Access to HE Counselling Course in Kensington and Chelsea

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCN London Region

About this course

Access to HE Diploma (Counselling) in Kensington and Chelsea. Classes run at Morley College London North Kensington Campus, part-time during the day. Fees may apply depending on your circumstances, so check the college website for funding options.

This Level 3 access to HE counselling course is designed for adults aged 19 or over who want to progress to university. You must have GCSE English at grades A to C (or a Level 2 equivalent). GCSE Maths at the same level is desirable. Over 35 weeks, you'll study counselling theory, psychology, and the skills universities expect at degree level.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Counselling.

Who this course is for

The Access to HE Diploma in Counselling is intended for students who wish to study for a Psychology and/or Counselling degree at University. Our Diploma courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications that enable successful students to progress onto degree level study at University. The Psychology and Counselling Diploma programme is the most suitable route for you if you are looking to go on to study a degree in subjects such as: Psychology, Psychology with Counselling, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Education with Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Psychology with Professional Development or other similar subjects. This pathway will enable you to gain a solid introduction especially in the field of counselling, study key counselling methods such as CBT and Transactional Analysis and also develop the skills you will need to become a successful counsellor. Achievement on your course will be measured by completion of assignments / portfolio submissions which will be reviewed throughout the course with regular individual tutorials with your tutor to discuss your personal goals and coursework submission to achieve high grades. You will be given help and guidance with the university application process.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over. You should have GCSE English Grades A-C / 4-9 or Level 2 equivalent, and GCSE Maths Grades A-C / 4-9 or Level 2 equivalent is desirable. You will need these two qualifications in addition to the Access to HE Diploma to progress to most university undergraduate programmes.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore core counselling theories and approaches.
  • You'll develop an understanding of human psychology and behaviour.
  • You'll study how counselling is applied in real professional contexts.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for degree-level study.
  • You'll examine ethical frameworks used in counselling practice.
  • You'll develop critical thinking skills across psychology and counselling topics.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at the North Kensington Campus. Teaching combines tutor-led sessions with group discussion and independent study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of work across the 35 weeks that demonstrates your knowledge and readiness for university.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Morley College London North Kensington Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor, supports clients through emotional and mental health challenges.
  • Mental health support worker, assists people in community or clinical settings.
  • Youth worker, works with young people facing personal difficulties.
  • Welfare adviser, helps individuals access support services.
  • Support worker, provides care and guidance in social care settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc Psychology, a degree that builds directly on the counselling and psychology content in this Diploma.
  • BSc Counselling, a specialist degree for those focused on therapeutic practice.
  • BA Psychology with Counselling, a combined route offered at many UK universities.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Skills, a shorter professional qualification for those not yet ready for a full degree.