Counselling Course in Bristol. Classes run at Ashley Down Centre, full-time over two years. A part-time route over three years is also available. The course is designed to take you to a level where you can practise as a counsellor in a range of settings. You'll be expected to join BACP in Year 1 as part of your professional development. Entry typically requires a Level 3 qualification and a minimum Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, along with a satisfactory DBS check.
Who this course is for
If you want to gain a professional qualification which enables you to practice as a counsellor in a number of settings or you would like to enhance your current employment role with qualified counsellor status then this is the course for you. We expect students to join BACP in Year 1 as part of a commitment to professional development. This is a 2 year full time course with a3 year part-time option.Please note the course feesprinted below areper academic yearonly.
Entry requirements
Students usually need some of the following:----140 UCAS points--Access to Higher Education Diploma--Satisfactory DBS disclosure required--Overseas students must have IELTS 6.0 or equivalent--A Level 3 or eqivalent qualification--A minimum of Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills----You would normally have:----Eligible to become a student member of BACP--5 GCSEs A*-C or equivalent including Maths and English--
What you will learn
You'll develop the core counselling skills used in professional practice.
You'll study theoretical approaches to counselling and how to apply them.
You'll learn how to work ethically and within professional boundaries.
You'll build your understanding of client assessment and contracting.
You'll explore your own personal development as a reflective practitioner.
You'll gain experience of supervised counselling practice.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Ashley Down Centre, combining taught input with skills practice and group work. The course includes supervised placement hours as part of your training. Assessment is likely to include written assignments, reflective journals, and observation of your counselling practice. You'll also engage in personal development work throughout the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ashley Down Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counsellor. Work with clients in private practice or agency settings.
School counsellor. Support young people's emotional wellbeing in education.
Bereavement counsellor. Help people cope with loss and grief.
Addiction counsellor. Support clients managing substance dependency.
Employee assistance counsellor. Provide workplace mental health support.
Voluntary sector counsellor. Work with charities and community organisations.
What you could study next
BACP accreditation. Once you have the required practice hours, you can apply for individual accreditation as a counsellor.
Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Counselling or Psychotherapy. Deepens your theoretical knowledge and may open routes into more specialist practice.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training. Adds a specific therapeutic approach to your existing counselling qualification.
