OU Psychology/counselling

rapunzelz86

Hi there, not really a money saving question but still.....
Ive registered for the OU's foundation degree in counselling. Its 3 years and says on completion i would be qualified to practice as a counsellor.
Thing is i had always thought id want to be more of a psychology counsellor, and thought that doing a few psychology courses alongside this degree would be okay for this. Upon researching this ive found that it may be better to do the BSc (hons) Psychology degree, then go for the 3 year doctorate to become a clinical psychologist, which is effectively a counselling psychologist anyway. Thing is, i just cant deicide! Do i do this counselling degree for three years then go down the psychology route or would the counselling degree be a waste of time? or do i do the psychology then maybe take the counselling after im qualified as a clinical psychologist to further my studies, or would this be pointless? Sorry if im posting in the wrong place but MSE always seems to have the best advice rather than just a student forum. Any advice on this would be great please, im hoping to start this may so not long left to mull it over! thanks

Oldernotwiser

Do you have access to a suitable counselling setting to undertake the practical part of the Foundation Degree?

rapunzelz86

Hi, i have spoken to the OU about this and they said when i undertake the CPCAB part of the degree they will assist me in finding placement. Ive chosen to do the OU knowledge based study part first, to give me a good grounding for the work based study. Ive also considered doing some volunteering during the knowedge based, maybe with citizens advice?
Thing is i cant decide if this is even the right course for me now. Seems to become a clinical psychologist is a good 8 years of study before youre fully fully qualified, maybe i should stick with this, gain employment, and do psychology after? what do you think?

bitsandpieces

Qualifying as a clinical psychologist is quite different from getting a foundation degree in counselling, or a related topic. The clinical psychologist qualification you do after an undergrad psychology degree is at a doctoral level: it's at a considerably higher level than a foundation degree. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it - academically rigorous courses are a good thing! - but you should be prepared for the level of the work that will be expected. At any rate, an undergrad psychology degree will give you plenty of time to get used to the subject.

You don't need a clinical psychology qualification just to be a counsellor (at least, not as people generally practice). The clinical psychology qualification would open up many more opportunities than a foundation degree in counselling, though, and cover different material at a much deeper level.

You might find speaking to OU and BPS about your career options helpful.

Oldernotwiser

sadeelisha wrote: »

Hi, i have spoken to the OU about this and they said when i undertake the CPCAB part of the degree they will assist me in finding placement.

I don't think that I'd embark on a course like this just on a faint promise.

As you seem so undecided, why not start with the level 1 course DD101 - Introduction to Social Sciences

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/dd101.htm

You might find your pathway clearer after this, particularly if you haven't studied anything similar before.

CLAPTON

clinical psychology is an intensively competitive field... think 1st class honours then PhD and then only a few jobs in the subject.

counselling is wholely different

myzerz

Maybe you could dip your toe in the water by doing by doing a short introductory counselling course at your local college, to see how you get on with this method of learning which is essential to the foundation degree. Maybe you could also dip your toe in the water at the OU doing the 30 point level one courses D171 Introduction to Counselling and DSE141 Discovering Psychology, both courses can the be counted towards whichever route you decide to follow.

I am currently doing the Psychology degree but have an interest in counselling and may decide to train in that later. The answer to this sort of question is never the same for two people, but I'd recommend to continue to study whatever your interested in for as long as time allows. If you think you can fit some study in at the moment, great go for it, but remember circumstances change and allow for that (something, the OU is great at aiding you with)
Good luck with your studies, whatever you decide is right for you

Bargin_bunny_2

Hi,

It is not as simple as doing a degree and then applying for a doctorate the Dclin is very difficult to get on. In addition a lot of the universities do not concider an OU as a good degree so you would be fightiing the stigma assosiated with that. After graduating (with at least a 2:1) you will need to fight to gain experience as an assistant psychologist, research assistant, graduate mental health worker etc. These jobs on their own are very difficult to get hold of a the competition is very high. With out a couple of years experience of these types of roles it is very un likely you would get on to the Dclin. I think 8 years from starting a degree to finishing a doctorate is very optimistic it kinda of suggests you walk out of univeristy and straight into an assistant post which is very unlikey.

I dont want to scare you just want you to be aware whats ahead. It might be worth looking into IAPT posts. this would be a good start as sometimes they employ undergraduates but again competition is high.

Oldernotwiser

Bargin_bunny wrote: »

Hi,

It is not as simple as doing a degree and then applying for a doctorate the Dclin is very difficult to get on. In addition a lot of the universities do not concider an OU as a good degree so you would be fightiing the stigma assosiated with that. After graduating (with at least a 2:1) you will need to fight to gain experience as an assistant psychologist, research assistant, graduate mental health worker etc. These jobs on their own are very difficult to get hold of a the competition is very high. With out a couple of years experience of these types of roles it is very un likely you would get on to the Dclin. I think 8 years from starting a degree to finishing a doctorate is very optimistic it kinda of suggests you walk out of univeristy and straight into an assistant post which is very unlikey.

I dont want to scare you just want you to be aware whats ahead. It might be worth looking into IAPT posts. this would be a good start as sometimes they employ undergraduates but again competition is high.

I agree with much of what you've written, except for the point I've highlighted. The OU is a perfectly reputable university (rated fourth in terms of teaching quality) and its Psychology degree is validated by the BPS.

rapunzelz86

Thanks all for your replies. after considering everything said and also researching this further i have decided to stick to the counselling degree for now, and study further in psychology either alongside it or after. Throughout my research i have come across time and time again how competitive this line of work is and i dont want to spend the next decade if not more working really hard to then not be able to be where i want from it. The prospectswebsite seems pretty good and has a lot of info on career paths etc so im sure i can make a good life out of the counselling. Thanks for your help!:beer: