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Counselling - Level 4 - Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Course code: P04808

Subject area: Counselling

Study level: Part Time

Course level:

Course details

Course time:

09:00 - 16:30

Days of week:

Monday

Course date:

15th Sept 2025 - 31st Oct 2027

Course location:

Abingdon Campus

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

This two-year part-time Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an Agency context.
This course is aimed at those seeking roles in counselling agencies within healthcare and non-medical settings, introducing person-centred training and various theoretical approaches. Tutors are experienced practising counsellors passionate about maintaining professional standards and supporting student growth. Students will build supportive peer relationships, with group work being central. Alongside taught sessions and assignments, students will keep weekly journals to reflect on their progress and experiences.

As a Level 4 course, equivalent to the first year of university study, students must also undertake:

- Two Saturday workshops- Three to six hours of independent study each week- Personal counselling (a minimum of 30 hours which must be undertaken weekly)- Client work- Fortnightly Supervision (in line with BACP guidelines for counselling trainees)- Become student members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)- A minimum of 100 placement hours.

This qualification leads to counselling employment in agency settings but does not qualify for private practice, which requires Level 5 study. It can support professional development or lead to employment in related fields.

Validated by the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body), the course covers topics like ethical and professional practice, client diversity, user-centred approaches, self-awareness, and theoretical frameworks. Expect three to six hours of independent study per week, which may vary, especially before exams and assignments.

To achieve the Level 4 qualification, learners must demonstrate proficiency in all mandatory units and complete both internal and external assessments: an External Structure Case Review exam and a portfolio of evidence, including assignments and learning reviews. CPCAB requires a minimum attendance of 80-85%, with the first session being essential. For

Course units
There are 7 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor.
Unit 2 - Working within a counselling relationship.
Unit 3 - Working with client diversity in counselling work.
Unit 4 - Working within a user-centred approach to counselling.
Unit 5 - Working with self-awareness in the counselling process.
Unit 6 - Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills.
Unit 7 - Working self-reflectively as a counsellor.
What next?
Students can progress to work within an Agency setting or can choose to continue their studies with progression to a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling or Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Supervision. On completion of the course, once in clinical practice, counsellors can work towards accredited recognition by a professional body such as BACP, UKCP, NCS, HGI, BPC and ACC.
Entry criteria
This is a challenging course requiring significant self-reflection and growth as well as academic achievement. The following entry criteria are required to ensure your best chance of success:• A proficient pass of a relevant Level 3 counselling studies training course, which included face-to-face skills practice• GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C) or above. If English is not your first language, you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies, and you must hold an IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing.• 19+ years old. • Ability to translate intra-personal experience into written and spoken language• Able to benefit from self-development and evidence personal insight• Emotional stability*• Ability to form a counselling relationship • Awareness of difference and diversity• Able to cope with course content** • Be motivated towards developing as a counselling practitioner• A health questionnaire, completed by the student’s GP, will be provided to confirm that the course is suitable for the student.

*This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty and/or severe psychological distress. **The nature of this course involves experiential elements that will involve some personal disclosure and associated personal developmental activities.

Fee information
Additional Costs:• a variety of textbooks are available in the College and online, however students may wish to purchase their own copies. Prices of core textbooks range from £15-55. • Personal counselling (minimum of 30 hrs over two years) between £35.00 and £50.00 per session• Supervision (if not provided within the Agency) between £50 and £80 per session. A minimum of 1.5 hours of supervision per calendar month• Student membership of the BACP (costs set by BACP)• Student counsellor insurance (costs are set by insurers)• GP Health questionnaire (costs are set by the GP but are typically c£60)

As part of your course, we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate. Bursaries may also be available to cover the cost of some trips.Your course fee includes candidate registration with CPCAB and your first attempt at the external assessments. If a re-sit of an external assessment is required, you will be responsible for meeting the cost of the re-sit at the rate charged by the CPCAB at the time. The course fee covers the cost of the course for the advertised course dates. In very exceptional circumstances, CPCAB may approve an extension of your completion date. In this instance, the College reserves the right to charge an additional fee to cover the costs of that extension. The amount of this fee will be stated in your course handbook

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions s

19+ Fee:

£4,670.00

Qualifications received
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.