Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills (RQF)

• Gain a complete understanding of the principles, concepts, and theories in counselling.
• Demonstrate effective listening and communication techniques.
• Identify and explain key counselling theories and approaches.
• Learn to establish goals and develop an action plan in collaboration with your clients.
• Reflect on personal values, beliefs, and biases and their impact on counselling practice.
• Develop trust and rapport through ethical and respectful interactions.

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.

• Duration: 365 Days 
• Qualification Level: 3 
• Awarded By: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours: 270
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 400
• Credits: 40
• Qualification number: 600/0727/8
• UCAS Points: 24

• There are no formal prerequisites. Learners over the age of 16 years are eligible to enrol for the course.
• Learners should have GCSE in English and Maths or a Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• An intermediate ability to read and write English is recommended.
• No work placement is required for this course.

• Counsellors
• Support Workers
• Healthcare Assistants
• Mental Health Workers
• Public sector employees
• Voluntary and community workers

• Written Assignments: The course involves completing a series of written assignments designed to test your knowledge and application of counselling skills.
  Each assignment includes various questions and tasks tailored to gauge your understanding of the subject matter.
  These assignments are internally assessed by a qualified assessor.
• Assessor Feedback: Your personal tutor will provide detailed and constructive feedback on each assignment. This feedback is geared towards helping you meet the required standards and improve your performance where necessary.
• Direct Observation: Some units require demonstration of the counselling skills you have gained which will be assessed through recorded role play.
• Assessor Support: As a learner, you will have access to extensive support from assessors through multiple channels, including Telephone, WhatsApp, Online discussions, Email, and Web chats. This assures that guidance is readily available whenever you need it.

For any additional queries or further information regarding the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquiry’ button below to contact us.

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 6-9 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills requires approximately 270 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: Foundation Degree in Counselling
• Step 02: Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling, or Psychology
• Step 03: Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Counselling
• Step 04: Master’s Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy

Alternative additional qualifications you can progress to;

• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance

Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills at South London College opens up a range of rewarding career prospects in the health, health and social care, and public services sectors. The qualification equips learners with the foundational skills and knowledge to support individuals through their many challenges. Certificate holders can pursue entry-level roles in counselling within schools, community organisations, and healthcare settings. With more training and experience, there is potential to advance to roles like a professional counsellor or specialist counsellor. Additionally, the skills acquired through this course are highly transferable and beneficial in many other careers, including social work, youth work, mental health support, and human resources.

Here are some career prospects you can explore, along with the average UK salary per annum (approximately) according to Glassdoor.

• Counsellor – £50,000
• Assistant Counsellor – £45,000
• Healthcare Assistant – £45,000
• Helpline Operator – £45,000
• Mental Health Worker – £35,000

• From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol in this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject.
• Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve. This guidance helps you get the most from your courses and continually enhance your skills.
• Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.