This diploma adopts a thoroughly person-centred approach throughout and focuses on the training of counsellors to a professional level of competency. The course builds on the knowledge, skills and self-development gained at Level 3 and combines classroom facilitation and experiential learning, ensuring you become skilled and reflective practitioners.
This two year qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context. It meets the basic training requirement for recognition as a qualified counsellor and also contains supervised placement hours. Many learners progress towards national accreditation status with professional lead bodies. If learners wish to approach a professional regulatory body, they will need to ensure that they meet their requirements.
Please note, the last date for receipt of applications to be included in the initial selection process for September 2025 entry is midday on 21March 2025.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
There are seven units on this course each covering theory, professional development and skills practice or peer supervision and personal development. You will also need to undertake the following (these are compulsory): A minimum of 150 hours placement hours (100 hours counselling and 50 hours of workplace activity), One hour supervision for every eight hours of client work, 10 hours personal counselling and Two residential weekends.
Units Studied include:
Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
Working within a counselling relationship
Working with client diversity in counselling work
Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
Working self-reflectively as a counsellor
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
To achieve the qualification, candidates must be internally assessed as proficient across all units and must be externally assessed by CPCAB as proficient. There will be various methods of assessment that will include assignments, observations and testimonies. You will be required to provide at least two pieces of evidence for each criterion. In addition you will be required to submit a structured case review of 3,000-3,500 word that will be externally assessed by CPCAB.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
Tuition fees: £4,670 (If eligible, an Advanced Learner Loan is available for this course. If an alternative Level 4 Diploma is offered, the loan amount may differ.)
There are additional costs associated with the Level 4 diploma, in addition to the course tuition fees. These include:
Course residential weekend - approx. £300
DBS check - approx. £43
Indemnity insurance - ranging from £30-£70 dependent upon provider
BACP student membership - £86 per year (based on 2023-2024 pricing)
Placement supervision - ranging from £30-£50 per hour (as part of the programme you are required to have 1.5 hours every month on placement)
Personal Counselling - ranging from £30-£50 per hour (as part of the programme you are required to have ten sessions with a Person Centred Counsellor)
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
On successful completion of this course you may progress to Postgraduate and Post Qualifying courses in counselling.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
The College are in the process of awarding body validation for delivery from 24/25 academic year. In the event of any delays to the validation process, an alternative Level 4 Diploma may be delivered through Skills and Educations Group Awards.
If eligible, an Advanced Learner Loan is available for this course. If an alternative Level 4 Diploma is offered, the loan amount may differ.
The first stage of the selection process will involve completion of an autobiographical essay which will be marked by the counselling tutor. The deadline for submission of the autobiographical essay is expected to be end of March 2025.
You will be interviewed to assess your eligibility for the course, and as part of the interview/reference process will need to: provide an in depth study of the philosophies and rationale of counselling (essay and tape assessed as part of the interview process) and demonstrate the ability to engage in group training work and receive/work with honest feedback (assessed through the interview and reference process).
Please be aware that the level 4 counselling diploma is not BACP accredited. However, successful completion of all elements of the level 4 counselling diploma currently allows you to apply for the BACP Certificate of Proficiency for registered membership.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged 19+ and have a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling (skills based) or evidence of the equivalent standards. References will be sought as part of the application process. For more details see the anything else I need to know section.
An enhanced DBS check is also required for this Level 4 course.
