This 2-year course will enable you to gain the understanding, cognitive skills, practical skills and transferable key skills that employers need. It aims to develop your knowledge of psychological and counselling theories and how they interrelate. You will have the opportunity to understand and appreciate real life applications of theory and become a reflective and autonomous learner. It is a daytime course with hours suitable for those in part-time employment.

For further information about the course, please contact Nigel Domingos on 020 8240 4214 or email nigel.domingos@smuc.ac.uk or Greg Savva (course leader) by email gregori.savva@west-thames.ac.uk

For 2013 entry, the clearing deadline is 31 July 2013.

Please apply via www.ucas.com.
JACS code: CB89 Institution code: S64-campus W.

Key course features

Qualification: Foundation Degree (St Mary's University College, Twickenham)
JACS Code: CB89, Institution Code: S64-campus W

Level: Level 5

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: 2 days per week

Start Date: September 2013

Fees:

The fee for 2013-14 is to be confirmed. The tuition fee for 2012-13 was £4,000. The fee is for one year of study and may be subject to change in subsequent years. St Mary's University College sets the tuition fees and bursaries for this course. For further information, please visit www.smuc.ac.uk or email feesoffice@smuc.ac.uk.

International Fees: The international fee for 2013-14 is to be confirmed by St Mary's University College.

Who is this course for?

Adults with an interest in psychology and counselling studies looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the sector. It is suitable for mature students who have studied a relevant Access course, professionals working in related fields and from other appropriate backgrounds, and those who wish to progress to a full degree course in Psychology or Counselling.

Entry requirements

You should be willing to engage in appropriate employment and have:

• GCSE grade C or above in English language and maths, or equivalent
• A six unit Level 3 qualification or equivalent
• A National Certificate or Diploma in a relevant subject
• Successful completion of approved Access course
• An A Level.

All students must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Surrey and St Mary’s University College.

If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

About the course

The course is studied at two levels, each contributing 50% to the overall award. All students must pass Level 1 to continue to Level 2. You will study a variety of units at each level, combining your study with work-based learning.

Units include:

• study and research skills
• basic issues in counselling
• social psychology and personality
• developmental theory
• mental health issues
• counselling research methods
• psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural theories of counselling
• advanced issues in counselling
• work experience.

For each module it is expected that you will spend 50% of your time on academic learning and 50% on work-based learning. Bridging modules for basic skills are available on an optional basis.

Read more detail about the previous years' course content from the St Mary's University College website: http://www.smuc.ac.uk/alumni/diploma-supplement/index.htm

How will I be assessed?

There are three types of assessments for the majority of modules: a written piece of work submitted towards the end of each module, a workbook which is ongoing throughout each module and a piece of work carried out in one or more of the seminars.

Where next?

A bridging course will prepare you to progress to the BSc Psychological Studies with Counselling Studies.