This qualification is intended for those who want to take the next step in training to become a counsellor, who have already acquired counselling skills, and learn more about counselling theory and agency work.
The awarding organisation for this course is NCFE.
This qualification is eligible in England for Advanced Learner Loans (19+).
What you'll learn
This course will give you some knowledge of various types counselling theory and how to apply it to client issues. You will also learn about ethics and mental health aspects which will prepare you for work as a professional counsellor within an agency setting.
- Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling
- Understand the counselling relationship
- Understand difference and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding
- Work within a user-centred approach to counselling
- Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice
- Understand theories of counselling and mental health
- Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies
The awarding organisation for this course is NCFE. Learn more about Level 3 specifications.
How you'll learn and be assessed
The classes are structured with a tutor led element followed by a skills element, where you will put into practice what you’ve learned.
You will receive one-to-one feedback from your tutor at key points during the course to help you develop your skills and assess areas for development.
Time commitment and independent study
Homework will take approximately two hours per week, however this will increase at key points during the course, such as when producing the two required assignments.
The course has two formal assessment elements and candidates need to be proficient in both to pass the course:
- portfolio of evidence, which will involve a variety of documents including two assignments.
- reviews of your learning and feedback.
Progression
This qualification does not lead to employment. It is designed as pre-practitioner training for professional counselling qualifications, but it could also lead to employment in a related field.
After qualifying at Level 3, you can apply for the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling which qualifies you as a Counselling Practitioner.
You might also consider progression to our Foundation Degree in Counselling.
Entry requirements
You will need a level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or a recognised face to face equivalent qualification of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.
Following application to the course candidates will be contacted by a member of the counselling team to ensure that those joining are able to meet the academic and emotional demands of the course.
