Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

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Course Type:

Part Time

Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements are considered individually, but you should have:
• GCSE/Level 2 English
• Good IT skills
• Ideally Level 2 Maths and an ICT qualification, or be ready to study them alongside the Diploma
If you already have a degree:
• Check MA entry requirements and provide evidence
• Some universities require specific GCSE/Level 2 qualifications
• Confirm requirements with your chosen universities before starting the Level 3 Diploma

Start date:

Multiple dates

Course Overview

This Diploma aims to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work and the approaches that underpin the use of these skills. This qualification does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor.

Learners on this course come with three different main aims.
• To progress onto a first degree or other higher education course within the field (i.e. you want a career in counselling and need a degree)
• To prepare for a post graduate qualification within the field (ie. you already have a (unrelated) degree but want to progress onto a MA in the field)
• To increase skills and knowledge that will enhance your current role (i.e. professional development) and/or increase job opportunities.

If you’re aged 19-23, or if you already have a level 3 qualification and are unemployed, or on low income, you could access a level 3 qualification for free. This is part of the support available from the government to help you gain the skills you need to get the job you want – whatever your stage of life.

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels.

The qualifications could help you:

Gain skills that employers value
Improve your job prospects
Earn a higher wage

If you’re eligible, you will not have to pay for your level 3 qualification. The government will pay the course fees. For more information, and to check the full eligibility criteria see the Lifetime Skills Guarantee

What will I learn?

This qualification will build on the knowledge and skills acquired on the level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. Rather than describing, you will now start to evaluate some of the major debates within counselling. Learners will gain an understanding of a wider range of counselling skills and have the opportunity to examine some of the various schools of thought and theoretical models associated with them.
Personal development and practicing skills are a central aspect of the course and therefore you are required to keep an enhanced learning log.

How is the course delivered?

Throughout the course you will take part in a range of activities, for example, presentations, group work, research, independent learning, triads etc. You will be taught by experienced tutors, who will model their counselling skills and show you practical examples. You will use your learning log to reflect on your learning journey. This includes tasks you conduct outside of the classroom.

How will my learning be assessed?

You will have frequent assignment submissions and receive written feedback from your tutor. In addition, your tutor will give you verbal feedback on practical skills and have 1:1 tutorials about your progress and discussions on progression. You are asked to keep a record of all feedback and discussions and reflect on this in one of the assignments. Your coursework includes a variety of assessments including: learning-log, portfolio, presentation, seminar, essays, triad notes and reflections and a reflective essay. It is important to note that his qualification does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor. However, this qualification might help you to enhance your career prospects. The level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills is recognised by various HE providers as an entry criteria for a degree or other higher education qualifications. Please note, some universities require specific GCSE/Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications and grades. It is a good idea to check with your chosen universities before beginning this course. This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.

Additional Information

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Potential Careers

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to level 4 counselling qualifications. Those who already have a degree but desire to study for an MA in the field are urged to contact universities to ensure this is the right qualification that meets entry criteria.

East Lancashire UC, part of the East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) just like Lancashire Adult Learning, offers the FdA in Counselling Studies and BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies. After successfully completing the FdA, you have the opportunity to top-up to a full BA (hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy. Both qualifications are validated by Liverpool John Moores University. Other opportunities within ELLG that might be of interest are: BA (Hons) Health and Applied Social Studies, FdA Mental Health Work, FdA Alcohol and Substance Misuse Work, FdA Criminology and Criminal Justice, FdA Teaching & Learning Support and CertHE and FdA Working with Children Young People and Families.

Course Facilities

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Forthcoming Start Dates

Starting 28th Sep 2026, On Monday,9:30am - 4pm, at Accrington & Rossendale College Apply Now
Starting 17th Sep 2026, On Thursday,6pm - 9pm, at Accrington & Rossendale College Apply Now