Level 4-5 Foundation Degree (FdA) in Counselling 2026-28

This programme is offered by East Durham College working in partnership with the University of Sunderland. The award that you will receive will be from the University of Sunderland.

As our Foundation Degree courses are delivered in partnership with the University of Sunderland, therefore the up to date fees are shown on the university's website, they are not FREE. Please visit the University of Sunderland website, for the up to date fee information by clicking here: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/psychology/undergraduate-counselling…

This course will provide an understanding of the theory, skills and expertise required to work as a professional Counsellor as well as providing progression to higher levels of study in this subject at degree level.

For all the current information on this course on the University of Sunderland's website, please follow this link: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/psychology/undergraduate-counselling…

Modules on this course include:
Year 1 (Higher Education Certificate Level 1) (national level 4):
A Core Counselling Approach (30 credits)
Becoming a Counsellor (30 credits)
Developing your Counselling Skills (30 credits)
Issues in Contemporary Counselling (30 credits)

Final year (Foundation Degree) (national level 5):
Further Core Approaches to Counselling (30 credits)
Counselling Skills in Context (30 credits)
Personal and Professional Development (30 credits)
Understanding Counselling Research (30 credits)
Professional Placement in Counselling (0 credits)

In the Professional Placement module, you’ll find a clinical placement to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling practice. During this time, you’ll work with an experienced counsellor who will provide clinical supervision, helping you apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned during your FdA Counselling course in a real-world setting.

This is a highly practical course, which combines academic study and work-based learning. The elements of the course which are taught in the college include lectures, discussions, case studies and workshops.

The course qualifies you as a Counselling Practitioner (a professional Counsellor). You can progress to the BA Honours Degree (a one-year part-time course) at the University of Sunderland.

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Counselling can lead to the final year of the BA (Honours) Degree in Counselling at the University of Sunderland.

• Level 3 Certificate in Counselling. Plus GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications) in Mathematics and English. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

You are required to submit an application form and attend an interview prior being offered a place on the course.

There is a course requirement stipulating that all students need to acquire student membership of the BACP at own cost prior to beginning counselling practice in a placements. Prospective students are advised to consult the BACP for the latest information on student membership.

If English is not your first language, please refer to the University of Sunderland English Language requirements:
https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/help/applying/entry-requirements/what-engl…

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

Teaching methods include seminars, group work, presentations and debates. Assessment will be by essays, reports and presentations.

September 2026. Course runs on a Thursday.

Work based full-time, one day a week, over two years.

A minimum of 450 guided learning hours, taught over 33 weeks at 7 hours each week plus self-directed learning.