Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice (Validated by the Ulster University)

General Entry Requirements 

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics as above) at GCSE level (grades A* - C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

All applicants must meet the general entrance requirements and the standard offer for this course is 48 UCAS points as a minimum.

1. Provide evidence of passes in five subjects, two of which must be at A-Level (Grades A-E) and three at GCSE level* (Grades A-C/4-9); or
2. Provide evidence of passes in four subjects, three of which must be at A-Level (Grades A-E) and one at GCSE level* (Grades A- C/4-9); or
3. Provide evidence of an approved qualification at an equivalent level such as a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification or equivalent**; or
4. Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation of learning you have gained through work or other experience (APEL).

** For information on common alternative Level 3 qualifications, please refer to the Ulster University Entrance Requirements and Equivalence of Qualifications table available at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Accreditation of Prior Learning 

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

Please note, all applications must be received by 5PM on Friday 16th May 2025.  Late applications will not be considered.

Each module within the programme is assessed individually. Assessment is by a variety of coursework methods. The methods used reflect the learning outcomes of the module and enhance the strategies used in teaching and learning.    Assessment allows for the measurement of depth and breadth of knowledge and also for the opportunity to promote active learning on behalf of the student.   

Assessments activities include: 

• Personal Learning Records
• Video-taped sessions
• Personal Case Study
• Case Studies
• Client Case Studies
• Vivas, Seminar Presentations
• Evaluation of Current Counselling research

Assessment activities aim to develop, in each student, the intellectual and personal qualities that can be used in counselling work. These include the ability to: 

• Develop self-awareness and personal skills
• Think through problems, objectively and systematically
• Use current research to inform practice
• Conduct accurate client assessment
• Work through therapeutic outcomes
• Communicate in writing to a high standard
• Adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework
• Show effective oral communication

To support professional development 30 hours of Personal Therapy is required throughout the lifetime of the programme, and 100 hours of supervised practice client work, must be achieved.    Constructive formative developmental feedback is provided for all assignments. Extensive comments are provided on all scripts which are summarised on a formal summative feedback sheet. Students are offered individual tutorials to discuss this further.  Assessment is monitored further for reliability of marking through cross marking and moderation between staff, within the individual college and across colleges and by the External Examiner.  Assessment Rules- Pass mark for each assessment, module and course: 40% 

The design of the FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice is in line with those set out by the two main professional bodies in the area: The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and qualifies students to be counselling practitioners. 

The programme offers two exit points depending on student need/professional goal: 

1. FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice: 3 years (full qualification)
2. Cert HE in Counselling: 2 years (lower award).  This is an alternative lower award and non-practice route for those seeking a Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling qualification (2 years), with the emphasis on theoretical studies and exiting after 2 years. 

.   

Students who have successfully completed the FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice (must include the 2 supervised practice modules), which is accredited by NCS, and be eligible to be named on the Professional Standards Register as a registered Counsellor.  This course provides students with extensive opportunities for further study at a higher level e.g. Ulster University top up degree: BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Counselling, a level 6 programme and then to postgraduate at level 7

Course fees are detailed on the college website and include examination fees and registration with Ulster University.  Additional costs will be incurred including: 

1. Personal therapy (approximately £40 per hour) for a minimum of twenty sessions 
2. Clinical Supervision (typically £35 - £40 per hour - (student rates may be available) ratios are 1:5 in the first 30 hours and 1:8 in the remaining 120 hours approximately)
3. BACP Student membership 
4. NCS Student membership 
5. Professional Indemnity Insurance 
6. All applicants must satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI which will incur a fee of approximately £32.  If you require further information on this course please contact (Course Directors) Angelika Schulz at aschulz@serc.ac.uk or Andrea Woodrow at awoodrow@serc.ac.uk  

Please note that course fees, made up of tuition fees and registration fees, are payable in each year of the programme.

Integrative Skills 1, Personal Integration Integrative Skills 2, Therapeutic Development CBT, Supervised Practice 2, Psychodynamic Theory Integrating Self Integrating Humanistic Theory and Skills Ethics and Professional Practice Psychosocial Development across the Lifespan Supervised Practice 1