At a time of mental strain on populations, as a counsellor and psychotherapist you will be at the forefront of responding to these societal needs and you will be changing peoples’ lives. This course is more than an academic programme and will transform you academically, professionally and personally.

Academically, this course 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. On a personal level, the programme will be transformable in terms of building self-awareness, confidence and understanding relationships. Those personal benefits are transferable to any relationship or employment which involves people.  

On completion of the Foundation Year you will then commence study on the full BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy Principles and Practices degree.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

How you will learn

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

How you’re assessed

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

In addition to direct teaching by faculty staff the University also makes use of blended learning through which students will be able to enhance and progress their learning. Through the university’s online portal, University of Derby Online (UDO), students can access the university virtual learning environment which forms an important part of the delivery of the programme and provides a facility through which tutors can supply lecture notes and presentations, links to learning resources and information and announcements pertinent to studies.