Which level to choose

Level 1: Counselling: an introduction

For students who are thinking of embarking on professional counselling training, our level 1 course is the first step in this progression.

Level 1: Advanced counselling course

For students who complete an introduction to counselling course and plan to progress to the Certificate but would like to further develop skills at this level, may benefit from this course. 

Level 3: Certificate in Counselling Skills

Apply for our certificate course if you want to enhance your use of counselling skills at work and/or progress to the level 4 Diploma to qualify as a counsellor. The Certificate course runs over a year (145 hours) and some weekend attendance is required including one mandatory residential weekend. Our two Certificate courses start in September and currently run on either Wednesday afternoons or Thursday evenings. In addition we offer a fast track certificate course that runs on Saturdays between January and early July. This course is designed to fill the gap for students who wish to progress to level 4 the following September.

Please note you would need to meet the following entry requirements to apply for the certificate course;

· You have (or will have) completed an introductory counselling course of 30 hours with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last 3 years)

OR

· You have completed an introductory counselling course of 30 hours with an attendance record of at least 70% AND you have completed a ‘Counselling introduction: advanced’ course (or equivalent) with an attendance record of at least 80% (within the last 3 years)

· You are able to speak and write fluently in English (Level 2/GCSE)

Level 4: Diploma in therapeutic counselling: integrative or person-centred pathways

This two year course qualifies you to practise as a counsellor and applicants will need to have completed a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills within the last three years. The diploma runs for one full day a week for two years (450 hours) with one mandatory residential weekend. You will also need to find a placement to achieve 100 supervised counselling hours. The diploma training includes: theory, skills practice, large group time, personal development and professional development groups. There is one intake per year for both pathways.

Progression route:

Application Process: Certificate / Diploma:

1.Shortlisted applicants invited for interview

2.Interviews during June and early July

3.Places offered July

4.Enrolment by August

Certificate and Diploma courses begin mid September.