LEVEL 3
CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING STUDIES

Our next course begins 15th September 2026 - accepting application process from 1st February 2026

The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) course is designed for individuals who have already obtained a recognized qualification in counselling skills and are looking to:

- Take the next step toward becoming a professional counsellor
Deepen their understanding of counselling theory, ethics, and mental health
Prepare for work as a counsellor in an agency setting

It enhances employability for those in supportive roles across sectors such as health and social care, education, advocacy, mediation, support work, and project management. It also equips those already employed with additional skills, potentially leading to promotions and progression towards practitioner-level qualifications (TC-L4). Upon completion, candidates will be able to work as skilled supporters across a variety of roles and career paths.

It should be noted that this course alongside the Level 2 counselling skills course is not a route to any counsellor's accredited register nor does it fully equip a participant to practice as a qualified practitioner or refer to themselves as ‘a specialist’ in the subject matter unless they have other qualifications/training to support this, such as the Level 4 diploma in therapeutic counselling.

LEVEL 3 - Fast-Track

Aims of the Course

This course is a fast-track course delivered over 6 months.

By the course's conclusion, our objectives are for you to:

Continue to develop counselling skills building on the skills of Level 2, also introducing more advanced counselling skills to support clients
Obtain an introduction to three counselling theories (person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive therapy)
Continue to develop self-awareness
Understand the importance of the counselling relationship
Understand the importance of working within an ethical framework
Enhance counselling practice through supervised practice

Course Length: 90 guided learning hours

Total Qualification Time: 196 hours

Minimum Age: 19 years

Location: All sessions are live taught sessions that are online (including Saturdays) using Zoom. This complies with all requirements by the counselling professional bodies (such as CPCAB and BACP) as well as CPCAB (awarding body)

Course Cost (Academic Year 2026-27): £1300 (fees will incrementally increase every academic year)

CPCAB Registration Fee (Academic Year 2025-26): £189 (this is based on fees for academic year 2025-26 and will incrementally increase for academic year 2026-27 - we are currently waiting for publication of the exact fees)

Total Fee: £1489 (this is based on fees for academic year 2025-26 and will increase slightly when it comes to payment for academic year 2026-27 - we are currently waiting for publication of the exact fees)

Attendance Requirements: 90% minimum (equates to missing just 10 hours of the course. Please consider this when booking holidays - a fitness to study process will be triggered should the minimum attendance be reached and your place on the course could become compromised without refund)

Personal Therapy Requirement: Each student must complete a minimum of 6 hours of personal therapy (at their own cost) with a qualified counsellor who is a member of a professional counselling body that is affiliated with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). While students can select their own counsellor, our tutors are available to offer guidance if needed.

Both options require a payment of a £400 deposit (payable within 7 days of being offered a place on the course)

In Full - Balance of £1089 payable in full at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the course or:

Installments - Payment of 6 installments. Instalment 1 - £339 (£150 course fee plus £189 CPCAB registration fee). Installments 2-6 - £150/month . This is to be paid by the 10th day of each month (starting in September 2026) by bank transfer arranged by the student.

Terms and conditions apply.

Age requirement: 19 years or over
English language proficiency: Level 2 or equivalent
Applicants without this level will need to demonstrate writing skills through a written exercise
IT skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, ability to fill in electronic templates, ability to use, or learn to use, google classroom, reliable Wi-Fi and good lighting in a confidential space
Counselling skills training: Minimum of Level 2 Certificate or equivalent (at least 90 guided learning hours). Proof required at interview
Commitment to personal development: Willingness to engage in personal therapy (minimum six hours, self-funded) and openness to discuss thoughts and feelings in group and 1-2-1 settings, ability to give and receive feedback constructively, commitment to exploring personal values, beliefs, and attitude
Educational commitment: Commitment to learning process and completing homework
Eligibility considerations: Applicants experiencing current emotional or psychological issues may not be accepted, significant life circumstances may also affect acceptance
Consideration before applying: Need for emotional energy and time to fully engage in the training

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 (provided by NCCS from course fees)

This is a fast track course and so additional study time could be as much as approximately 8-10 hours a week. This may vary from student to student but will increase 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.

"A LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY!"

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!