Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 Diploma (Year 1 of 2)

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with qualified trained counsellor status. At the end of this course you may use the title of Qualified Trained Counsellor.

The course involves a high degree of experiential learning and self-awareness exercises, which will be demanding of the self in interacting with others. All students are required to contribute to and successfully complete all requirements for all unit/s or the full qualification. Overall attendance is 90% pass rate. All assignments must achieve a pass in order to gain a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (referred assignments can only be resubmitted once).

There is a strong focus and emphasis on experiential learning developed through skills practice to include professional discussions, workshops, process groups and group training supervision. The course seeks to recreate real-world scenarios to allow you to develop your skills. You will be required to allow additional study time in addition to the Guided Learning of 310 hours (GLH) outlined below. GLH is part of the total qualification time of 610 hours (TQT). TQT includes all other time taken in preparation, study or any other form of participation in education or training but not under the direct supervision of a lecturer, supervisor or tutor (regarded as independent study). A strong disciplined approach and commitment to study is required at this level to include reading research articles and journals whilst presenting an academic standard of all work.

You will complete seven mandatory units.

UNITS/TOPICS COVERED:

• Unit 1 - Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling (Written Assignment) – 75 GLH
• Unit 2 - Counselling in a Diverse Society (Written Assignment) – 30 GLH
• Unit 3 - Counselling Theory (Recording and Written Assignment) – 50 GLH
• Unit 4 - Advanced Counselling Skills (Written Assignment) – 50 GLH
• Unit 5 - Self-Awareness for Counsellors (Written Assignment) – 45 GLH
• Unit 6 - Research Methodologies in Counselling (Research Project) – 40 GLH
• Unit 7 - Counselling Placement (Externally Marked) – 20 GLH

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• Learners on this qualification should have access to adequate IT facilities
• Pens, highlighters and a notepad
• Folder with 10-part dividers

Course Costs:

Please be aware that there may be additional costs for materials.

Entry requirements

• As a prerequisite for admission to the Diploma course students must possess the SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or an equivalent qualification. Evidence of which must be provided. References will be required.
• Evidence of academic writing ability at a suitable level e.g. other level 3 or A level qualifications and English language at the equivalent of minimum GCSE grade 4 (C).
• An interview will be conducted to ensure the suitability of all applicants to undertake this Level 4 qualification.

Successful completion of this course leads to a professional level of competency as a qualified professional counsellor. Learners can progress towards national accreditation status with professional lead bodies upon meeting the requirements of the course. There is potential for this qualification to help in search for employment in a particular variety of settings e.g. GP practices and voluntary and statutory organisations. Additionally, learners may progress onto a Postgraduate and Post Qualifying course in counselling studies that are designed to enhance the practice, skills and knowledge of a practising counsellor. This provides academic progression alongside a recognised career pathway. It combines the professional aspects e.g. theoretical knowledge, counselling skills development, self-appraisal and commitment to provision of an ethical quality service and professional development element, which is necessary to ensure that the counsellor is fit to practice.

Internal and external assessment, internal and external moderation. Specific requirements and restrictions may apply to individual units within the qualification. All assessed grades are not final and will be subject to both internal and external moderation.