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Advice on entry requirements for diploma in Counselling

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Identity protected Post 1

• 21 Jan 2021, 20:15

Advice on entry requirements for diploma in Counselling

Hi,

I am 44 and interested in studying a diploma in counselling. I have read the entry requirements and it does say you can begin the course without any prior qualifications but the level 4 in counselling is recommended. Due to my age and the fact that the level 4 would take additional time plus the 4 years of the part time diploma I feel that I would rather start the diploma without the level 4. Do you think this is an option or would I be unsuccessful in my application without the level 4?

Many thanks

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Identity protected Post 2 in reply to 1

• 22 Jan 2021, 09:33

Hi Kerry

Thanks for getting in touch.

The CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling forms 120 credits of the 240 credits needed for the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (W09) so you have to study it at some point whether this is before or after studying the OU modules which make up the remaining 120 credits. Though they can be done in any order we do recommend that students study the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma first. If you have the time available for full-time intensity study you may be able to do them together – this would require 32-36 hours study time per week.

There are entry requirements for the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling as students must complete the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies first.

Please be aware that the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (W09) is suitable for students living in Scotland. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland the qualification is offered as a Foundation Degree in Counselling (X09) and follows the same format as the Diploma of Higher Education. It is offered as a Diploma of Higher Education in Scotland as Foundation Degrees are not a recognised qualification in Scotland. You can see both versions below:

http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/counselling/diplomas/diploma-in-counselling-w09

http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/counselling/diplomas/foundation-degree-in-counselling-x09

Whichever version is suitable for you the qualification is limited to where there are CPCAB course providers in your area - if you live in Scotland providers are very limited. You can check it’s availability by clicking on the relevant link above then by clicking on the ‘Entry requirements’ tab then on the ‘CPCAB website’ link. This will take you to a search where you can see if the CPCAB courses are offered in your area.

When you have had a look at the right version of the qualification for where you live and have checked if the CPCAB courses are available in your area you are welcome to call our Student Recruitment team if you have questions or need advice. The telephone number is 0300 303 5303 and lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 5.30pm.