Entry requirements

English and Maths at either:
- Level 4 or above at GCSE
- Grade C or above
- Functional Skills at Level 2

A relevant/related Full Level 3 Qualification either Diploma or Extended Diploma.

Interview and selection process:
Please note that to meet BACP approval requirements, the College must have a selection process that ensures successful applicants have or have the potential to: 
- Develop self-awareness, maturity and stability.
- Reflect on life experience.
- Cope with the emotional demands of the qualification.
- Be aware of issues of difference and equality.
- Recognise the need for personal and professional support.

This will be tested at the interview stage.

About the course

This course is for anyone wishes to practise as a counsellor either with an employer, charity or independently (self employed) as it meets the BACP SCoPEd framework entry point A (see below) at either HNC or HND level assuming you complete the full HNC and the 100 hours placement.

SCoPEd framework 2022 – see page 11:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/14435/scoped-framework-january-2022.pdf

Anyone wanting to Top-up to a full degree would need to complete the full HND.

Why study?

The Level 4 units lay the foundations of learning by providing a broad introduction to counselling and applied psychology and the users of these services. This develops core skills while preparing the student for specialist subjects at Level 5 (if continuing on) or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some professional and personal responsibility. Students will gain a wide range of knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace and clinic scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those that are highly valued in higher education and the workplace, for example, communication, teamwork, research and analysis. By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the foundation concepts of counselling and psychology. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of these professions.

Where will this course take me?

• Progress into the HND Level 5
• Employment as:
  - work as a Counsellor in a service or agency setting
  - work in healthcare or non healthcare settings
  - work in voluntary sectors
  - Counsellor
  - Mental health coach

Core modules

Unit 1 Mandatory Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice

Unit 2 Mandatory Developing Empathic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationships

Unit 3 Mandatory Preparing for Research (Pearson-set)

Unit 4 Mandatory Ethical Frameworks in Counselling Core Unit 5 Mandatory Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling

Unit 6 Mandatory Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling

Unit 7 Mandatory Individual Differences

Unit 8 Mandatory Digital Approaches in Caring Professions

Students must complete 100 hours placement to achieve the Level 4 HNC qualification and to be able to practise. Students will need to source a placement independently either before starting or by November in order to achieve the hours. This would equate to approximately 3 hours per week between October – June. Prospective students need to note this is a requirement and need to plan this time over and above their days in college and independent study.

How much does it cost?

Students Loan funded as part of the LLE (lifelong learning entitlement).

The course cost £5995 per year subject to inflation rise annually, which is borrow as a loan from SFE. Students pay this loan back once earning over a set amount, this is currently set at £25,000.00. Or the amount can be paid in full either a lump sum or instalments.
Or if studying as part of a Higher Apprenticeship – Employer pays through their Apprenticeship levy (discuss with your employer).

Students must also independently source and pay for the following:

• Student membership - BACP registration – Approximately £100
• Insurance to practise as a counsellor - Approximately £100
• Supervision every 2 weeks – cost range approximately £35 – £50 pounds

Approximate total upfront cost required is in the range of £2000

Assessment & Feedback

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are assessed using a combination of:

• Centre-developed internal assignments that are set and assessed by Centres
• Pearson-set assignments, which are set by Centres in line with our guidelines and graded by Centres. Pearson-set units are mandatory and target particular industry-specific skills. The number and value of these units depend on qualification size
• For the HNC, Centres will assess one compulsory Pearson-set unit targeted at particular skills. This is a Level 4 core unit carrying 15 credits.

All other units are assessed through internal assignments set by the Centre.

Additional Information

UCAS Tariff: 48 Points