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OU delivers first graduates of the Foundation Degree in Counselling
Added 7th November 2011

The value of the counselling profession to improve well-being and quality of life is increasingly recognised in society - and the the OU has just delivered the first graduates of its Foundation Degree in Counselling.

"As a counsellor this course has complemented what I do by enabling me to gain a better understanding in my current role from another perspective. The FD has enhanced my (dare I say it) 'credibility' in my work," said Shereen Glean, who graduated this year and works as a high school counsellor.

The foundation degree consists of 150 credits of Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) work-based study, and 90 credits of Open University knowledge-based study. The CPCAB modules are delivered through a network of Further Education Colleges and other registered training providers, and the qualification takes three years to complete part-time.

There has been a significant growth in counselling over the last 10 years which is only likely to increase given the recognised value of this profession to improving quality of life and indeed the economic state of the nation. Counselling has moved from a largely voluntary activity into a profession with practitioners employed in primary care, industry, local authorities and many other workplaces.

Sherean added: "I obtained a diploma in counselling a few years ago and and the time this was the highest level ran by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Awarding Body. They have since collaborated with the OU and this has been the route I have taken. It has been extremely interesting, in particular my OU course in psychology."

Paula Cash, another of the first graduates, added: "Having previously studied with OU for my psychology degree I knew I would enjoy the courses that the OU offered towards the foundation degree. I had hoped many years ago to become a clinical psychologist but due to life's twists and turns I ended up supporting a friend through a bereavement and then she helped me with my own bereavement. At this point I realised that clinical work was not what I wanted - that I wished to go into counselling. The foundation degree will certainly bode well for future jobs I apply for and will raise my credibility."

The OU's Dr Andreas Vossler, Director of the Foundation Degree in Counselling, said: "The counselling profession is increasingly recognised for the value it adds in helping people to live with the problems they face during their lives.

"With the Foundation Degree in Counselling the OU provides in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), these students are equipped with the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work with a diverse range of people and issues such as mental health problems, relationship problems, physical illness and trauma."