the end of stage one (level 4), who have successfully achieved 120 credits may be awarded the Certificate in Higher Education

7. Year One Full time 2 days per week in College typically studying:
Counselling relationship, BACP and NCS Ethical frameworks
Study skills
Counselling skills and Humanistic approaches
Theoretical approaches Application to practice
Personal Development
NB Students will be required to have a helping placement in the first stage of the course building up to a counselling placement of around 4 hours per week, not including supervision.
The course will require a significant commitment from students in personal study time.

8. Year 2 / stage 2 2 days per week in College studying:
Professional practice
Human development
Working with appropriate research methods and methodologies
Understanding issues relating to Mental Health and Mental Disorder
Supervision, Professional & Personal Development
Creative approaches to therapy and personal development
NB Students will be required to have a counselling placement taking about a day per week
The course will require a significant commitment from students in personal study time.

9. Teaching & Learning
There are currently 2 days per week for F/T and 1 day for P/T.
There are timetabled lectures, workshops & tutorials
Students participate in practical skills within appropriate groups
Students participate in Personal Development Groups from day one of the course .

10. Assessment methods Written assignments Practical assessments
Practical skills>video and audio
Critical reviews
Presentations
Portfolio work
Creative pieces
Group/Professional discussions

11. NCS/ BACP membership
For admission on to the programme all students are required to obtain and maintain student membership of a Professional Counselling body throughout the programme.

12. Placements
Year 1
Students will undertake a Helping placement in a work based learning context for the first stage of their course .
Years two stage 2 ( last 18 months for PT):
This is the professional practice level and comprises a counselling placement for around 4 hours per week plus supervision to provide evidence of 100 hours of supervised counselling hours
Enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for
both levels and will be processed once an applicant
has accepted an offer of a place on the programme
We are able to accept transportable DBS disclosures. However, if you undertaken a DBS and it was not portable you will need to complete one with the college.

13. Entry requirements Normally students will require:
3 A Levels Grade A-C or equivalent
5 GCSEs A-C including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent key skills qualifications )
Level 2 qualification in Counselling skills (min hours)
Vocational experience of or equivalent learning through using counselling skills in a paid or voluntary setting for the first 6 months of the course.
International students > IELTS Level 6 or recognised equivalent

14. Diversity
We encourage applications for this course from people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations and cultures. The wider the range of experience, the richer the learning for students will be.
We will support students who have specific access or learning requirements. The college has a learning support team who can offer 1:1 input, plus tutors who can work with you on essays and presentations.

15. Health and Wellbeing
The FdA requires students to reflect on their personal development and promotes personal growth and self-awareness. This may be challenging at times. Prospective students should consider whether they are ready to take on these demands at this time.

16. Personal counselling statement
You will be required to show evidence of a minimum of 20 hours of Personal Therapy- 10 during each stage of the course level 4 and 5 (to be discussed at interview). We may advise further sessions during the course, if we feel that your personal issues are getting in the way of your learning or the learning of the group.

17. Entry requirements Students who do not have traditional
academic qualifications but have relevant
practical experience and/ or related
qualifications are welcome to apply
Existing skills and potential will be
considered at interview

18. Career/Progression prospects
Opportunities to progress on to BA top-up programme/s are available.
Strong vocational emphasis - starting with Helping placement and progressing to Counselling placement
Various industrial & commercial opportunities to practise
Opportunities in private practice
Opportunities within Voluntary sector

19. Frequently asked questions
How is a Foundation Degree different to any other Degree ?
A Foundation Degree has a strong vocational emphasis
relating theory to practice, entry is possible via a non-
traditional route, it is equivalent to the first two years of an
Honours degree
How much will it cost ?
Tuition fees are set by the University and are anticipated to be in the region of £6,000 per year for full-time 2018 entry and £4,000 per year for PT entry.
The College’s learner support section can offer advice and
signpost applicants to staff who can advise on financial
issues and loans

20. Frequently asked questions
Are there any additional costs?
Students should be aware there may be some additional costs for example: travel costs to placements, placement training, students may need to pay for additional supervision and insurance.
In the past some students have been successful in obtaining funding towards these costs.

21. Frequently asked questions
What about BACP personal accreditation ? To become a BACP Accredited Practitioner, the counsellor needs to complete an appropriate course of 450 training hours. The FdA satisfies the training component criteria for personal accreditation.

22. Frequently asked questions
What about BACP personal accreditation ?
In addition to the training component criteria to apply for
personal accreditation graduates from the FdA would need to
satisfy the following BACP criteria:
Have been in practice at least three years when you apply for accreditation
Have at least 450 hours of supervised practice accumulated within three to six years (they do not have to be consecutive years)
Have at least 150 hours of supervised practice after you have successfully completed your practitioner training
Have been supervised for at least 1½ hours per month throughout the period of practice submitted

23. How to apply Part-time Request an application pack
Read the guidance notes
Complete an application form
Return directly to HE Admissions:
Any questions about the application process can be directed to the above address, or by telephone on:
If your application is successful you will be
invited for interview-this comprises a group
interview, a short written exercise, and an
individual session with two tutors from CoBC

24. Full time applications
Please apply through UCAS, using their website. You will need the following details:
Institution name: BCBC
Institution code : B77
Course code YA3M
Campus code B
Short code FdA Coun
Application UCAS