Open University

Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling

The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of this diploma you will have knowledge and understanding of the following:

• Major theoretical perspectives, concepts and explanatory frameworks employed within counselling
• Historical and cultural context of counselling theory and practice with an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference
• Appropriate professional principles required for effective counselling practice
• Importance and impact of social processes on the theory and practice of counselling.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma you will be able to:

• Analyse situations from a range of perspectives and evaluate the appropriateness of different interventions or approaches
• Apply concepts and theories to inform understanding of practice
• Critically evaluate evidence from research and its application to practice
• Make use of a range of sources of information and use them to sustain an argument or develop new insights into practice.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this diploma you will be able to:

• Practise safely and effectively in a recognised model of counselling
• Act by the legal, ethical and procedural boundaries of your profession
• Use appropriate knowledge and skills to make professional judgements and interventions, seeking guidance when appropriate
• Reflect on, review and audit your professional practice and identify appropriate continuous professional development opportunities.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma you will be able to:

• Communicate ideas, arguments, principles and theories effectively in speech and writing using visual and ICT tools where appropriate
• Identify, develop and present systematic arguments, drawing on appropriate, up-to-date literature
• Reflect upon one’s learning to develop as an effective and autonomous learner, including maintaining records of one’s personal learning and professional development
• Make use of appropriate information and communications technologies where appropriate.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You will 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 complete the diploma with 120 credits gained entirely from OU modules.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You will study the following CPCAB course:

• CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Route 1

You will choose one CPCAB course:

• CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
• CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory
• CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People

You'll also study the following OU modules:

• Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)
• Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)

Route 2

You will choose one of the following OU modules:

• Death, dying and bereavement (K220)
• Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary (DD210)
• Critical perspectives on mental health in society (K243)
• Psychology of childhood and youth (E219)

You'll also study the following OU module:

• Exploring mental health and counselling (D241)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You will have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You will be given time to revise and prepare.
• You will be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

This diploma course will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical perspectives employed within counselling; the historical and cultural context of this profession; and the appropriate professional principles required for effective counselling practice. You’ll also acquire professional skills that are transferable to many other roles in health, social care and education – including the ability to:

• Practise safely and effectively in a recognised model of counselling
• Act in the relevant legal, ethical and procedural boundaries
• Make professional judgements and interventions
• Reflect on, review and audit your professional practice.

Career relevance

This diploma of higher education in counselling allows you to:

• practise as a professional counsellor in a wide range of settings, from the statutory to voluntary sector
• work with a diverse range of people and issues such as mental health problems, relationship problems, physical illness and trauma.

It also provides the required hours of specified learning which – with appropriate practice, supervision and personal development – will enable you to apply for individual accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). You can also use it as a staging post for further professional development, including the possibility of topping up to an honours degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.