The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies is designed for individuals who have already acquired practical counselling skills and foundational knowledge at Level 2 and wish to progress their training at a more advanced level.
This course will not qualify you as a counsellor, but it will equip you with skills and insights to prepare for workplace experience as a trainee counsellor and future progression towards full qualification.
This course includes a strong experiential component, engaging students in activities like professional discussions, workshops, seminars, projects, presentations, reflective learning reviews, simulated counselling practices, case studies, and supervised group training. Realistic counselling scenarios are simulated, requiring some personal disclosure and associated personal development.
Students will be introduced to three primary counselling theories: the Person-Centred approach, the Psychodynamic approach, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). You will also be required to attend six sessions of personal counselling to support your development (self-funded, typically £30 to £60 per session). Additionally, independent study of at least 3 hours per week is expected for reflective learning and coursework.
Classes are held every Thursday for 18 weeks, with a choice between daytime (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) and afternoon/evening sessions (3:30 pm - 9:00 pm), making it suitable for those balancing other commitments.
What experience and skills will you gain?
- Prepare to work within an ethical framework for counselling.
- Develop an understanding of the counselling relationship.
- Recognise difference and diversity to enhance empathic understanding.
- Work within a client-centred approach to counselling.
- Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in practice.
- Explore theories of counselling and mental health.
- Use feedback, reflection, and supervision to support your studies.
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Campus
This course will be delivered at Lambeth College - Clapham
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What do you need to apply?
To enrol in this course, you need prior counselling skills training, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB) or equivalent units/qualifications with a minimum of 75 guided learning hours (GLH).
- GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, or Level 2 English.
- GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade E/2 or above, or Level 1 Maths.
Recommended prerequisites:
- At least 23 years old with three years of independent adult life experience.
- Willingness to work on self-awareness in relation to others.
- Admission is subject to a tutor reference and an interview. The course also requires six sessions of personal counselling, which must be self-funded.
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How will you be assessed?
Assessment is based on various methods across the seven core units, including:
- Skills practice with tutor and peer feedback.
- Weekly learning reviews and reflective summaries.
- Presentations on theory and concepts.
- Written essays.
- Six peer counselling sessions and a case study.
- An external paper-based assessment, involving viewing a recorded counselling session and completing a written Candidate Feedback Paper (75 minutes) under exam conditions.
To pass, you must achieve a proficient rating in both tutor assessments and the external CPCAB assessment.
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Where can this course take you?
This course provides skills applicable to roles as a helper or trainee counsellor in fields such as mental health, homelessness, substance misuse, education, health, and social care. With further study, you can work towards becoming a fully qualified counsellor.
Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, you may wish to progress to:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB).
