• Duration: 365 Days
• Qualification Level: 3
• Guided Learning Hours: 270
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 400
• Credits: 40
• UCAS Points: 24
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE

• 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.

• 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 through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (6 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (3 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Diploma requires approximately 270 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

After completing the Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills, you’ll be ready to progress to Level 4 counselling qualifications, specialised mental health courses, or even a degree in counselling, psychology, or wellbeing-related fields.

Potential Academic Progression Pathways

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

Alternative Pathways

• 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.

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet rigorous national standards, giving you confidence that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high-quality and widely accepted by employers and universities.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to standardise qualifications by level and size. Overseen by regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, the RQF ensures qualifications are consistent, transparent, and easily understood by learners, employers, and higher education institutions. All qualifications listed on the RQF are approved and awarded by recognised awarding organisations.