Counselling and Applied Psychology - HND Summary Where can this subject lead? Key information What will I learn? Summary The B&FC HND Counselling & Applied Psychology provide exciting opportunities for you to study to enable you to progress to or within a role in counselling and applied psychology. This programme provides you with a platform to begin or enhance your career and incorporate both practical elements and theoretical concepts that are highly desirable in a range of roles in the sector but also gives you a strong range of transferable skills, relevant to many employment opportunities. You will benefit from the expertise of the curriculum team who have excellent experience in these sectors and are also actively involved in developing the workforce of the future. Class sizes are normally small and again this is very beneficial, affording the opportunity for a tailored personal learning situation and plenty of help and support. This programme is designed to develop you as a professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The structure of the programme includes core units which underpin your professional development. Specialist units also allow you to explore theoretical concepts and develop practical skills related to the pluralistic (integrative) counselling and applied psychology. Course code SM1HE140 Duration 1 Year Day/s of week Wednesday Time 09:00 - 21:00 Next course dates Start date Location Duration 08 Sep 2025 Bispham Campus 1 Year Apply now 86,694 Annual job openings in the North West £25,650 Average annual salary Well-resourced onsite training equipment What Uni Reviews Really enjoyed my time at uni, the tutors have unconditional support for all students. ***** - Jessica Halliwell Amazing course. Learnt so much, tutors are fantastic. ***** - Kelly Broadbent Tutors and HELMs are fantastic! ***** - Bethany Daniels Prev Next Student case study - Heidi Bahra Why did you decide to study this qualification?I chose this course because I want to work in substance abuse, supporting adults with addiction. I already work in the sector and this will enable me to progress my career and make the difference I really want to see in people's lives.Why did you choose B&FC?I chose B&FC as I had heard lots of good things about studying here and positive feedback.What have been the benefits of studying here?Socialising and meeting new people, having some much-needed time to myself and achieving my goals. Where can this subject lead? Career progressionBy successfully completing the Diploma, students will: Meet the training requirements for professional accreditation as a counsellor. Have met the Scope of Practice and Education (SCoPEd) framework requirements for a column A therapist. This will facilitate progression to Level 6 study which is planned for a September 2026 start as a B&FC top up. Be equipped with the attitudes and behaviours required to succeed in counselling practice. Have the enhanced employability prospects and ‘work readiness’ of graduates. Be ready to take part in CPD and lifelong learning for personal and professional development. Next steps at B&FCAs part of the HND, you will have the choice to study one of two optional units, dependent on your chosen career path. This will either be ‘Counselling Young People’ or ‘Supporting Clients Experiencing Addiction’. However, there will need to be a minimum of 6 students choosing the option, for either unit to be offered each year. Key information Entry RequirementsTo study this course you must have one of the following: A Level 3 qualification in a related subject, such as Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Counselling Skills other related Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects such psychology, mental health or care an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities or Science And You must have a counselling placement for 4-6 hours per week in place before commencement of the programme You will be required to provide the details for 2 references and also a recent DBS check To meet BACP approval requirements, there will also be a selection process that ensures successful applicants have or have the potential to: Develop self-awareness, maturity and stability Reflect on life experience Cope with the emotional demands of the qualification Cope with the intellectual and academic requirements Be aware of issues of difference and equality Recognise the need for personal and professional support Be able to demonstrate values, principles, personal moral qualities and ethical stances This selection process will include a written component as part of the interview to demonstrate meeting these requirements. Students who are not yet ready will be signposted to suitable opportunities which will enable them to develop so that they can achieve the above. Qualification obtainedBTEC Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Applied Psychology Extra costs and equipmentYou will need to ensure that you have the following in place, prior to starting the programme. These costs may be supported through B&FC Access Fund, depending on your personal circumstances. Further details are included in the Placement Handbook. Approximate costs identified for guidance. Student membership of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy £86 Personal Indemnity Insurance £30 DBS check £46 You will need to have a supervisor in place when you are on placement £30-£60 per session. This should be a further 9 hours for the HND (having completed 12 hours on HNC). Approximate total additional costs for the programme (assuming supervision at £40 per hour) would therefore be HND (year 2) £522 Terms and conditionsRead our full terms and conditions for more information. What will I learn? Industry placement, field trips and guest speakersYou will be required to complete a further 70 hours of placement whilst undertaking the HND (in addition to 100 hours on HNC). These hours are closely managed and regulated, with full details being described within the Placement Handbook which you must read before enrolling to the programme as it contains important information about the placement requirements. Modules at level 5 Module title Code Credits Optional Pluralistic Approaches to Counselling SM5MD254 15 Yes Counselling Skills Development and Practice SM5MD255 30 Yes Working with Diverse Clients in Therapeutic Counselling SM5MD256 15 Yes Risk and Assessment Pearson Set SM5MD257 30 Yes Psychodynamic Approaches to Counselling SM5MD258 15 Yes Counselling Young People SM5MD259 15 Yes Supporting Clients Experiencing Addiction SM5MD260 15 Yes Study Support - at a glance Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)One-to-one and group study support sessionsPre-degree preparation workshopsIT Support Discover available Study Support