Counselling

Note: Due to the course delivery location and visa restrictions, this course is NOT available to international students requiring a Student Visa.

Location: This is a 2 year full-time award of Teesside University delivered in partnership with Stockton Riverside College (campus code 3), Hartlepool College of Further Education (campus code 5) and Darlington College (campus code 1).

Course overview:
Our FdA Counselling course provides professional training and equips you with a sound theoretical framework and the practitioner skills required to work safely and effectively as a counsellor. The programme adopts a personal-centred approach with aspects of psychodynamic and cognitive behaviour therapy explored as comparative approaches.

You are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical practice with a recognised counselling agency, and undertake a minimum of 20 hours (10 hours in each year) of personal therapy. You are expected to attend two mandatory weekend workshops each year, for which there is a fee.

After the course:
Your employability skills will be directly addressed through the professionally related curriculum of the programme in relation to the requirements of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and through the professional reflection aspect of assignments.

This course will allow you to consolidate learning in practical counselling techniques, informed by the theory of counselling practice. We hope that you will be able to develop skills and training and add to the knowledge and skills base in order to develop as professionals. Graduates will also be encouraged to work towards accreditation with the BACP.

Choosing Teesside University means joining a modern, ambitious university that puts students first. Named Modern University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and recognised for its outstanding student experience, Teesside combines award-winning teaching with the support you need to succeed.

Based in Middlesbrough, the university has invested millions into creating a vibrant campus packed with industry-standard facilities, study spaces and social hubs. You'll also have access to Adobe Creative Campus tools, helping you build valuable digital skills alongside your degree.

From day one, you'll be part of a welcoming student community with excellent support services, societies, sports clubs and opportunities to boost your career prospects. If you're looking for a university that helps you achieve more and make the most of student life, Teesside could be the perfect fit.