Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate

Attendance: Full Time, Part Time
Location: Paget Road Campus, Wellington Road Campus

Course code: CP0394A

Start dates:

15/09/2025

Age:

Is this course right for me?

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.

This course is run Part-Time over 2 years

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.

Course fee for full two years: £4110

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Course details

Entry Requirements:

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 required 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.

What will I learn?

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

What skills will I gain?

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 understanding of mental health and wellbeing assessment related to area of practice
  • Learn about the impact of therapeutic counselling interventions and working within an inter professional team
  • Develop skills in coaching, role modelling and motivation, whilst becoming an good communicator

How will I be assessed?

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

  • Observations
  • Written assessements
  • Practical assessments
  • Assignments
  • Research

What can I do next?

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

Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate

Course code: CP0394A

Full Time, Part Time
Paget Road Campus, Wellington Road Campus

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