FdA Counselling
- Ammanford Campus
Are you interested in understanding people and developing the skills to support others through difficult situations? Would you like a course that combines practical communication skills with personal development and professional training? Whether you are exploring counselling for the first time, hoping to develop helping skills for your current role, or aiming to become a professional counsellor, studying a counselling course at Coleg Sir Gâr is an excellent place to begin your journey.
Our Foundation Degree in Counselling is your gateway to a fulfilling career. This course is designed for those who are ready to take the next step—whether you’re new to counselling or looking to build on existing experience. You’ll gain the knowledge, practical skills, and professional accreditation you need to thrive in this rewarding field.
You will gain valuable real-world experience through a supervised counselling placement, helping you develop the professional skills required for a career in counselling or related fields. Our Foundation Degree is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) which means the training meets high standards for quality, content and ethical practice. It also It provides a direct route to professional membership/registration and confirms the training meets rigorous professional standards for qualified practice.
Why this course?
- BACP Accredited: Our programme is recognised by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring your training meets the highest professional standards.
- Hands-On Experience: Ssupervised counselling practice in real-world placements, preparing you for professional success.
- Expert Tutors: Learn from experienced, practising counsellors who are committed to your personal and professional growth.
- Small Class Sizes: Enjoy a supportive learning environment with approximately 12–20 students, fostering meaningful connections and personalised guidance.
- Personal Development: Engage in reflective practice, experiential learning, and self-awareness exercises to build your confidence and ethical practice.
Counselling Pathway
If you’re new to counselling, we also offer introductory courses to help you build foundational skills before progressing to the Foundation Degree. These include:
- Introduction to Counselling Skills
- Access to HE in Counselling and Social Care
Upon completion, you’ll also have the option to progress to our BA (Hons) Counselling top-up degree to further enhance your qualifications and career prospects. Progression onto this course means you can gain a BA (Hons) Counselling degree in one year.
These courses provide a step-by-step pathway to develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence in counselling practice and theory.
Course details
- Full time
- Part time
Validated by University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Programme content
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Counselling Pathway
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
- BACP accredited training programme recognised in the UK counselling profession.
- Combines theory, practical skills and personal development.
- Opportunities to gain 100–150 hours of supervised counselling practice through placement.
- Small class sizes (approximately 12–20 students).
- Taught by experienced practising counsellors.
- Includes experiential learning, reflective practice groups and personal development work.
The course balances theory underpinning counselling practice along with practical listening skills. Personal development and reflective practice are key aspects of this training to support you in developing ethical and professional practice. As the course develops, you will apply your knowledge and understanding in a counselling placement. Towards the end of the course, you will explore ways to use your qualification in the counselling field including developing your own independent practice.
Level 4 modules
- Introduction to Counselling Theory
- Introduction to Therapeutic Practice
- Reflective Practice in Counselling
- Preparing for Placement
- Application of Theory to Practice
- Ethical Mindfulness and Professional Practice
Level 5 modules
- Working with Difference
- Developing Professional Practice
- Developing counselling theory
- Introduction to Research in Counselling
- Independent Professional Practice
- If you’re new to counselling, we also offer introductory courses to help you build foundational skills before progressing to the Foundation Degree. These include:
- Introduction to Counselling Skills
- Access to HE in Counselling and Social Care
- Upon completion, you’ll also have the option to progress to our BA (Hons) Counselling top-up degree to further enhance your qualifications and career prospects. Progression onto this course means you can gain a BA (Hons) Counselling degree in one year.
These courses provide a step-by-step pathway to develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence in counselling practice and theory.
Assessment is continuous and varied, including:
- Essays
- Case studies
- Video or recorded counselling sessions
- Personal reflective journals
- Presentations
- Research project
- Working with ethical dilemmas
Applicants normally need:
- At least 30 hours of counselling training (such as an introduction course or the Access to Health and Social Care).
- To meet the BACP selection criteria including evidence of personal development, self-awareness and life experience.
- Ability to meet academic requirements of the course.
- A successful interview and selection process.
- DBS check and references.
Preference may be given to applicants with experience in helping roles or voluntary work.
Enhanced DBS - £55.50
Supervision costs (once in placement) £50-£65 per month (if not provided for free by placements)
Personal therapy - 20 sessions minimum £30 - £40 per session
Away days- two to three over the course at £15 a day
BACP student membership - £86 per annum
Books - the library is well resourced and carries the majority of books required for your course, but some students may wish to own copies of core texts.