FDA Counselling · HCFEFoundation degree · 2 years
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Hartlepool College of Further Education · Undergraduate

FDA Counselling Foundation degree at Hartlepool College of Further Education

FDA Counselling at HCFE is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body.

FDA
Award
2
Years
Full-time
Study mode
80%
continuation

About this course

FDA Counselling is a Foundation degree (FDA) at HCFE, based in Hartlepool College. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.

For Subjects allied to medicine graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Medicine & Dentistry, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

8.3
/ 10
2 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent87

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 6 modules
  • Cognitive Behaviour TherapyCore
    Module details

    This module is an introduction to the principles and practices of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as applied to practice in counselling settings. The module formulates mental distress and disturbances within the CBT framework and draws on current evidence-based practice through reference to NICE guidelines. You explore psychological formulation and intervention skills of CBT practice. An important feature of the module is the emphasis on collaborative working with clients.

  • Counselling Skills PracticeCore
    Module details

    This module develops your counselling skills to prepare and support you for external supervised work experience with a counselling agency, and to continually develop your counselling skills and personal qualities.

  • Developing Skills for Professional PracticeCore
    Module details

    This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the BACP Ethical Framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy, which outlines the values, principles and personal moral qualities which underpin ethical practice. You then begin to practice counselling skills working with peers to develop a professional framework for practice.

  • Foundations of Personal and Professional PracticeCore
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy so you are better informed when you have to make important decisions that can affect the possibility of achieving your career goals. In addition, you are introduced to personal development planning and a range of study and transferable skills that are relevant to your foundation degree programme.

  • Personal and Professional DevelopmentCore
    Module details

    This module develops your personal understanding of self in relation to the core theoretical model. It provides an unstructured group similar to Rogerian encounter groups, which promote congruent communication, empathic understanding and acceptance of self and others. You learn to manage and cope with situations that vary in complexity and predictability and develop the personal moral qualities inherent in the BACP ethical framework, including: - humility (the ability to assess accurately ones'

  • Person-centred Theory and PracticeCore
    Module details

    You develop your knowledge, understanding and application of a core theoretical model – the person-centred approach developed by Carl R Rogers and part of the Humanistic School of Therapy. You focus on the qualities of the therapeutic relationship as the primary vehicle for therapeutic change and the key concepts of Rogers' theory of personality and practice with particular emphasis on the self-concept, organismic self, 'necessary and sufficient' conditions, the therapeutic process, ethical prac

Year 2 6 modules
  • Advanced Counselling SkillsCore
    Module details

    This module assists you to develop as ethical, accountable and reflective practitioners. It also assesses your skills competence to practice. This module will support you as practitioners who can apply a coherent theoretical base to respond to clients psychological distress, work within an ethical framework and monitor fitness to practice.

  • Counselling Approaches and PracticeCore
    Module details

    You are introduced to the principles and practices of working from an integrative perspective as applied to practice in counselling settings. The module formulates mental distress and disturbances within an Integrative framework and draws on current evidence based practice through reference to NICE guidelines. You will explore psychological formulation and the skills of Integrative practice. An important feature of the module is the emphasis on collaborative working with clients.

  • Mental Health and Emotional WellbeingCore
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the concept of a continuum of mental wellbeing through to severe psychological and emotional distress. You will be made aware of the influence of social and cultural factors on mental health and the interrelatedness of psychological and physical symptoms. You learn about the types of medication commonly used in treatment of various psychological states and their effects and possible side effects, including the potential impact on the therapeutic process. You also de

  • Professional Development in PracticeCore
    Module details

    This module prepares you to take an active role as a member of the professional counselling/psychotherapy community. You consider the wider political, social, legal and organisational framework for therapeutic practice to ensure that you are able to work appropriately in different counselling and psychotherapy contexts. The module highlights the importance of making a commitment to on-going personal and professional development after qualification and throughout your career as a qualified practi

  • Psychodynamic ApproachesCore
    Module details

    This module introduces you to key concepts in Psychodynamic theory. The fundamental principles of psychodynamic theories lie in the concept of unconscious processes and the transferential relationship existing between the counsellor and their client. You gain an understanding of child development and attachment, the nature of the therapeutic relationship, the therapeutic process and human sexuality. A psychodynamic understanding of mental health will be introduced through exploring splitting, pr

  • Understanding Research in CounsellingCore
    Module details

    This module develops your critical awareness of research findings in counselling, psychotherapy and related areas through study of the relevant literature, and through reflection on how these inform evidence-based practice. You gain an awareness and working knowledge of research methodology to enable you to develop basic competences in small scale research projects.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This Foundation Degree in Counselling equips you with practical and theoretical knowledge for work in mental health and wellbeing support. A course like this typically moves from foundational psychology and counselling theory, including human development, mental health conditions and therapeutic approaches, through to applied clinical and communication skills. You'll usually develop competence in listening, assessment and basic intervention techniques from the outset. As you progress, you'll undertake placements in settings such as general practice, psychiatry or other clinical environments, deepening your understanding through real-world practice. Your studies will normally encompass ethical frameworks, research methods and may include opportunities to explore specialisms such as clinical work or specific therapeutic approaches. The course culminates in consolidating your practical readiness for professional roles in counselling and mental health support.

Who it's for

This course is designed for students with A-level qualifications or equivalent. You should be interested in developing counselling expertise and working with people in therapeutic contexts. The course suits those seeking a foundation degree as a pathway to further study or direct entry into counselling practice.

University & format

This course is studied at Hartlepool College of Further Education, a higher education college located in Hartlepool. The Foundation Degree in Counselling (FDA) is delivered full-time over 2 years and taught in English. As a Foundation Degree, it is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, making it a nationally recognised qualification.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
100%
Learning opportunities
96%
Assessment and feedback
84%
Academic Support
97%
Organisation and management
82%
Learning resources
65%
Student voice
86%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entry32 points including level 3 counselling typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Open daysBook an open day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 32 points including level 3 counselling. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent100% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check HCFE's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent100%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
UCAS codeC894quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C894). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask HCFE whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Internationalset by the university

The cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; the provider's page is authoritative.

Check fees at HCFE →

Check the finance route that applies to you

Support depends on ordinary residence, assessed fee status, course and provider nation. The provider nation is unresolved here, so no national cap or loan amount is being guessed.

Find your official student-finance route →

Paying for it

  • Tuition fee loan: applied for through the student-finance body for the UK nation you live in.
  • Living-cost support: means-tested on household income, from your nation's student-finance body.
  • Repayment: only above the income threshold set by your nation's student-finance system.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

Each UK nation runs its own student-finance system; check gov.uk for the rates that apply to you.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All HCFE funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

National funding for this subject

  • NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Medicine & Dentistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£27,000£24,000 – £30,000805
3 years after£28,000£24,000 – £30,50045
5 years after£32,000£29,500 – £35,00045

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 805. Cohort 2021-22.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

80%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in medicine & dentistry · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Medicine & Dentistry nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£27,000
£27,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£28,000
£24,650 – £34,800
After 5 years LEO
£32,000
£29,325 – £41,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £23,000 – £43,000

National figures for Medicine & Dentistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

80 of 100

continued or completed

continued into the next year or completed their qualification

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 805. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Medicine & Dentistry courses at the same study level.

This course £32,000Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £31,500–£38,500
27th percentile

Compared with 804 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

Job market & outlook

How Medicine & Dentistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

89%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Medicine & Dentistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Medicine & Dentistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • The NHS
  • Private practice
  • Research & academia
  • Public health

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

Home tuition is regulated and the cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Eligible students can apply for a tuition fee loan and living-cost support from the student-finance body for the UK nation they live in. Repayment thresholds differ by nation.

📈

Where graduates go

Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.3 out of 10: NSS 87.1% · continued 80%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Medicine and dentistry across the UK

Students85,345
Aged 25+28.8%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Hartlepool College

2,052 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 743Anti Social Behaviour 251Shoplifting 247Criminal Damage Arson 176Public Order 167

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Medicine & Dentistry right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to HCFE from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by HCFE; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check HCFE’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with HCFE and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by HCFE. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Subjects allied to medicine graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
Home tuition is regulated and the cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Eligible students can apply for a tuition fee loan and living-cost support from the student-finance body for the UK nation they live in. Repayment thresholds differ by nation. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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