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.

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.