CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling (Year 1)

Who is this course for?

This is the first year of a two year course. This course provides the opportunity to complete counselling training. It is suitable for those wishing to pursue a professional qualification which will enable them to work in counselling agency settings. It is also for those who work in related fields and wish to engage in an indepth exploration of human development and therapeutic relating skills.

What are the entry requirements for the course?

In order to join the programme candidates will need to have achieved accreditation in both Level 2 Counselling Skills and Counselling Studies at Intermediate Level 3. You may be interviewed the first year of this two year course. You will need to show experience and significant learning points from your previous courses and be working in a relevant area (this can be as a volunteer).

How long is this course?

The next available course will commence September 2025 subject to sufficient numbers

Course Duration: 36 weeks plus 12 Saturdays

Time: One evening a week (Wednesdays) 5.30pm to 9.00pm (term time only) plus 12 Saturdays

Venue: Highlands College Campus plus various Saturday venues

What will I study on this course?

There are 7 mandatory units:

Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
Working within a counselling relationship
Working with client diversity in counselling work
Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
Working self-reflectively as a counsellor

What Qualification will I gain?

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. This course is validated by CPCAB and, in conjunction with the Intermediate level qualifications, this programme satisfies the required number of hours for individual application to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) for accreditation. On successful completion of year1, you will be able to enrol for year 2.

Will I go out on work experience?

Candidates are required to source and secure a placement area in order to complete their required 100 hours of practice and supervision. These are agreed with your course tutor prior to starting any placement hours.

How is the course assessed?

By external examination, essay, journals, role play and the supervised study of eight one-to-one sessions. It also has a placement requirement of 100 hours minimum of supervised counselling practice. Of this 100 hours at least 70 must be with adults. Support will be provided in establishing a placement but it will be the candidate’s responsibility to make formal arrangements fro placment and supervision. Students are also required to undertake 30 hours of personal therapy.

What does this course lead on to?

Potential employment as a counsellor within an agency.

How much will it cost?

Costs for Year 1 are £2687.00 ( this cost will be the same for year 2 ) –

This does not include personal therapy or supervision costs.

How can I find out more?

For further information please contact: counsellingcourses@highlands.ac.uk

Extra Info

A minimum of 80% attendance is required to claim the qualification

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Highlands Professional

ProfessionalFAQT&Cs

Highlands Professional courses offers a range of professional qualifications to enhance your career opportunities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Entry requirements differ depending on the course; you may be required to attend an interview in the first instance to assess the suitable of the qualification for your learning and requirements. Please contact the relevant department’s Course Administrator to discuss this further.

Who do I make cheques payable to?

Cheques should be made out to “Treasurer of the States”. If you are applying for more than one course, please enclose separate cheques for each. This will enable us to return fees for courses that are already full and still process other applications without delay. You may also pay by MasterCard, Visa or Maestro by filling out the required card details.

Can I pay the course fee by instalments?

In some instances an instalment plan may be possible, please discuss this with the Course Administrator.

When do courses run?

Highlands College part-time courses vary in length from evening or half-day workshops to two or three academic years. The majority of courses follow an academic timetable and may exclude half terms, bank holidays or other breaks.

What happens if the course I want is full?

Our policy is to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis on receipt of fees. However, if a course is full a person’s name can be added to a waiting list. If the list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available, another course may be set up and you will be contacted.

What if my course is relocated, rescheduled or cancelled?

We make every effort to avoid doing this, but occasionally it is necessary. This is why it is vitally important for us to have your current telephone numbers or e-mail address in order that we can contact you as speedily as possible. If you have a mobile telephone number, we may use a text message service to inform you of any changes to your course. Please note; our text message service is a non-reply service.

Why are some courses cancelled?

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing the course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum, we reluctantly cancel it. We contact the applicants and provide a full refund, or offer a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.

How will my course be assessed?

Assessment varies depending on the course; some may require formal written or practical assessment or attendance at examinations.

If I can no longer attend the class, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately we only offer a refund if your course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the Island are not considered for refunds. In some instances course fees may be able to be transferred to a module/unit within the same qualification. Fees or course places cannot be transferred to another person.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Application priority

Applications for Highlands Professional are accepted on a first come, first served basis on receipt of fees. If a student withdraws you may be offered a place, or if the waiting list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available, another course may be set up, for which you will be offered a place.

Cancellations

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing a course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum we reluctantly cancel it. Applicants are provided with a full refund or a transfer to another suitable course if one is available.

Refunds

Unfortunately we only offer a refund if a course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the island are not considered for refunds. In some instances course fees may be able to be transferred to a module/unit within the same qualification. Fees or course places cannot be transferred to another person.