Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate
Course code: CP0394A
15/09/2025
a future adult learner (19+)
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.
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.
Course Fee: £4110
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
Future careers
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At City of Wolverhampton College, we boast strong links with leading universities and over 1,000 employers – meaning our courses are all career focussed and relevant.
Like what you’ve seen?
Then it’s time to apply.
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Visit us at one of our Open Events and see what City of Wolverhampton College has to offer.
