What does the course involve?
This course is designed for those people who wish to involve themselves in counselling either in a professional or voluntary capacity. The course will offer the opportunity for participants to examine their own personal development and enhance their self-awareness. It will include various counselling skills and methods and their application in specific practical situations, including experimental learning, considering ethical considerations. Group work and role-play will be included in the taught work.
The course is suitable for professionals employed in education, welfare or social services wishing to develop a counselling role. It may also be appropriate for those working in a voluntary capacity with self-help groups or other agencies.
A commitment to equal opportunities is an essential component of this course.
This course is considered as a “fast track” and needs to be viewed as such- when considering this course please think about whether you can attend all lessons (see more details below) whether they are in the classroom or on TEAMS as there will be a lot of course content covered each lesson.
It will be necessary for candidates to be able to do at least 9-11 hours of reading/ research per week, at home. A reading list will be provided, and you will need to obtain two or three books. (Books will be at the candidates own expense).
Note to applicants:
In this course you will be expected to talk about yourself in a classroom environment and have mandatory attendance of at least 90% for the duration of the course. As this is an introduction to the Counselling training you need to be aware that you will be expected to do a lot of use of self-reflection, and this could result in highlighting things that have happened and have impacted on your life/things that are happening and impacting on your life. You need to think carefully before embarking on this course to ensure that it is the right course for you at this time in your life as it will not be a place for you to have group therapy it will be an academic/teaching course that will help you learn and develop counselling skills.
Students will need to be prepared to seek outside help/college counsellor if it becomes apparent (or if the tutor advises) to ensure emotional safety.
Due to the nature of the course, with what will be shared in emotional check-ins and the classroom setting, students cannot attend with anyone they know or are related to.
The nature of this level of counselling course involves an increasing degree of self-awareness and personal development. It is important that you consider that you may not be ready for this course if you have undergone any significant life change or loss in the last 12 months.
There are five mandatory units:
Students will also write a 3000-word case study alongside the mandatory units.
How are students assessed?
Continuous assessment through assignments/reflective journals.
Completed coursework at the end of the course which will be internally and externally assessed.
Candidates must have completed all course work by the end of the course for final assessment. However please note course work has to be completed as the course progresses and cannot all be left until the end of the course.
Attendance will be monitored throughout (minimum of 90%)
External verifier may request your course work; this is part of the external moderation process.
Will this course lead to a formal qualification?
NCFE (CACHE) Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NOT BE A QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR AT THE END OF THIS COURSE.
Who can I contact about the course?
Part Time Admissions on 0121 602 7888
Please be aware that students could be asked to complete a BKSB Maths & English initial and diagnostic assessment during the induction period to assess skills at that time and to help to enhance these skills during your studies.
Writing materials/ laptop/ tablet and or access to a mobile phone to be able to be shown how to use TEAMS etc.
A book list will be provided, and it is recommended you obtain one book from the list. (at candidates own expense).
Daytime H70008C
Friday’s Starting 8th January 2027
Ending Friday 9th July 2027
8.30am until 4.30pm
Along with the full day course there will also be a study support session on a Monday evening (5.30pm til 7.30pm)- attendance on a Monday evening will not be mandatory every week, however you must attend at least 1 session per month as it is there to support you with your studies.
The Monday evening session will take place on Microsoft TEAMS
Evening H70008D
Tuesday’s & Thursday’s starting Tuesday 5th January 2027
Ending Thursday 8th July 2027
5.30pm until 9pm – both evenings
Along with the 2 evenings per week there will also be a study support session on a Monday evening (5.30pm until 7.30pm)- attendance on a Monday evening will not be mandatory every week, however you must attend at least 1 session per month as it is there to support you with your studies. The Monday evening session will take place on Microsoft TEAMS
Day, time and duration for September 2027 to be confirmed.
*TBC
For more information on funding your course visit Fees and Funding.
*This fee includes the registration fee.
Please note that if you take out a learner loan (if a loan is available) for this course and leave before the end of the course you could be liable for all fees.
Please note: 90% attendance for this course is mandatory in line with College and NCFE policy.
