Foundation Certificate

The focus of the Foundation year is on developing an awareness of self and others through effective listening, authentic relating and personal presence. This requires deep personal work and this can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. To support this process, students are required to be in weekly, in-person counselling or psychotherapy with one of our approved practitioners for the duration of the course, the cost of which is not included in the fees. Full attendance is expected on all course days.

Successful completion of the Foundation Certificate means that students are eligible to apply for the first stage of our BACP and UKCP accredited training courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Entry onto these further courses is not guaranteed and is subject to a separate interview process. 

There are 3 separate Foundation groups that run weekly on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday across the academic year. The focus is on experiential rather than theoretical learning and students are encouraged to draw on their moment-to-moment experience to help develop their personal awareness and interpersonal skills.

The year is underpinned by Carl Rogers’ Humanistic approach to personal growth and his Core Conditions for therapeutic change. There are key readings and handouts to support the learning and one essay in the second term.

Students have the opportunity to practice their listening skills in weekly skills groups and learn more about themselves and group dynamics in the weekly Process group. They are supported in their learning through termly tutorials with their Personal tutor.

We suggest allowing at least two hours a week for private study. In addition, students are required to keep a private journal throughout the course to capture their learning.

In the second term, students who are interested in applying for the professional training, will be supported in their decision-making process.

We operate a rolling admissions process until all our interview days are full and therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible. We start processing applications from January 2027. 

We run 4 interview days from March through to June. Occasionally we add a final interview day in July if spaces are still available. If there are no interview spaces left at the time of applying, you may be placed on a waiting list. 

In line with our aim to support greater representation in the Counselling and Psychotherapy profession, BCPC welcomes applicants from underrepresented and marginalised groups. If you have a disability or long-term health condition, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate fully on the course. Our premises are partially wheelchair accessible.

For those applicants where English is not your first language, please be aware that evidence of a required level of proficiency will need to be in place prior to any future application to BCPC's professional training. See our Diploma Entry Requirements.

Please apply by clicking the 'Apply Online' button or alternatively download the Application form (Word document) above.

Please note we charge a non-refundable application fee of £60. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you following receipt of your application.

Two references are required - one from an employer or previous tutor and another personal one from a trusted colleague or friend (although not a family member or therapist.) The reference form template will be emailed to you following receipt of your application.

Once you have submitted your application, you will get an acknowledgement email to confirm that it was successfully received.

If you do not hear from us within 3 working days following submission of your application, please email admin@bcpc.org.uk to check we have received it. 

If you have any questions about the process or the application form please contact admin@bcpc.org.uk or telephone 01225 429 720.

Our interview days are structured as a whole day workshop-style experience including an individual interview. Whilst no previous experience is required, successful applicants will have a level of emotional maturity required to study on the Foundation course as well as an awareness of self and others. 

*Please note: all fees are subject to annual review