Counselling Courses

Counselling Skills (Diploma)

Level 3 - Diploma

What is Level 3?

This is equivalent to Access to Higher Education, A-Levels grades A to E or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Find out about progression

Level 3

This is equivalent to Access to Higher Education, A-Levels grades A to E or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

Find out about progression

Course description

This course is designed for individuals interested in developing and using counselling skills as part of their work role in a range of different sectors; or those who are looking to progress towards achieving accredited counsellor status.

Course content

The course will focus on the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work and some of the approaches that underpin counselling skills; as well as the importance of personal-development.

The course is delivered over a series of linked sessions which will run Friday to Sunday.

The course is delivered over a series of linked sessions which will run on Thursday/Friday and Friday to Sunday. You can study as a residential or non-residential student on this course.

The courses will cover the following units:

Developing counselling skills
Theoretical approaches in the use of con=unselling skills
Working ethically with counselling skills
Counselling skills and diversity
Counselling Skills and personal development

You must be able to attend every session in order to successfully complete this qualification.

Please note: This qualification does not qualify you to practice as a counsellor. However, it can support working in and progression into a number of employment roles including: support worker, mental health support worker, social work.

What can this course lead to?

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Potential future careers include Community Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Advice Worker, Social Work Assistant and Youth Worker.

Course session dates

11/09/2026 to 30/04/2027

Tailored Learning Objective

Engaging and/or building confidence

Useful information

When does this start and end?

At the moment we have no available dates for this course. We are currently updating our offer for September 2026 so please keep checking back to make an application.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need a Level 2 qualification in Counselling or an alternative relevant L2 vocational qualification. This qualification must have been studied as face to face or hybrid delivery. You will need to be able to provide the certificate for this qualification.

To secure a place on this course you will be required to attend an interview to demonstrate suitability.

Do you know? The average wage for fully qualified Counsellors is £22,600

“Being a full-time mum has been amazing - now is the time to focus on what I want to do.” - Julie
Learn more about Julie's story

The counselling course content was marvellous. It touched every area and I believe was integral in me becoming a success at counselling.

Studying the counselling course at the Northern College has been one of the most profoundly transformative and insightful experiences of my life. It has forever changed me as a person and I view the world through new eyes now.

I am now reaping the rewards from the counselling course and look forward to continuing my studies. Thank you so very, very much for your enduring support, fantastic teaching and boundless patience!

After completing the short course in Counselling Therapy, I was inspired and motivated to pursue the level 1 and level 2 as well. Was a life changing experience.