Welcome Information session FdA Counselling Welcome Information session

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

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)

Times for Full-time mode Level 4 first year is comprised of 2 semesters of 17 weeks plus Helping Placement. Core times are 9.30 - 4.30 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 2 semesters, and includes a the Counselling Placement (PDG and tutorials as year 1)

Part time Part-time, level 4 (stage one) September Induction week (one day) Three 17 week semesters in total (18 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

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

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.

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.

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 .

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

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.

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.

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 19 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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

How to apply Part-time Request an application pack Read the guidance notes Complete an application form Return directly to HE Admissions: caroline.coombs@cityofbristol.ac.uk Any questions about the application process can be directed to the above email address, or by telephone on: 0117 312 5000 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

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