FdSc Psychology and Counselling Skills

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

To enrol on this course, you will usually be required to have a minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications. Level 3 qualifications in Psychology and / or Counselling are preferred.

Applicants must also have level 2 English and maths (GCSE Grade 5 or C, Adult Literacy / Numeracy or Key Skills).

Candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience and attainment of skills which demonstrate an ability to study at this level. Students with non-standard qualifications may be asked to complete a written piece of work on a relevant subject as part of the selection process.

A satisfactory DBS check will be required for all students, as the course includes mandatory placement with potentially vulnerable individuals. Criminal records should be positively disclosed upon application, in order for suitability to be assessed.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of six modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology of Aggression
• Humanistic Therapy
• Psychotherapy and Working with Trauma
• Individual Differences and Quantitative Research
• Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies

Year 2 Modules

• Forensic Psychology: Offending Behaviour and Rehabilitation
• Applied Psychology: Theories of Gender & Memory
• Positive Psychology and Qualitative Research Methods
• Integrated Counselling and Ethical Practice
• Creative Counselling
• Professional Practice

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. Students will be expected to attend timetabled lessons at UCSD for approximately fourteen hours per week over three days.

Students will be expected to attend timetabled lessons at UCSD for approximately ten hours per week over two days. They will also be expected to complete recommended reading and additional study outside of their timetabled lessons. To achieve the qualification. Students must successfully complete four 20 credit modules per year over three years.

In the second year, students will undertake a counselling placement. Guest speakers will come in to lessons and offer some opportunities, but students will be expected to organise their placements autonomously and to conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout. Completion of the placement is mandatory for achievement of the qualification. Eligibility for placement will be initially assessed through the DBS check, but student conduct, performance and fitness to practice will also be considered as the course progresses. During placement, group supervision will be available on a fortnightly basis.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1: 70% coursework, 30% practical
Year 2: 70% coursework, 30% practical

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

A more formal teaching style will be adopted in psychology lessons, which usually involve a combination of lectures, group activities, independent reading and seminar discussions. Research and evidence based practice will underpin most of the lessons in psychology modules.

In counselling lessons, students will often sit in a circle with the module leader and will be encouraged to ‘check in’ with their classmates at the beginning of a session. This helps students to become accustomed to sharing in a safe space and helps them to develop their active listening skills right from the off. A topic will then be introduced, before students are supported to work in pairs or threes to enhance their understanding of this topic and / or to practice the skills associated with it.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 15 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.
Level 5: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree you may progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies degree at the University of Plymouth or BA (Hons) Education, Development and Society at University Centre South Devon. Alternatively, you may wish to apply for an accredited Counselling course.

Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Alternatively, you will be able to immediately seek employment. Employers in the following fields are likely to welcome applications from psychology and counselling graduates: human resources, early years education, family support, pastoral support in schools, youth work, victim support, youth offending, offender rehabilitation, probation, drugs and alcohol support services, mentor schemes, police, court staff, sales, marketing, customer services, charities, support agencies for vulnerable people and research posts.

• Human resources
• Teaching assistant
• Youth support worker
• Police
• Marketing and communications
• Support services

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
Annual £10 printing allowance
Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Additional printing over the initial allowance
Optional overseas and UK based field trips
The cost of books you may wish to purchase
An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD