Course Overview
This qualification is designed for learners interested in using counselling skills as part of their functional role in a wide range of sector areas.
*This qualification does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor.
This qualification aims to provide learners with more indepth knowledge of the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work, and the approaches that underpin the use of these skills.
The objectives of the qualification are to help learners to:
- Develop counselling skills
- Understand the different approaches involved in the use of counselling skills
- Appreciate the importance of self-development
- Units of study/what is involved
- This course consists of 5 units:
Unit 1: Developing counselling skills The learning outcomes from this unit are that you will:
- Understand how to establish a relationship using counselling skills
- Be able to establish a relationship using counselling skills
- Understand how to develop a relationship using counselling skills
- Be able to develop a relationship using counselling skills
- Understand how to conclude an interaction using counselling skills
- Be able to conclude an interaction using counselling skills
- Understand development of own counselling skills
Unit 2: Theoretical approaches in the use of counselling skills The learning outcomes from this unit are that you will:
- Understand core concepts of the main theoretical approaches to counselling
- Understand what is meant by the integrative model
- Understand the importance of counselling theory
- Be able to apply core theories in the use of counselling skills
- Be able to self-reflect using theoretical approaches
Unit 3: Working ethically with counselling skills The learning outcomes from this unit are that you will:
- Understand what is meant by an ethical framework
- Know how an ethical framework relates to the use of counselling skills
- Understand the importance of the setting in which counselling skills are used
- Understand the concepts of ethical referral
Unit 4: Counselling skills and diversity The learning outcomes from this unit are that you will:
- Understand the meaning of discrimination
- Understand issues of diversity
- Understand power issues within the counselling process
Unit 5: Counselling skills and personal development The learning outcomes from this unit are that you will:
- Know own development needs
- Understand process of personal development
- Understand group dynamics
- Understand impact of personal development on others
- Be able to plan self-development
Assessment Methods
All learning materials and assessments are online via a learning platform.You will need access to the internet, and access to a computer, laptop or tablet. Assessments are due at the end of each unit. Your tutor will assess your work and build up your portfolio of evidence of learning. A certificate will be awarded on satisfactory submission of evidence of learning for the units studied.
Progression Options
After successfully completing this course, you will have worthwhile and sought-after skills and knowledge that mean many different career paths are open to you, however it does not give learners a licence to practice and you be unable to become a counsellor without practical training. This qualification does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor. Your new skills will complement your work in many other fields. These include: Teaching in schools or nurseries Care work (eg. Healthcare Support Service Worker or Clinical Healthcare Support Worker) Social work Working with children Humanitarian work Complementary therapy Nursing Police Prison service Human Resources in businesses Team Leader or Manager in an organisation Any role where you regularly communicate with other people
Entry Requirements
For Eligibility criteria and Entry requirements for our Distance Learning courses please click here.
- We recommend that you have some knowledge or experience in counselling, for example, successfully completing the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills course or equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.