Study

HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (HNC) IN COUNSELLING AND APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

Please note this programme is subject to awarding body approval and validation.

This qualification is an appropriate qualification for a wide variety of professionals, from teachers to nurses and managers. It is also ideal if you are considering a career change or simply want to become more self-aware. An aim of the course is to provide you with professional training in counselling, which will enable you to gain both a sound theoretical framework and the practitioner skills required to work safely and effectively as a Counsellor.

To achieve the HNC (Level 4)- you will need to complete 1 year in the classroom plus 100 hours of a Counselling placement.

You will be expected to demonstrate a thorough theoretical understanding of all models of counselling, including PCC (Humanistic)/ Psychodynamic, CBT, TA & Gestalt. In addition, you will need an understanding of ethical boundaries, equality and diversity and be able to demonstrate professional and personal development in preparation for placement and then to work as a Counsellor.

Please note that this qualification does have a “dual” title however with Halesowen College you will be trained to be a Counsellor not a psychologist.

With level 4 Graduates can:

● work as a counsellor in a service or agency setting

● work in healthcare or non-healthcare settings

● work in voluntary sectors

Progression to the HND Counselling and Applied Psychology will start September 2024

Examples of work settings are Counsellor/Mental Health Coach

Unit 1 -Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice

Unit 2 -Developing Empathic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationships

Unit 3 -Preparing for Research (Pearson-set)-this means that Pearson set the topics.

Unit 4 -Ethical Frameworks in Counselling

Unit 5 Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling

Unit 6- Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling

Unit 7 -Individual Differences

Unit 8 -Digital Approaches in Caring Professions.

You will also require an approved placement and you will be informed as to when you will need this on commencement of the course. You will need to complete 100 hours of one-to-one counselling practice to achieve the HNC and then additional 70 hours to achieve the HND.

It will be mandatory to supply regular client/supervision logs, reports and reflections to show evidence of placement.

Attend at least fortnightly therapy for the duration of the qualification (not just the 2 years attending college).

The completion of all placement hours.

Completion of all academic work (see units above).

Written proof of fortnightly therapy for the duration of the qualification.

Minimum of 90% for the duration of the course

There will be continual assessment throughout the qualification. Year 2 is not a natural progression and achieving the qualification is not automatic after enrolling.