Program Overview

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Counselling and Psychotherapy (Humanistic Approaches) with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Course Description

This course is more than an academic programme and will transform you academically, professionally and personally. It focuses on enabling students to develop a firm grounding in understanding the humanistic theories of counselling and psychotherapy and to develop core academic skills of critical analysis and reflection. Professional counselling skills will be developed and applied in clinical placement.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 80 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: C84F
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Why Study Counselling and Psychotherapy (Humanistic Approaches) at Derby?

• 100 hours clinical placement to enable you to register as a counsellor with a regulatory body such as the BACP
• Learn from practising counsellors and psychotherapists and experienced lecturers
• The opportunity to become more self-aware and experience personal growth
• Utilise our specialist facilities to include our counselling suites
• Focused humanistic approach throughout the course

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Course Content

Foundation Year

• Study Skills
• Promoting Equality in Human Professions
• Introduction to a Recovery Model for Mental Health
• Preparation for Professional Practice

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Study Skills
  • Promoting Equality in Human Professions
  • Introduction to a Recovery Model for Mental Health
  • Preparation for Professional Practice
• Optional modules:
  • Communication Skills
  • Public Health Principles
  • Health, Wellbeing and Creativity
  • English
  • Mathematics

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Counselling Skills
  • Humanistic Approaches to Counselling
  • Research Methods
  • Professional Development
• Optional modules:
  • Group Work
  • Family Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Counselling

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • Advanced Counselling Skills
  • Humanistic Approaches to Psychotherapy
  • Research Project
  • Professional Practice
• Optional modules:
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Art Therapy
  • Drama Therapy
  • Dance Movement Therapy

How You Will Learn

• Interactive teaching sessions including lectures, small group seminars, counselling skills workshops and personal development groups
• You will learn from lecturers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience and who bring their latest thinking to your studies
• We ensure you have the right level of support to succeed, we are responsive, approachable and empathic in supporting your learning needs

Assessment

• You will be assessed mainly through assignments via essays, posters, presentations and reports
• There are no exams on this course

Careers

• With careers advice an integral part of your studies, this course equips you to compete effectively in the graduate careers market
• After graduation you’ll have a wide range of options and could progress to roles within health and social care, counselling, psychotherapy and psychology
• This course enables you to be eligible to register for one of the counselling and psychotherapy regulatory bodies such as the BACP or NCPS

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 80
• A Level: CDD
• T Level: Pass (C or above in the core)
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• Additional costs and optional extras:
  • Clinical supervision in years 2 and 3 (if not provided by your placement)
  • Indemnity insurance in years 2 and 3 (if not provided by your placement)
  • Personal therapy (30 hours over years 2 and 3)
  • BACP student membership if desired
  • Continuing professional development: you may wish to undertake additional training courses or attend conferences at your own cost if desired
  • Printing costs of course materials if hard copies are desired
  • You may wish to purchase reading materials or e-books

How to Apply

• If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course, we recommend that you apply through UCAS
• If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University
• The quickest and easiest way to apply is through our online application portal
• If you'd like support with your application, you can contact one of our trusted local representatives

Discover Uni

• 83% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 91% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 95% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

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