Description
This qualification is only available until 31 December 2017.
To claim this qualification, you must complete the required 240 credits by this date.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification, please contact the Centre for Qualifications and Ceremonies on +44 (0)1908 653003 or by email.
The value of counselling to improve well-being and quality of life is increasingly recognised in society. From everyday worries to serious mental health issues like chronic anxiety and depression, counsellors and psychotherapists are helping us cope with the stresses and strains of life. At the OU, we’ve responded to this growing interest by developing the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB). This diploma course will prepare you to become a professional counsellor, equipping you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work in this field. You’ll engage in a unique mix of learning experiences, combining knowledge-based study (with the OU) with practical experiences in small groups in a local learning outlet, and learning through supported practice and supervision (with the CPCAB).
The diploma consists of CPCAB work-based study, and Open University (OU) knowledge-based study. The CPCAB modules are delivered through a network of Further Education Colleges and other registered training providers (see Planning your studies for availability).
The first part of the CPCAB study – the CPCAB Level 4* Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (120 credits) – is compulsory. This qualification will provide you with the theory and practice of counselling in small groups over a period of two years part-time.
To gain this OU diploma you will need 150 credits from compulsory study (the CPCAB Level 4 diploma described above and the 30-credit OU Level 2 module Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240), plus a further 90 credits from a range of options. These options include OU modules in psychology and mental health, and the CPCAB Level 5* Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling or the CPCAB Level 5* Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory.
The work-based (CPCAB) and the knowledge-based (OU) components can be taken in any order to suit your convenience; however if you choose to move on to a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma you must have already completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma.
The diploma course will take three or more years to complete part-time, and by completing a further 120 credits at HE Level 3 you can gain an OU honours degree.
This Diploma of Higher Education will be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland (see Planning your studies for availability). The same programme of study is also offered as the Foundation Degree in Counselling (G14).
*CPCAB awards are statutory qualifications delivered within the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) which is regulated by Ofqual. The CPCAB level 4 diploma described here has been assessed as equivalent to OU (HE) Level 1 study and the Level 5 CPCAB qualifications have been assessed as equivalent to OU (HE) Level 2 study. The Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory is the same as the previously named 'Level 5 Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory' and both are acceptable qualifications for this diploma.
Planning your studies
Whether or not you’re new to study with the OU we recommend that you start with a module at Level 1 and that you complete your Level 1 study before going on to Level 2.
For this DipHE that would mean starting with the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma. For this you will be required to have first successfully completed a module both in counselling skills (such as the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent), and in counselling studies (such as the OU’s Introduction to counselling (D171) - or the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or equivalent). To find out more about the CPCAB modules you are advised to look at the CPCAB website or contact CPCAB directly by email admin@cpcab.co.uk.
It is important to note that progression on to the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma is not an automatic process and is dependent upon a successful interview with the training provider.
During the work-based (CPCAB) components you will need to have access to a suitable counselling setting (paid or voluntary) and you will need professional supervision of your counselling practice and to engage in a number of hours of personal therapy. Assistance on making these arrangements will be given by the College/registered training provider delivering the diplomas.
Please note that the provision of the CPCAB modules in Scotland is limited at present. We anticipate that this will improve and will continue to work to further expand the places delivering CPCAB modules at levels 4 and 5. We recommend that you check with CPCAB to ensure that the appropriate modules are delivered in your area.
The knowledge-based (OU) modules – Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240) and other optional OU modules – will develop your theoretical knowledge, which will further inform your practice.
A range of assessment methods will be used including written assignments, case studies, oral presentations, audio-recording of counselling practice and examination.
For full details and frequently asked questions about the diploma, visit our Foundation Degree in Counselling website.
The Level 2 modules listed can only count towards this qualification for a maximum of ten years after we have stopped presenting them.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 80 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you. Before being awarded any intermediate qualifications, we advise you to check that you’ll have sufficient new credits to qualify for your diploma.
Career relevance and employability
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.
Studying 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 acquire professional skills that are transferable to many other roles in health, social care and education and include the ability to:
- practise safely and effectively in a recognised model of counselling
- act in accordance with the relevant legal, ethical and procedural boundaries
- make professional judgements and interventions
- reflect on, review and audit your professional practice.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Modules
For this 240-credit diploma (recommended study order):
You must take the following CPCAB module which provides 120 credits towards this diploma and is delivered by a network of FE and private training providers (see the CPCAB website for more details):
Level 1 compulsory CPCAB module |
Credits |
Next start |
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CCPP120)
|
120 |
|
And 30 credits from the following optional CPCAB or OU modules:
Level 2 optional OU modules |
Credits |
Next start |
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling |
30 |
|
CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory |
30 |
|
- Death and dying (K260)1
|
30 |
|
- The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SDK228)1
|
30 |
|
Or the discontinued Level 2 modules K225, K272
1If you choose to study a Level 5 CPCAB module you can study both K260 and SDK228 in place of the 60-credit option listed below
And 30 credits from the following compulsory OU module:
Level 2 compulsory OU module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Counselling: exploring fear and sadness (D240)
|
30 |
|
And 60 credits from the following optional OU modules:
Level 2 optional OU modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Death and dying (K260)
|
60 |
|
- Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary (DD210)
|
60 |
|
- Mental health and community (K240)
|
60 |
|
- Psychology of childhood and youth (E219)
|
60 |
|
- The science of the mind:investigating mental health (SDK228)
|
60 |
|
Or the discontinued Level 2 modules DSE212, ED209, K225, K272
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
You will need to apply for credit for your CPCAB study. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. Please read the Essential Information notes and complete and return the Credit Transfer application form, which you will find in the “How to apply” section of this website.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling, and you will be entitled to use the letters Dip HE (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification