• Integrative Skills 1
• Integrating the Self
• Integrating Humanistic Theory
• Ethics and professional practice*
• Integrating Cognitive Behavioural Theory
• Integrative Skills 2
• Supervised Practice 1*
• Psychosocial Lifespan Development
• Supervised Practice 2
• Integrating Psychodynamic Theory
• Personal Integrative Approach

All applicants must meet the general entrance requirements and the standard offer for this course is 48 UCAS points as a minimum. For applicants who do not hold 48 UCAS points via A’Level, the University of Ulster Certificate in Counselling Studies is an acceptable alternative for progression route to this Foundation Degree.

The requirements may be met in the following ways:

1. Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE English Language grades A-C/ 4-9 or equivalent. Essential Skills L2 Communication is acceptable) and Maths (grades A-C/4-9 or equivalent. Essential Skills L2 Use of Number is acceptable).

* GCSE English Language (grades A-C/4-9 or acceptable equivalent) and maths (grades A-C/4-9 or acceptable equivalent) may be used as part of the GCSE requirement.

1. Provide evidence of passes in five subjects, two of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and three at GCSE level* (grades A-C/4-9); or
2. Provide evidence of passes in four subjects, three of which must be at A level (grades A-E) and one at GCSE level* (grades A- C/4-9); or
3. Provide evidence of an approved qualification at an equivalent level such as a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualification or equivalent**; or
4. Provide evidence, for a process of formal accreditation of learning you have gained through work or other experience (APEL).

** Examples of L3 qualifications include A’Levels, for information on common alternative Level 3 qualifications, please refer to the Ulster University Entrance Requirements and Equivalence of Qualifications table  available at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process. In such cases, contact the Programme Director for the programme who will advise further.

In addition to the academic requirements, applicants must demonstrate personal qualities and attributes required for counselling practice. Completion of the Level 4 Ulster University Certificate in Counselling Studies programme, or an equivalent substantial counselling qualification, is recommended and desirable. Preference will be given at application stage for those candidates who have successfully completed the Level 4 Certificate in Counselling programme

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements and the impact of using student finance before enrolling on a course at the College.

International Entry Requirements: Any applicant whose first language is not English or who has not achieved a grade C in a recent GCSE in English Language should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 (with a Pass in each component) also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

All modules are typically assessed via coursework in keeping with Ulster University regulations. These include case study preparation, essays, audio-recorded skills work with peers or clients, reflective journaling, presentations, viva, and the development of a portfolio of work. In addition to academic work, reports from clinical supervisor and placement mentors are intrinsic to the successful completion of the programme. Formative feedback is offered to support student development. A minimum of 40% is required for successful completion of all modules, and in specified modules students must achieve 40% in each component of assessment. Modules in which a minimum mark of 40% is required in each assessment component are listed below:

CMM106: Integrative Skills 2

CMM156: Ethics and Professional Practice.

CMM357: Supervised Practice 1

CMM360: Supervised Practice 2

More information available on modules and assessment within the Foundation Degree Programme Handbook 2026

Graduates of the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Integrative Counselling Practice (Level 5) may progress to level 6 BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Counselling at Ulster University and in turn further study at Master’s and PhD level.

However, graduates may also begin working as counsellors upon qualification and many have progressed to part-time employment in voluntary, charitable and private sector agencies. Since the FdSc programme is widely applicable to a range of occupations, other graduates have used the course to progress to study in Allied Healthcare professions, Human Resources, law etc. at Ulster University and elsewhere. Please Contact the Course Director to discuss, or view Ulster prospectus online at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/prospectus

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The application process involves submission of an application to the South West College’s online application system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide certificated evidence of entry qualifications, with their college application, to be considered for interview. Following a selection process whereby a decision is made if candidates meet the required entry criteria applicants will be offered an interview to establish suitability, for entry onto the programme. Successful completion of all components of the admission procedures contribute to the overall admission decision. Closing date for applications 24th April 2026. Applications will only be considered after this date, should there be a situation where the programme is under subscribed. In this case candidates will be called for interview by date order of application. Applications will be sifted in May 2026 and interviews will take place on 9th and 11th June 2026. Please note that submission of an application after the closing date, does not guarantee an interview, as places may be filled before all applications are reviewed. Early application is therefore advisable.

Where the number of places is oversubscribed, additional criteria will be used.

As this course may require work with vulnerable adults ACCESS NI checks are required for all successful applicants.

All full-time & part-time courses starting in September 2026 are open for applications.  Please click on the Apply on our College website to begin your application.

If you require assistance, or have any questions throughout the online application process, you can contact a member of the College Admissions Team by emailing admissions@swc.ac.uk

Successful candidates will also be required to enrol and register online, with the University of Ulster, on commencement of the programme

**The fees quoted are payable for each year.

**In addition to course fees, students will be required to pay for personal therapy fees, supervision fees and may incur travel costs to placement over the course of the programme.

2026/27 fees:

Total annual fee - £1,200

£300 per 20-credit module and £600 per 40-credit module.

All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following full time lecturers deliver the FdSc course at South West College Omagh Campus and this is also complemented by part time lecturing staff:

Catherine Donaghy catherine.donaghy@swc.ac.uk

Nuala Mc Nulty nualateresa.mcnulty@swc.ac.uk

Clinical supervisors are appointed by students from an approved list of appropriately qualified and experienced counselling practitioners – the Ulster University Register of Counselling-Training Supervision Providers – which is renewed annually.

Placement mentors are appointed by placement agencies and work closely with the college and supervisory teams.

For 2026/27 fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the SWC website.

In addition to course and registration fees, all counselling courses incur an additional cost in relation to practice and personal therapy requirements. The following are examples of the associated costs.

• Personal therapy (approximately £40 per hour) for a minimum of thirty (30) sessions
• Clinical Supervision typically £35 - £40 per hour - student rates may be available). Students are required to have supervision every fortnight for a minimum of 45 mins
• Student membership of a professional body BACP (normally £82 per year)
• Professional Indemnity Insurance £60-80
• Application for Access NI certificate - £35

Year 1 attend college on a Tuesday.

Year 2 and 3 attend college on a Thursday.

This programme will be reviewed by Ulster University in 2026/27. The review process involves updating course information, such as the programme title, curriculum content, module titles and teaching and assessment strategies. The college will endeavour to make available the most update information for this course once the review is complete.

South West College terms and conditions: https://www.swc.ac.uk/discover...;

Once accepted to the course, students are required to:

• Comply with College Policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Student Diary/Higher Education Handbook and on the College VLE).
• Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates, coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted.
• Pass all coursework with a minimum mark of 40% achieved in all modules.