Course Entry Requirements

Unfortunately, applications to the London Foundation Certificate are not being accepted for the foreseeable future. If this changes, we will inform you through this website immediately, so please keep checking it over the next few weeks..

This course is at an introductory level to counselling and psychotherapy: we prefer but do not necessarily require either a degree or any specific academic or professional qualification. However, students will have to demonstrate a willingness and capacity to learn, and also have gained some prior qualifications or experience to show that they can manage the taught elements of the training.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should be educated to A level or equivalent pre-university level qualifications, such as Access, NVQ and International and European Baccalaureate.
• Applications are also invited from those who do not have formal qualifications but can demonstrate appropriate professional experience and ability to cope intellectually and emotionally with the demands of the course.
• In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required.
• There is a minimum age limit of 21 (at the time of starting the course).
• Personal maturity is also an important requirement for this course.
• Those wishing to progress to The London Diploma must fulfil the entry requirements as specified on that web site as well as evidence of a first degree or relevant former training which may include medicine, nursing, social work and teaching (as examples). Students on the London Diploma where English is not their first language, will need to submit evidence of IELTS 8 (or equivalent). Overseas qualifications will be checked and verified.

Please note that only in exceptional circumstances will these entry requirements be waived.

Students will also be expected to reinforce their learning from the course by reading from a recommended book list. Personal maturity and motivation are important attributes. We will also be looking for applicants to demonstrate the appropriate personal qualities necessary in order to become counsellors in the future. A professional reference which endorses these qualities, as well as effective and mature course participation, will be sought prior to a place being offered.

Students are not required to be in personal therapy at this introductory stage. However, for students wishing to progress to any diploma level training or above, this is highly recommended. All students progressing onwards to the substantive London Diploma training will need to provide evidence of having completed a minimum of 30 hours of personal therapy in the year prior to entry and to undertake at least 20 hours concurrent with training. We therefore suggest that for students who wish to progress, that they consult with the Course Directors of the London Diploma, prior to doing so, who will wish to ensure the therapist they select is congruent with the training.

Although much of the course will be taught, there will also be an emphasis on students participating in experiential and counselling skills practise in pairs and small groups, as well as joining in group discussions.

Students will be required to keep a therapeutic and creative journal throughout the Foundation Year Course and will need to submit one piece of reflective written work of 2000 words which will be marked and commented upon. They will therefore need to have a sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English.

How Does One Qualify Professionally?

For those who are determined, curious or intrigued regarding qualification for professional practice, we have put together a detailed chart and notes which are right here under Counselling & Psychotherapy Training Pathways.

Diversity

The programme acknowledges the diversity and multi-faceted nature of society; it is designed to support professional practice based on integrity, respect, challenge and the life affirming nature of sexuality in all its forms. This awareness is interwoven into the course. Applications are welcome from all those who are suitably qualified, regardless of racial or ethnic origins, nationality, spiritual beliefs or religion, gender, age, social background, or sexual orientation/preference.