Ulster University Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice

Qualifications and/or experience needed to apply for the course: 

Applicants must: 

(a) Satisfy the general entry requirements of the Ulster University 

To be eligible to apply you must: 

Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English, and Mathematics (GCSE English Language and Maths grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent) along with: 

Passes in 3 other subjects 2 of which must be A level /BTEC National Diploma and or Extended Diploma 

*Please note UU general entrance requirements must be met. 

It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide certificated evidence as required and to present this for review at interview.  Accreditation of Prior Learning/ Experience   Where necessary, candidates may provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation by the University, of learning gained through work or other experience. 

Once an application is made on line, students will be sent a supplementary application form which must be returned to the course tutor before interview can be organised. Failure to do so will result in application being rejected.

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  

The FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice is achieved after three years' part time study (240 credits) including a structured supervised practice element.  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:  FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice: 3 years (full qualification)  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 Foundation Degree which is accredited by the National Counselling Society will be eligible to be named on the Professional Standards Register as a registered Counsellor.  Also further study at a higher level (BSc (hons) Professional Development in Counselling (top-up from the Foundation Degree) level 6 and then to other postgraduate level 7 courses  will lead/contribute to additional potential opportunities such as Social Work and allied health and social care professions or management positions in the Health and Social Care industry. 

The FdSc in Integrative Counselling Practice qualifies students to be counselling practitioners in line with regulation proposals and the professional accreditation criteria set out by the two main professional bodies in the area.  (BACP and IACP). 

The alternative 2-year part time route of Certificate of Higher Education in Integrative Counselling Studies provides students with flexibility of choice and opportunity to enhance current skills, knowledge and employability e.g. promotion opportunities, in their existing professional roles in a relevant sector e.g. Education, Social Work, Management etc.  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: 

• Personal therapy (approximately £40 per hour) for a minimum of twenty sessions 
• 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).
• BACP Student membership 
• NCS Student membership 
• Professional Indemnity Insurance 
• Access NI 

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

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