England.  Change location

Counselling courses

Looking to start a career in counselling? We provide a counselling degree that offers training to develop professional competencies, as well as a psychology and counselling degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which, with additional professional counselling training, can open doors to both practitioner psychologist and counselling roles. We also offer a foundation degree and diploma developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).

Find out more about these and our other counselling courses below.

Two men attending counselling session

CounsellingDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


CounsellingDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


CounsellingCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Counselling with The Open University?

  • Our BSc (Honours) Counselling has been developed in consultation with counselling awarding bodies.
  • Our Foundation Degree and Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling have been developed in partnership with the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).
  • Develop practical and professional skills of relevance for counselling careers when combined with professional counselling training.
  • Explore a range of approaches to counselling and learn how these can be applied to a variety of client needs, such as bereavement and anxiety.

Careers in Counselling

The therapeutic value of counselling is increasingly recognised, with practitioners employed in private practice and in settings such as health and social care services, advisory organisations and helplines. It is important to check that the course you are on is appropriate for your plans.

Our range of courses in psychology and counselling, with additional training depending on your situation, can help you start or progress your career in:

  • Counselling, psychology and psychotherapy, depending on which qualification you study and required further professional training
  • Health and care professions
  • Education
  • Human resources and management
  • They are also of relevance for youth services and social work, roles in the voluntary and third sector and other graduate roles.

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Counselling modules

Counselling short courses

Develop your counselling skills and knowledge and stay up to date with best practices.

See our full list of Counselling short courses

All Counselling courses

Browse all the Counselling courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Counselling courses