Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate

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Study Mode: Full-time Course Level: 4

If you have already completed the a Level 3 diploma in counselling, this course will enable you to develop your skills and knowledge further and give you a broad introduction to counselling, applied psychology and the users of these services.

The Level 4 qualification has been developed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and will enable you to further develop your skills, give you a sound knowledge of the foundation concepts of counselling and psychology, and give you the qualities needed for a range of job roles requiring professional and personal responsibility. What's more, it will also prepare you for studying specialist subjects if you choose to progress to a Level 5 qualification on completion of the course.

Throughout the course you will be expected to attend college for seven hours per week, as well as complete a 100-hour work placement.

Fees are payable for the programme. You may be able to apply for a Higher Education loan if you do not already possess a degree level qualification. To find out more about financial support click here. Alternatively, contact the Student Hub at the Paget Road or Wellington Road campus for further information.

To access the course you are required to have:

BTEC Level 3 qualification in a related subject, such as a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills OR
Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution in a relevant subject OR
International equivalent to the above qualifications OR
Relevant industry experience

You will also be requried to:

Have English GCSE at Level 2 or above
Sit a diagnostic assessment to demonstrate the literacy skills required for completing a higher education course
Attend an admissions interview and assessment to determine your current level of knowledge/experience and determine your suitability for the course.

During the course you will study the following mandatory modules:

Personal and professional development through inclusive practice
Developing empathic communication for effective therapeutic relationships
Preparing for research
Ethical frameworks in counselling
Self-awareness and reflective practice in counselling
Theoretical perspectives in counselling
Individual differences
Digital approaches in caring professions

By studying this course you will:

Further develop your critical thinking and use expert and creative solutions to solve non-routine problems
Learn how to use systems and digital technology
Learn how to generate and communicate ideas creatively and further develop your self-management skills.
Learn about adaptability and resilience
Gain self-monitoring and self-development skills alongside self-analysis, reflection, planning and prioritising
Gain an in-depth undestanding of mental health and wellbeing assessment related to area of practice
Learn about the impact of therapeutic counselling interventions and working within an interprofessional team
Deveop skills in coaching, role modelling and motivation, whilst becoming an good communicator

Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:

Observations
Written assessements
Practical assessments
Assignments
Research

Completion of the course will enable you to :

Work as a counsellor in a service or agency setting
Work in healthcare or non-healthcare settings
Work in voluntary sectors
Become a mental health coach
Progress to a higher level qualification such as an HND or university degree

We have an excellent success rate on the course and excellent feedback from past students, many of whom have gone on to take up posts as school counsellors, family support managers, independent counsellors or specialist counsellors.

The course tutor is a practising counsellor, who is registered with the BACP, and has first-hand experience of working in the sector.