BTEC HND Counselling and Applied Psychology in Blackpool. Classes run at Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus, full-time during the day. This level 5 BTEC HND counselling and applied psychology course takes two years to complete. It combines practical elements with theoretical concepts across counselling and applied psychology. You must have a Level 3 qualification in a related subject, such as counselling skills, psychology, or mental health, and a counselling placement of four to six hours per week must be in place before you start. You'll also need two references and a recent DBS check.
Who this course is for
The B&FC HND Counselling and Applied Psychology provide exciting opportunities for you to study to enable you to progress to or within a role in counselling and applied psychology. This programme provides you with a platform to begin or enhance your career and incorporate both practical elements and theoretical concepts that are highly desirable in a range of roles in the sector but also gives you a strong range of transferable skills, relevant to many employment opportunities. You will benefit from the expertise of the curriculum team who have excellent experience in these sectors and are also actively involved in developing the workforce of the future. Class sizes are normally small and again this is very beneficial, affording the opportunity for a tailored personal learning situation and plenty of help and support. This programme is designed to develop you as a professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The structure of the programme includes core units which underpin your professional development. Specialist units also allow you to explore theoretical concepts and develop practical skills related to the pluralistic (integrative) counselling and applied psychology. The HND is delivered over one day and one evening a week. Monday 9am - 6pm and Thursday 6pm - 9pm.
Entry requirements
To study the HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology you must have completed a level 3 qualification in a related subject such as a Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Counselling Skills, or other related level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects such as psychology and mental health. You must have a counselling placement for 4-6 hours per week in place before commencement of the programme. You will be required to provide the details for 2 references and also a recent DBS check.
What you will learn
You'll develop theoretical knowledge of counselling approaches and applied psychology concepts.
You'll apply counselling skills in a real placement setting alongside your studies.
You'll explore psychological frameworks relevant to mental health and wellbeing.
You'll build an understanding of ethical practice in counselling contexts.
You'll develop skills in reflective practice and professional self-awareness.
You'll study research methods relevant to counselling and psychology.
You'll strengthen transferable skills applicable across a broad range of roles in health and social care.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the University Centre Campus, covering both theory and practical application. Assessment is through assignments, case studies, and reflective work. Your counselling placement runs alongside the programme, giving you hands-on experience that directly supports your academic work. Assessment methods are set by Pearson Edexcel as part of the BTEC Higher National Diploma framework.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You must have a counselling placement of four to six hours per week arranged before the course begins, along with two references and a recent DBS check.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counsellor: work with individuals in therapeutic settings
Mental health support worker: assist people managing mental health conditions
Psychological wellbeing practitioner: support clients through structured low-intensity interventions
Student counsellor: provide counselling support in educational settings
Community support worker: help people access mental health and social services
Welfare adviser: support individuals through personal and emotional difficulties
What you could study next
Level 6 Bachelor's degree in Counselling or Psychology: the BTEC HND level 5 counselling and applied psychology qualification is widely accepted for entry onto the third year of a related honours degree, allowing you to top up to a full degree.
Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Counselling or Psychotherapy: for those who complete a degree and want to qualify as an accredited counsellor or psychotherapist.
BACP accreditation route: after building sufficient supervised practice hours, you can work toward professional accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
