Level 3 Certificate In Counselling Studies

Next Course to be Confirme

The CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies course will begin in September 2023. 

Places will only be offered after completion of an application form, written exercise and a successful interview. 

Courses will only run if there are enough applicants and may be subject to cancellation (a full refund of any fees paid will made).

Click below to find out more about:

Entry Requirements

• You must have undertaken counselling skills training e.g. Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent of at least 90 guided learning hours. Proof of this will be required at interview. If you have not completed this, your application for level 3 will not be considered. If you are transferring from another Centre and/or awarding body, you will be required to submit samples of your Level 2 work and a 15 minute skills practice recording.
• Level 2 or equivalent in English Language. If you don’t have this level of literacy this does not preclude you from the course, but you will need to provide evidence of your written skills through use of the written exercise as part of the application process.
• Ability to access an online training course including, a confidential space that is free from interruption, good lighting, webcam, wifi connection, good IT skills (ability to use Word, fill in proforma templates electronically, attach documents to emails and send, use an online classroom platform).
• A willingness to discuss thoughts and feelings with others as part of a group, 1-2-1 with other students and tutors and in writing.
• A willingness to undertake a minimum of six hours of personal therapy at your own cost.
• A willingness to give feedback to and receive feedback from others in the group.
• Be committed to exploring your own values, beliefs and attitudes and examining how you relate to other people.
• Be committed to the learning process and completing the necessary homework to fulfil the requirements of the course.
• Applicants who are experiencing current emotional or psychological problems will notbe accepted onto the course.
• Applicants who are experiencing current significant life circumstances may notbe accepted onto the course

Session will consist of:-

A large part of the course is experiential learning and observation and involves a commitment to personal development/developing self-awareness.

Sessions will consist of: -

• Personal Development - These types of session aim to develop personal self-awareness and facilitate your personal enquiry into your own personal history and personal relationships.
• Theory - These sessions examine topics relating to counselling skills and from a person-centred approach (although other theories are looked at on the Level 3 course)
• Skills Practice - Skills practice sessions involve you practicing your counselling skills on each other in groups of 3 or 4. There is also a skills practice assessment with an external assessor
• Group supervision with an externally sourced qualified clinical supervisor

Assessment

See table above and course brochure

Additional Study Time

8-10 hours a week (this may vary from student to student) but will increase slightly when various assignments are due to be handed in. It is important that the course is considered in relation to other areas of your life in order that you can give the course your time and commitment to give you the best opportunity of completing it. Please consider how it will fit into your current employment, family life, health issues etc. 

Progression

This is a stand-alone Level 3 Counselling Studies course, but progression can be made onto a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Studies

​Core Text

Ballantine Dykes, Fiona, Kopp, Barry and Postings, Traci. 2017 Counselling Skills and Studies. 2nd ed. London: Sage

Other Suggested Reading

Sanders, P (2006), The Person-Centred Counselling Primer: A Steps in Counselling Supplement (Counselling Primers) PCCS
Tolan. J. 2012 Skills in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (Skills in Counselling & Psychotherapy Series) 2nd ed. London: Sage
 

Course Materials

You will need to bring paper and a pen to lessons. To keep costs of the course down, most resources, such as handouts will be sent electronically. Students are therefore welcome to bring tablets to sessions for course purposes only (you will be required to produce some printed material).

You will also need:-​

• A copy of the CPCAB Candidate Learning Record
• National Counselling Society (NCS) Ethical Framework
• Two core text books
• Access to a computer and printer

Feedback From Recent Level 3 Courses

"The quality of teaching and content on the Level 3 course was second to none. Guest tutors really complimented different aspects of the course. The opportunity to undertake group supervision was invaluable and really enhanced not only the learning aspect but also personal development throughout the course. While the standards are high this is outlined from the outset and really allows for significant development to take place during the course and beyond as you are positively pushed throughout to challenge yourself."

"I have been lucky to work with tutors who are so invested in my wellbeing as much as my success. Their experience as counsellors ensures they recognise how valuable producing counsellors who will always strive for the best for their future clients."

"The courses at NCCS give you the best opportunity to become the best counsellor you can be. From the incredibly organised administration to the knowledge and support of the team of tutors and supervisors. Providing you are willing and capable of putting in the work, you'll have everything you need to excel."

"I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to train as a counsellor. It is well structured, comprehensive and professional. The tutors are top of their game and I feel I have had a first rate experience."

"There have been times in my journey to becoming a qualified counsellor where I have questioned if I am up to the task ahead but studying this year to Level 3 has alleviated many of my concerns. I feel indebted to Kelly for the positive difference she has made. She has been extremely supportive, and her honest, constructive feedback and guidance has given me the confidence to push through times of doubting myself. I now feel I am more self-aware and gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress to Level 4. Learning to be a counsellor is a life changing journey and I have benefitted enormously, both personally and professionally. I am excited to continue!"

"I have studied with NCCS for both my Level 2 & Level 3 and I cannot recommend this centre enough. Kelly is an incredibly supportive tutor who both challenges and encourages you. She is incredibly knowledgeable and will always take the time to talk through anything you don't quite understand and give you honest feedback which I always appreciated. Lessons were always made interesting by Kelly even with the slightly heavier topics! I feel like these courses at NCCS have completely changed me (for the better!) and I am so excited to continue my studies to become a qualified counsellor."

"I have really benefited from taking level 3 with NCCS. The high quality, in depth teaching was both challenging and enjoyable. Our tutor pushed us to get the best out of us individually. For me that meant greatly expanding my theory knowledge but more than that, growing my confidence in putting that knowledge to use in both my skills practice and deepening self awareness. I would recommend NCCS to anyone!"

"I approached Kelly as I was curious about counselling as a career and wanted to explore what was involved in the training and if I might be suitable.  I received frank and honest advice from the beginning and I feel I have benefited hugely from the courses I've taken.  The teaching and course material has been both supportive and challenging which has helped me develop as a person as well as a trainee counsellor.  Now a couple of years later, I've acquired the skills and confidence to work in a helping role and I'm currently preparing to undertake training to become a qualified counsellor."

"This course raises an all-round awareness of Person Centred Counselling and is both informative & thought provoking. The expertise, friendly guidance and support offered by the course tutor was exemplary. Whilst the level 3 course can be challenging having a good tutor makes this journey far more achievable and enjoyable."

How To Apply

• Completion of an application form
• Completion of a written exercise and submit this at the same time as the application form.

If eligibility requirements are met, a 45 minute interview will be offered using the online platform Zoom

Only upon successful completion of the interview will a place be offered on the course.