What next after Diploma?

mae

I am sorry if I sound dumb but really I am when it comes to university sorry. I will be finishing a diploma in counselling in June and I wanted to know what level this entitles me to study at university? I do not understand the whole under/post graduate and masters and what levels they are or what they mean? See I told you I was dumb ;-/ I also don't understand the points thing? Basically I have no clue can you tell...................
I actually don't need to carry on after the diploma but I have actually really enjoyed the studying which has surprised me and I thought I would try and carry on higher while I am enthusiastic.

So any simple explanantions would be much appreciated.
Thanks

cazziebo

oooh - that's a hard question without knowing more. I know exactly what you mean though - I went back to studying a few years ago, (part time, still have to work!) got my masters last year and missed studying so much I've started a post grad diploma in something completely different! enrolled for another masters later in they year... Must be mad!

Diplomas come in all guises, undergrad, post grad etc. I think a lot will depend on how it is accredited. There is a Diploma in Counselling which is accredited by some universities, and I think it allows you to go study a degree without any other qualifications. You might find as well that some universities/colleges will recognise practical experience you have, so there might be exemptions from some subjects.

I suppose it also depends on what you want to do? Don't imagine many people do it just for fun like I do!

Well done on getting the diploma!

Caz

Tigger36

This link might help:
http://www.plasa.org/association/education/nqf.asp

Tigger36

The best thing to do is to decide what course you want to study - the obvious choice would be a Degree in Advice and Guidance. Check out the University (Universities) you want to study at and look at the course page. On there it will tell you what you need to achieve in order to apply.

Volcano

Standard route is GCSEs>A levels>Undergraduate degree>Masters degree>Phd

Most university students study at undergraduate degree level for 3 years then they graduate (all going well) with a degree in their chosen subject. Post-graduates are those that carry on past this point to study at masters or Phd level.

The whole 'points' system is UCAS's (the university entrance board who oversee application) way of qualifying to apply for university. If you are a mature student you can by-pass this by doing a 'foundation year' (a years study at uni before undergraduate study) or the uni may deem you credit from a previous course from another educational institution.

Diplomas are either undergraduate level (or lower) or post-graduate level, so can vary wildly in what is required to obtain one.

Search through the university undergraduate prospectuses, find a course that interests you then contact the uni concerned and see what they require from you to get on the course.

Don't forget to check out stuff like finances etc, it is a big commitment but worth it in the end.

Good luck!

Mrs_pbradley936

Ir you are a "mature student" that is if you are over 21 an access course for a year (they are available in many local colleges) will stand you in good stead for any course you might want to do at university. Also the Open University will let you study at home in the hours that suit you so you can still work if you have to.

Anyway you are either an undergraduate which means you do not yet have a degree OR you are a graduate that is you have a degree already and the next steps along are Masters then Phd.

mae

Thanks everyone thats been a big help. According to the site the Tigger36 gave its says that what I have done which is a Level 4 is equivalent to a Foundation Degree or a BTEC Higher National Diploma?? So does that mean I could go straight on to do a masters?? And if so how long does it take to do a masters or does it depend on each course??

mae

Me again. I've just been looking at UCLAN website and it says a masters in counselling would take 3-5 years and its £3130 per annum. I can't afford that and I would get no help because of my husbands income so maybe I'll stop the studying and just try and find a job on the qualification I already have, which will be a Diploma in Counselling which is a Level 4. A bit disappointing really.

Mrs_pbradley936

Have a look at the Open University website https://www.open.ac.uk They have so many courses one is sure to suit you.

Tigger36

Depending on what you want to do a Diploma in Counselling would still get you a good job with a good wage. I've known people who have secured employment with that and their employers have even sponsored them to do the degree. Presumably you have done the practical side as well as the theory and have clocked up your counselling hours with 'real people'?
If you have then you should be fine with what you have. You still haven't got a degree so you can't do a Postgrad qualification but are at Foundation Level. Basically, this means that you can complete a full degree in a shorter length of time (2-3 years instead of 3-4) depending on the course you want to do and the University.
Start having a look at job vacancies and I think you'll surprise yourself. The Guardian on a Wednesday is a good starting point to get a rough idea about salaries and jobs you could get in your area with the qualification you have. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Remember, some employers prefer practical and life experience as well as the paper qualifications. To do counselling you have to have a Diploma as a minimum but you also have to be good with people. Nobody can teach that skill.....

mae

Thanks Tigger36 that was really helpful. I have done 130 hours up to now with real clients, 100 are required as part of the course and if I want to go for accreditation I need to do 450 hours. I'll get the Guardian on Wednesday. Thanks again.