Ulster University Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice

All applicants must satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI which will incur a fee of approximately £33.  If you require further information on this course please contact (Course Directors) Angelika Schulz, aschulz@serc.ac.uk. or Andrea Woodrow @ awoodrow@serc.ac.uk 

Students must be 18 years of age or over. As places are limited, early application is required.

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

The requirements may be met in the following ways:

1. Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language Grades A-C/4-9 or equivalent. Essential Skills L2 Communication is acceptable) and Maths (grades A-C/4-9 or equivalent. Essential Skills L2 Use of Number is acceptable). * GCSE English Language (Grades A-C/4-9 or acceptable equivalent) and maths (Grades A-C/4-9 or acceptable equivalent) may be used as part of the GCSE requirement.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.

Whilst applicants who do not possess the above qualifications may gain entry to the course through the Accreditation of Prior Learning route (APEL), please note that certificated evidence of English and Maths subjects are required and APEL for these subjects is only considered in exceptional cases. Completion of the Level 4 Ulster University Certificate in Counselling Studies course, or an equivalent substantial counselling qualification, is recommended and desirable. Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements and the impact of using student finance before enrolling on a course at the College.  Note: vocational qualifications from some awarding bodies are not accepted by the university.

Please note, all applications must be received by 31st May 2024. 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. 

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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. Access NI 

Please note, course fees are payable on each year of study.

 

The FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice is accredited by the National Counselling Society (NCS) and working towards approval by BACP.  Content Un-Changed Course Modules Integrative Skills 1  Integrating the Self  Integration of Humanistic Theories and Skills  Ethics and Professional practice    Year 2:  Integrative Skills 2  Integrating of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy  Supervised Practice 1  Psychosocial Development across the Life span    Year 3:  Supervised Practice 2 (placement)  Developing Integrative Approach   Integration of Psychodynamic Approaches

 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