Frequently asked questions

The Action on Addiction Foundation Degree in Addictions Counselling is a higher education qualification, and combines taught units with work-based learning. It is the first Foundation Degree to be offered in Addictions Counselling in the UK and is signposted to DANOS.

What is a Foundation Degree?


Foundation Degrees are higher education vocational qualifications at intermediate level. They focus on work-based learning and are aimed at individuals who want to improve their skills, understanding and knowledge in line with employers' needs. You can find out more about Foundation Degrees on the Department for Education & Skills website

What professional standards does the course meet?


The course is signposted to DANOS (Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards) and FDAP (The Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals) has granted graduates of Degree Type 3 evidence for 12 DANOS units. This means that holders of the Action on Addiction/University of Bath Foundation Degree in Addictions Counselling, upon completion of some simple proformae, can become certified by FDAP as 'Accredited Practitioners' before entering employment.

What coursework is there, and how am I assessed?


For each taught unit, whether in full-time or part-time format, there is an essay and a practical assignment. Some units also have video and/or audio assessment of role-plays. In addition, all students are required to complete a portfolio of evidence, including a task log, which is a record of their evidence-based learning.

Where are the work-placements?


Professional work-placements are in treatment agencies, whether residential or day centres, and the agencies must meet with the course Placement Specification. The location of work-placements should allow for weekly travel to Wiltshire for teaching days, and are therefore mostly in the south or south west of England, or London. Students can state a geographical preference, although this cannot be guaranteed. Students usually remain at the same work-placement for a year.

How do I enrol for the course?


Firstly you will need to complete an Application Form.
For the full-time course, suitable candidates will be invited to a Selection Day. This will involve a short interview and various group activities (role plays, mock case study, group discussions etc). The selection process will take place from March/April onwards. For the part-time format, applicants are invited to a short interview, and if successful would register for the Foundation Degree at the start of the academic year each October.

How many places are available?


The full-time course can currently accommodate a maximum of 20 students, the part-time programme up to a maximum of 12.

What will be the final qualification?


Upon successful completion of the course successful Graduates will receive a Foundation Degree in Addictions Counselling, awarded by the University of Bath and will be entitled to use the letters FdSc after their name.

What are the fees for the course?


The fees will depend on whether the course is being approached on a full-time or part-time basis, and are reviewed on an annual basis. In both cases, the fees will be in two parts: a fee for tuition, which is set by the government and paid to the university, and a fee for residential costs and refreshments etc. The fee structure for those normally resident outside the EU differs from that for Home/EU students. The fees outlined below are for Home/EU students. Fees for non-EU students are available on request.

The tuition fees are set by the University of Bath. Although these are significantly higher than in previous years there is considerable help available to eligible students in the form of bursaries and grants.

For the full-time course, tuition fees for the academic year 2007/08 are £3070. The course covers two academic years, and a fee is applicable for each year. For most students, the tuition fees are no longer payable in advance, but will be added to a student loan and do not become repayable until completion of the course. Exceptions apply for overseas students, and those who have previously completed an Honours degree. See the following university website:

Fees for the part-time course include registration, tuition and all course handouts. For the academic year 2007/08, the tuition fees for home/EU students are currently £613 per academic year (payable directly to the University of Bath at the applicable rate for each year registered). For overseas students (non-EU) the tuition fees are currently £4725 per academic year. Students should expect to pay £100-£150 per week, plus meals, if they choose to stay locally during 5-day teaching blocks.

Please note: these costs are applicable only for students registered on the Foundation Degree programme, attending a 5-day teaching block. Please see Forthcoming Courses for indicative costs if you wish to attend courses on a stand-alone basis.

Information about financial support for part-time students can be found at: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/students/par_part_time_stude.shtml

Can I get help with the fees?


Considerable help is available to eligible students. This takes the form of bursaries from the university, and government grants. Since they are a higher education qualification, Foundation Degrees attract Local Authority (LA) grants and student loans, depending on the financial circumstances of the student and other eligibility criteria. Some trusts and charities may offer grants or bursaries to trainees or those working in the field of addictions counselling. Grants are also available for some part-time students. For further information, see the following websites:

Can I work while I am doing the course?


Those on the full-time course will be registered full-time students and during the early part of the course and vacation breaks there will be time to undertake some paid work, although it is recommended that you do not work for more than 10 hours per week during term time. Students should seriously consider the implications of working outside their placement hours since it is unlikely that they would have the time or energy to work, and still complete their studies and training to a satisfactory standard. By definition, those undertaking the part-time course are doing so while in employment, either voluntary or otherwise.

What work does the Foundation Degree prepare me for?


A significant part of the Action on Addiction Foundation Degree in Addictions Counselling is spent working in a treatment setting as a Counsellor in Training. This, coupled with the fact that the course is signposted to DANOS and accredited by FDAP, provides students with the best training possible to go straight into work as an Addictions Counsellor. Graduates from earlier Clouds courses have an excellent record of direct entry into employment as Addictions Counsellors.

What is the next level of qualification?


The next level up is 'honours' level, which covers degrees with titles such as Bachelor of Science (BSc (Hons)). Graduates of the Action on Addiction Foundation Degree can progress to an Honours degree, which involves a further 1 year of full-time study, or 2 years part-time, and leads to a BSc (Hons) Addictions Counselling awarded by the University of Bath.