Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Counselling and Psychotherapy with Foundation Year

Attendance

Full-time

Course

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

The Social Sciences Foundation Year programme will help you develop an understanding of the key subjects in social sciences so that you can continue to successfully study for your degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy or a related subject. 

This foundation year is part of a four-year pathway which will prepare you to study your chosen social sciences course.  There will also be a limited number of places on our BSc Social Work programme for suitable students of this foundation year. 

The key areas of study are effective communication and study skills, combined with fundamental subjects in the social sciences. You will study modules such as sociology, criminology, social policy and social care to explore inequalities associated with gender, class, race, disability and health, using different theories to understand social change and how societies try to address inequalities and discrimination. 

You will:

  • Be introduced to basic theories and concepts within the disciplines to provide a basic knowledge in all related subject areas.
  • Use different theories to understand social change and how societies try to address inequalities and discrimination.
  • Examine key ideas in political and social thought, discussing ideas of citizenship and democracy and learning about the development of policy.

This is for you if...

1.

You need extra support to help you progress.

2.

You have a keen interest in changing society.

3.

You want to continue on to any of our undergraduate social sciences courses, including BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy: Professional Practice.

Course details

All about the course

The aims of the programme are to:

  • Improve competence in essential areas of social sciences necessary for progression onto social science degrees
  • Develop factual, theoretical knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for progressing in social science subjects
  • Develop analytical, critical and problem-solving skills in social science subjects
  • Develop strong digital and IT skills
  • Develop communication and study skills
Foundation Year

Social Care Practice

This module aims to introduce you to key ideas about social care practice. Key models of practice and values will be explored in order to equip you with the knowledge to meet the requirements of this level of study. The focus on culturally competent practice and service user led provision will help you to understand the needs for practice that recognises a range of needs and is able to respond to individuals living within the community. The assessment strategy is designed to measure academic knowledge and communication skills with an explicit relationship between the lectures, seminars, learning outcomes and assessments.

Sociology; Theories and Concepts

The module aims to provide you with a firm grounding in sociological substantive and factual knowledge, help build interpretive capacity, and encourage the development of evaluative thought. You will also be encouraged to develop a range of allied transferable skills. Teaching will include formal delivery of material via lectures, supported by online materials, alongside seminars, for which you will be expected to prepare and in which you will be expected to actively participate. Tutorials will give you the opportunity to speak one-to-one to members of the teaching team to discuss any issues, questions or queries they have pertaining to aspects of their learning and development.

Understanding Social Policy

This module aims to introduce you to key ideas in social policy. The focus on the British experience of welfare services is designed to encourage you to examine welfare provision from different perspectives, use theory to explain social change and critically assess existing institutions such as the NHS, benefits and housing systems. Lectures include topics such as; meeting needs and the different welfare providers, introduction to social divisions; researching race/ethnicity in the media, political and ideological influence on policy, the feminist perspective (worker, wife, mother, carer), disability and education, poverty in the UK, tax and benefits, the winners and losers.

Understanding Criminology

The module introduces fundamental questions in criminology: What is crime? What causes crime? How does crime and criminal justice affect us? How should we best respond to criminal behaviour? In addressing these questions, key concepts will be explored. You will have the opportunity to choose a particular type of crime or deviance, then apply the various fundamental questions raised by the module week by week. The case studies will help you to apply concepts to contemporary issues. You will have the opportunity to consider different policy and practice solutions for criminal justice ‘industry’.

Introduction to Counselling

What is counselling? What does it mean to be an effective citizen? Counselling skills of active listening, empathy, respect and genuineness, identifying our values, beliefs and barriers to communication, enhancing personal development. This module introduces you to basic counselling skills and the skills and qualities required to be an effective citizen. The assessment strategy will prepare you for interview for admission to undergraduate Counselling and Psychotherapy programmes. The assignment is a personal learning statement which will require you to make your own learning plan for the future.

University Life

This module has been designed to promote a positive and supportive transition from further to higher education, focusing initially on the importance of wellbeing to successful study.  The module will provide a firm grounding in the key skills required to be able to read, write and present in the academic world.  You will embed your learning through a series of large and small group activities using a problem-based approach.  Small group work will allow for regular, tailored feedback specific to small group tasks and group dynamics with a focus on your future chosen vocation. Following the completion of the module, you should feel very prepared for your journey at level 4 and beyond.

Year one

Counselling and Communication Skills

This module will introduce you to the theory and practice of internationally recognised self-management and problem solving skills. You will work as part of a team to develop and reflect on the application of counselling skills in a personal and professional context.

Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills

This module will help you to develop the knowledge, critical evaluation and practical application skills of person centred counselling theory and practice. It will explain the key concepts of Humanistic and Rogerian counselling theory.

Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approaches

An introductions to basic counselling, communication, listening, interpersonal skills and reflective practice.

Introduction to Counselling, Philosophy and Research

This module will develop your academic research skills and the processes involved in critically reviewing literature, identifying appropriate resources and applying models of research design.

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

This module will enable you to understand the principles of mindfuness-based approaches and their relevance to counselling and psychotherapy. You will learn specific skills to minimise stress and improve your general wellbeing, and this is an approach which is currently becoming more widely known

Therapy, Ethics and Human Rights

This module will define the terms of ethics and how they relate to Human Rights. You will explore the ethical boundaries of a therapeutic relationship and consider national, international and global issues that can impact on clients and therapists.

Year two

Personal and Professional Development 1

Through a personal development plan, you will reflect on your own self-awareness and experiences and how they might affect how you communicate with others. You will evaluate both group and one-to-one processes, identifying potential barriers to communication.

Practice-based Reflection and Research

This module will develop your research skills so that you are able to write a strong, original project proposal using literature searches, analysis and evaluation. You will also learn about qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Professional Issues, Ethics and Supervision

This module will further develop your understanding of the professional expectations, contracts and boundaries you will encounter in your practice, helping you to develop ways of resolving ethical dilemmas.

Preparation for Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

The aim of this module is to prepare you for professional practice and the factors involved in multi-disciplinary working. You will explore humanistic approaches and evaluate the effectiveness of Person-Centred therapeutic practice.

Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills

This module will enhance your ability to evaluate your own counselling practice and develop your capacity as a reflective practitioner.

Theory of Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

This module will develop your understanding and critical awareness of theoretical traditions in this field of practice. You will also learn to identify relational dynamics in your practice, e.g., use of self, transference and attachment theory.

Year three modules may include:

Professional Practice Placement

This 40 credit module gives you the opportunity to put your learning in to practice in a real world setting, working with clients vin a counselling and psychotherapy setting. You will be fully supported and supervised, but will be able to develop and reflect on your practice in a professional setting and gain valuable experience.

Personal and Professional Development 2

The module further prepares you for professional practice by strengthening your ability to work in a positive, non-discriminatory and culturally sensitive way. You will participate in a personal development group and a facilitated clinical supervision group.

Counselling and Mental Health

This module covers a range of issues related to mental health with respect to the needs of several disadvantaged groups in society e.g., people of colour, women. You will analyse the psychological and support needs of a range of client groups that use psychological services.

Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children and Young People

This module will develop your understanding and critical awareness of theoretical traditions in this field of practice. You will also learn to identify relational dynamics in your practice, e.g., use of self, transference and attachment theory.

Expressive Therapies

Explores the range of therapies that allow us to express ourselves.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

On completion of this module you will be able to describe and critically evaluate the key features of the CBT model and discuss new developments in CBT. As well as developing highly relevant and useful skills, this module is very important for supporting your future employment in those services that require these specialist skills.

Professional Practice

On this module you will examine the concept of the reflective practitioner such that there can be an alignment of personal and professional development with the future of professional practice. The module aims to raise the level of awareness of major contemporary issues and developments in the built environment sector and to promote understanding of their significance and impact which will influence future professional conduct. It will encourage a deep level of understanding of corporate behaviour, the evolution of strategies and their implementation, and the significance for the built environment sector.

You will develop managerial skills and commercial acumen including the promotion of enterprise and innovation and its application in the built environment sector. You will gain competencies in the research and interpretation of business information and accounting to assist business decision-making and objective setting. You will also gain an understanding of the importance of the role of the professional in society, the relevance of ethical behaviour, and the social, economic, and commercial significance of corporate responsibilities, particularly in the context of the built environment.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

A wide range of teaching methods is used according to the nature of the module e.g. lectures, seminars, reflective practice, guided study, teamwork, and oral presentations. A number of alternative learning technologies are applied throughout the programme including podcasts, VLE, Facebook, YouTube and student response system to provide an interactive experience for you.

ASSESSMENT

You will be assessed during the foundation year through the methods below:

  • Group presentation and Individual reflective essay
  • Personal learning statement essay
  • Written exam 
  • Essays x 2
  • 5 minute presentation
  • Portfolio project
  • Reflective portfolio

To find out more about assessment on the remaining three years, please visit the relevant course page:

BSc Counselling and Psychotherapy: Professional Practice

School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.

Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.

We have recently developed a special counselling suite which will be used for training students to become professional counsellors and psychotherapists.

The suite features therapeutic areas where one-to-one, family and group interactions can occur.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

You will be equipped with transferable skills in areas such as research, IT, critical thinking and advanced problem solving, which will provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a diverse range of professions.

A degree in social sciences provides a strong foundation for a range of occupations from policing to prison and probation work to journalism and social administration. It also provides you with the skills vital in jobs such as administration, public service and research. 

Our degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice) is a qualifying programme and graduates could expect to find employment as counsellors in a wide range of sectors including:

  • NHS and community mental health services
  • IAPT (the government’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies major initiative)
  • Employee support services
  • Counselling in voluntary organisations
  • Coaching and guidance services
  • Self-employment as a private therapist

Counselling and psychotherapy offers rewarding and diverse career opportunities. While some counsellors find employment in a single role, many develop portfolio careers that mix different types of employment in a number of sectors, such as in community health agencies, schools and as private therapists.

Often counsellors develop specialist interests so that they become sought after as providers of therapy and training in a particular field, such as working with young people, people with addictions or those experiencing bereavement.

While the qualifying degree has a strong vocational focus, it also provides you with training in the key areas sought after by graduate employers.

Requirements

What you need to know

This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page

APPLICANT PROFILE

You have a keen interest in changing society with perhaps some experience of the social sciences from school or college. If you have practical knowledge of change in the systems that provide welfare services, and economic, political and social structures this programme can assist you in the development of your ideas and progression. 

To proceed on to this degree course you are required to complete the following: 

  • Personal statement
  • Successful DBS and Occupational Health check
  • Interview

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be required to show proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this. 

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English Language and Mathematics at grade C/ grade 4 or above, or equivalents (Functional Skills Level 2). 

You must fulfil the GCSE requirements as well as one of the additional requirements listed below. 

UCAS tariff points

80 UCAS Tariff points.

A level

80 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of two A-Levels.

 

BTEC National Diploma

MMP (BTEC Extended Diploma).

Scottish highers

80 UCAS Tariff points.

Irish Leaving Certificate

80 UCAS Tariff points to include: 

  • English – Higher H6 (D3), Ordinary O5(C3)
  • Maths – Higher H6 (D3), Ordinary O5(C3)

European Baccalaureate

80 UCAS Tariff points equivalent.

Access to HE

80 UCAS Tariff points from Access to HE Diploma. 

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for Salford Alternative Entry Scheme if you are an eligible candidate. 

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test. 

Please contact Admissions for further information. 

How much?

Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £8,505.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years.

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. 

Apply now

All Set? Let's Apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Enrolment dates

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID B9C9

Institution S03