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Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Practice PTD

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Location Chesterfield College
Start date 04 Jan 2027
Type Funded
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This AIM qualification is aimed at individuals looking to achieve professional status in counselling. During this two-year, part-time course, learners will undertake a 100-hour clinical practice placement (over the two years), work within an ethical framework, and make appropriate use of counselling supervision.

Building on their Level 3 knowledge and understanding of the main approaches to counselling, learners will evaluate the underlying concepts and principles of a core approach to/model of counselling (Integrative). They will also complete three optional components selected by the centre, allowing exploration of specific areas of practice (see below).

Mondays 9:15am–4:30pm (in-person)

32 weeks x 2 years

Course Structure

Course components:

  • Counselling Practice
  • Counselling Theory: A Chosen Approach
  • Counselling: Blended Practice
  • Introduction to Counselling Clients Experiencing Trauma
  • Introduction to Counselling Clients Experiencing Addictive Behaviour
  • Introduction to Counselling Children and Young People

Entry Requirements

  • Aged 19 years or over
  • Have Level 2 literacy skills, or English GCSE or equivalent
  • Have completed a Level 3 counselling qualification that contains both an element of skills and theory. A purely online level 3 counselling qualification would not be acceptable.
  • Successful interview (including a case study discussion), completion of an application form/learner statement, and submission of a reference.

Assessment methods

  • 100 hours of supervised counselling practice (including submission of a 100-hour placement log and a supervisor’s report)
  • Reflective Practice Study
  • Reflective Journal and Tutor one to ones
  • Theory Analysis Essay and Recorded Professional Discussion
  • Recorded observations
  • Written evaluation
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Case Study Analysis

Fees and funding

Student Finance HE Loan available, course costs apply.

Progression

Completion of the L4 Diploma in Counselling Practice allows you to apply for registration with the BACP and begin counselling practice either within an organisation or through your own private practice.

The skills and knowledge learned on the course are also appropriate for those working or seek to work in the following roles/sectors: Nurse, Teacher, Social Worker, Voluntary sector, Public Services, Police, Armed Forces.

Progression options, following the L4 Diploma, to further develop skills/knowledge and allow Counsellors to be more competitive in the job market, including being eligible for more advanced roles, such as managerial positions, include: AIM L5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and AIM L6 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Informed by Research)

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