What opportunities will this course give me?

This is a suitable entry qualification for the Eastleigh College Diploma in Counselling (Dip HE), which is 2 years in length and in turn can lead to the third year Top up Degree BA (Hons) Counselling.

Successful completion of this course could open doors to voluntary work, support an application for a Diploma in Higher Education in Counselling, or improve skills in the work place.

NB This level of qualification is not intended to train counsellors and you will not be qualified to practice as a counsellor on completion of this qualification. To become a qualified counsellor a learner will need to apply for further training.

What will I be learning?

This course is studied over a period of one year and will enable you to improve communication skills and use of interpersonal skills. Learners will be given opportunities to develop a range of counselling skills as well as skills in self-awareness and self-assessment. You will gain an ABC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.

This Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) course has been collaboratively developed with awarding organisation partners and has 125 guided learning hours with 18 credits.

The main theoretical approaches to counselling will be explored with the principal model being Person Centred Therapy. Egan's three stage model of helping will be introduced to provide a structured approach to learning to help and to actively enhance both the Person Centred teaching on the course and the concept of an Integrative Model.

The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills qualification aims to:

• Develop a skill base of interpersonal and counselling skills

• Introduce learners to experiential learning processes with a high element of personal development work, including further self-confidence and self-esteem building

• Underpin counselling skills with an understanding of key elements of the main theoretical approaches to counselling

• Increase the self-awareness of the individual and their awareness of the impact that they have on others

• Develop an understanding of what counselling training entails and assist learners to make a more informed choice as to whether or not they are suited to undertake vocational counselling training as opposed to other types of training

• Prepare learners to progress onto appropriate qualifications


You will be expected to monitor and record your own learning and practice, develop criteria for self-assessment, and show evidence of applying your knowledge and skills. Satisfactory completion of this course will be rewarded with a nationally recognised qualification. The amount of study/practise between sessions depends on each learner but as a guide this will be a minimum of 4 hours a week.

All work is internally assessed with internal and external (ABC Awards) moderation.
Assessment is continuous and includes tutor, peer and self-assessment.

NB As this course is due to be reviewed by ABC, we reserve the right to make changes in accordance with qualification guidelines in order to provide the most up to date learning experience and qualification award.

Why is this course for me?

The course philosophy is based on helping each learner to build on their existing knowledge and a key part of this is recognising and valuing difference and diversity within the learner and teaching body.

The aim is to build a learning environment where learners are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning within a climate that is both supportive and challenging. Self-assessment and collaborative working are key features of this. This will include input from tutors and peers, group discussions, practise sessions in small groups, videos, tutorials and includes four units: -


UNITS
Understanding the context for the use of counselling skills
(T/601/7567)3325
Understanding counselling theory
(R/601/7575)3430
Using counselling skills
(K/601/7579)3760
Personal development for users of counselling skills
(K/601/7582)3430

This is a portfolio-based course and learners will be expected to submit evidence of learning for each of the units. In addition you will be expected to keep a personal learning journal throughout the course. Full attendance is expected and 80% is the minimum to receive the award.

There is a requirement to attend workshops on four Saturdays.

What do I need to sign up?

A pre-entry requirement for ALL starters to this counselling courses at Eastleigh College is the completion of an initial and diagnostic assessment in English and a 'Introduction to Counselling' (either an 'Introduction to Counselling' or Level 2 counselling is required).

Is there anything else I need to know?

This course is open to you if you are over 20 and have already attended an Introductory Counselling Course (or similar) for a minimum of twelve hours. Applicants who are younger than 20 years old will need to include in their application process their life experience and how this has contributed to their personal development and life experience.

The ABC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills is designed for learners who:

• wish to acquire counselling skills for use in other work and who do not intend to become a professional counsellor, e.g. nurses, social workers and teachers. The course provides a valuable introduction to communication skills that are transferable into a range of career and educational opportunities.

• wish to progress into training to become a qualified professional counsellor

There are no other specific admission requirements other than an ability to demonstrate personal qualities indicating genuineness, respect and understanding towards others, a willingness to change and develop and to participate actively in learning. Prospective learners should be aware that the course involves experiential learning and self-awareness exercises, which will be demanding of the self in interaction with others.

Please note that because of the nature of this course it is recommended that relatives/friends do not attend the same class, also if you have recently experienced bereavement or personal trauma it might be advisable to delay joining the course until the following year.

Note book and pen.

PROGRESSION
On completion of your Level 3 Counselling course, you may consider progression towards the DipHE and degree courses in counselling. These can offer an insight into several pathways, including Gestalt, Humanistic and CBT. In order to apply for these courses with the University of Portsmouth, but delivered at Eastleigh College, you will be asked to produce your Maths and English exam certificates ( English C/4) Maths (D/3) or equivalents, so now is a good time to start looking for these or contacting the original awarding body. This can help to avoid delays during the application process

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

CNCLR3

Need some further advice?

If you require further advice and guidance about any course costs and/or the funding options available to you, the College has a dedicated Information, Advice and Guidance team who can be contacted on telephone 023 8091 1299.