Program Overview

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Counselling and Psychotherapy with Foundation Year

Overview

The Social Sciences Foundation Year programme will help you develop an understanding of the key subjects in social sciences so that you can continue to successfully study for your degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy or a related subject.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time

Course Duration

• Four years

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

The aims of the programme are to:

• Improve competence in essential areas of social sciences necessary for progression onto social science degrees
• Develop factual, theoretical knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for progressing in social science subjects
• Develop analytical, critical and problem-solving skills in social science subjects
• Develop strong digital and IT skills
• Develop communication and study skills

Foundation Year Modules

Social Care Practice

This module aims to introduce you to key ideas about social care practice. Key models of practice and values will be explored in order to equip you with the knowledge to meet the requirements of this level of study.

Sociology; Theories and Concepts

The module aims to provide you with a firm grounding in sociological substantive and factual knowledge, help build interpretive capacity, and encourage the development of evaluative thought.

Understanding Social Policy

This module aims to introduce you to key ideas in social policy. The focus on the British experience of welfare services is designed to encourage you to examine welfare provision from different perspectives, use theory to explain social change and critically assess existing institutions.

Understanding Criminology

The module introduces fundamental questions in criminology: What is crime? What causes crime? How does crime and criminal justice affect us? How should we best respond to criminal behaviour?

Introduction to Counselling

This module introduces you to basic counselling skills and the skills and qualities required to be an effective citizen.

University Life

This module has been designed to promote a positive and supportive transition from further to higher education, focusing initially on the importance of wellbeing to successful study.

Year One Modules

Counselling and Communication Skills

This module will introduce you to the theory and practice of internationally recognised self-management and problem solving skills.

Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills

This module will help you to develop the knowledge, critical evaluation and practical application skills of person centred counselling theory and practice.

Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approaches

An introduction to basic counselling, communication, listening, interpersonal skills and reflective practice.

Introduction to Counselling, Philosophy and Research

This module will develop your academic research skills and the processes involved in critically reviewing literature, identifying appropriate resources and applying models of research design.

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

This module will enable you to understand the principles of mindfuness-based approaches and their relevance to counselling and psychotherapy.

Therapy, Ethics and Human Rights

This module will define the terms of ethics and how they relate to Human Rights.

Year Two Modules

Personal and Professional Development 1

Through a personal development plan, you will reflect on your own self-awareness and experiences and how they might affect how you communicate with others.

Practice-based Reflection and Research

This module will develop your research skills so that you are able to write a strong, original project proposal using literature searches, analysis and evaluation.

Professional Issues, Ethics and Supervision

This module will further develop your understanding of the professional expectations, contracts and boundaries you will encounter in your practice.

Preparation for Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

The aim of this module is to prepare you for professional practice and the factors involved in multi-disciplinary working.

Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills

This module will enhance your ability to evaluate your own counselling practice and develop your capacity as a reflective practitioner.

Theory of Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

This module will develop your understanding and critical awareness of theoretical traditions in this field of practice.

Year Three Modules

Professional Practice Placement

This 40 credit module gives you the opportunity to put your learning in to practice in a real world setting, working with clients in a counselling and psychotherapy setting.

Personal and Professional Development 2

The module further prepares you for professional practice by strengthening your ability to work in a positive, non-discriminatory and culturally sensitive way.

Counselling and Mental Health

This module covers a range of issues related to mental health with respect to the needs of several disadvantaged groups in society.

Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children and Young People

This module will develop your understanding and critical awareness of theoretical traditions in this field of practice.

Expressive Therapies

Explores the range of therapies that allow us to express ourselves.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

On completion of this module you will be able to describe and critically evaluate the key features of the CBT model and discuss new developments in CBT.

Professional Practice

On this module you will examine the concept of the reflective practitioner such that there can be an alignment of personal and professional development with the future of professional practice.

Social Justice in Counselling & Psychotherapy (optional module)

Social justice principles invite us to be aware of and challenge social inequalities as they are present in therapy and in our clients’ lives.

Teaching and Assessment

A wide range of teaching methods is used according to the nature of the module e.g. lectures, seminars, reflective practice, guided study, teamwork, and oral presentations.

You will be assessed during the foundation year through the methods below:

• Group presentation and Individual reflective essay
• Personal learning statement essay
• Written exam
• Essays x 2
• 5 minute presentation
• Portfolio project
• Reflective portfolio

School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.

Employment and Statistics

You will be equipped with transferable skills in areas such as research, IT, critical thinking and advanced problem solving, which will provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a diverse range of professions.

A degree in social sciences provides a strong foundation for a range of occupations from policing to prison and probation work to journalism and social administration.

Our degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice) is a qualifying programme and graduates could expect to find employment as counsellors in a wide range of sectors including:

• NHS and community mental health services
• IAPT (the government’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies major initiative)
• Employee support services
• Counselling in voluntary organisations
• Coaching and guidance services
• Self-employment as a private therapist

Requirements

Applicant Profile

You have a keen interest in changing society with perhaps some experience of the social sciences from school or college.

English Language Requirements

Applicants will be required to show proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.

Standard Entry Requirements

• GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/ grade 4 or above, or equivalents (Functional Skills Level 2).
• 80 UCAS Tariff points.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years (2025/26 and 2026/27).

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.