Level 3 Certificate In Counselling Studies - Next Course Begins in September 2021

The next course will begin in September 2021 (application process opens Spring 2021)

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).

In light of the current pandemic situation, we are guided by the Government and CPCAB guidelines in relation to social distancing. This is an ever-changing situation and it is impossible to make firm plans. However, NCCS is putting contingencies in place should starting the course in the classroom environment not be possible and this will involve beginning the course online using Zoom. The Centre has already been successfully running courses on Zoom (as a result of the lockdown in March 2020). Students can be confident that the quality and content of the courses will not be affected.

Click below to find out more about:

Aims

Time

Cost

Course cost - £800 (subject to increase each academic year)
CPCAB Candidate Registration Fee - £171 - this is an awarding body fee that covers your registration with the CPCAB, certificate and external assessment. CPCAB increase this fee annually and so is subject to change slightly.
Other additional costs include the course text books, printing and a minimum of 6 x counselling sessions with a Person-Centered Counsellor (some Counsellors offer discounts for students - a list of approved Counsellors will be provided at the start of the course).

Payment Options

For both payment options a non-refundable deposit of £200 is payable within 7 days of receiving an offer of a place on the course. This payment will secure your place on the course. It should be noted that if the deposit is not received in this time, the place may be offered to another applicant.

After payment of deposit, either: -

Payment of £600 in full at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the course or;
Payment of four instalments of £150 for the first four months of the course. This is to be paid by the 10th day of the month. Terms and conditions apply.

Course Attendance

Minimum Age

Entry Requirements

You must have undertaken counselling skills training e.g. CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (or equivalent) of at least 75 guided learning hours. Proof of this will be required at interview
Level 2 or equivalent in English Language - or ability to demonstrate this
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 not be accepted onto the course
Applicants who are experiencing current significant life circumstances may not be accepted onto the course

Course Content

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

The course contains the following units:-

Using basic counselling skills within the limits of a helping role
Establishing a helping interaction
Communicating understanding of other person’s concerns
Focussing on the person’s agenda
Understanding the importance of self-awareness in helping work
Using different types of listening and responding skills in a helping interaction
Using review and feedback to evaluate helping skills

Session 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-centered 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.

Assessment

Internal - You will produce a written portfolio of work, which documents evidence of your learning, a record of your personal development and a collection of evidence to support CPCAB criteria outlined in the Candidate Learning Record (CLR). Success on the course is dependent upon the completion of this portfolio.

External – You will sit a written external examination set by the CPCAB during course time. Successful completion of the course is dependent upon passing this assessment.

All seven learning processes are individually assessed throughout the course using the following methods:-

Learning Journals
Tutor and Peer Feedback
Self-Assessment
Skills assessment
Written Assignments
Worksheets
Case Presentation
Group Supervision
Self Review
External Assessment

Additional Study Time

6-7 hours a week (this may vary from student to student) that may increase slightly when various assignments are due to be handed in. It is important that the course in 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 to complete it. Please consider how it will fit into your current employment, family life, health issues etc.

Progression

This is a stand-alone Level 3 Counseling Studies course but progression is available on to the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Studies which the Centre will be offering from September 2020.

Core Text

Ballantine Dykes, Fiona, Kopp, Barry and Postings, Traci. 2017 Counselling Skills and Studies. 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
BACP Ethical Framework
Two core text books
Access to a computer and printer

Feedback From Recent Level 3 Courses

"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. (download here - word document)

If eligibility requirements are met, a 30-45 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.