Diploma in Counselling – Level 3

Level: 3 | Duration: 1 Year | Start Date: 17/09/25
Details: Wednesday, 9.30am – 12.30pm or 6pm – 9pm 

If you are someone who is empathetic and finds joy in assisting others through their challenges, a career in counselling could be a perfect fit for you.

What is this course about?
This qualification is ideal if you are seeking to enhance your functional role through the use of counselling skills. You will gain an understanding of a range of counselling skills and have the opportunity to examine some of the various schools of thought and theoretical models associated with them.

What will I learn on this course?

This course includes:

• Using counselling skills
• Establishing and concluding a relationship using counselling skills
• Counselling theories including the integrative approach
• Working ethically with counselling skills
• Diversity and power within counselling
• Personal development
• Practical Skills

Why choose Riverside College for this course?

• Highly qualified and experience teaching team with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Transferable skills which can be used in a variety of contexts, including current job roles or future career aspirations
• Integrative counselling courses for adults and children
• Inclusive support available for all learners
• Can contribute to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements
• High satisfaction rates from students 

What will this course lead on to?
On successful completion of this level 3 Diploma in Counselling you may be eligible for progression on to the Foundation Degree in Counselling or Counselling for Young People.

How will I be assessed?
You are required to create a portfolio of evidence that shows that you’ve met the standards associated with each unit.

What are the Entry Requirements?

Level 2 qualification in Counselling plus GCSE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills English qualification or alternately you can sit the college’s English assessment and achieve a minimum of a Level 2.

If you wish to progress to the Foundation Degree after this course, you will need a GSCE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English. If you do not have the required English qualification already, we recommend that you study for it alongside the Level 3 Diploma.

Are there any costs associated with this course?
Course fee: £995 (TBC)

Many of our courses can be studied for free, even if you are employed or self-employed, depending on your individual circumstances and the course you have chosen to study. Click here for more information.

If you aged 19 or over, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan. These loans will cover the full course fee for the duration of your course.

Click here for more information about the Advanced Learner Loan 

You may wish to purchase the recommended textbook(s) for this course; these will be listed in the course handbook.

Excellent internal progression opportunities to become a qualified counsellor in either adults or children’s counselling