Free Access to HE Counselling Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at University and Professional Development Centre, full-time during the day. You must be 19 or over to enrol. This one-year level 3 access to HE counselling qualification covers counselling theories, communication skills, personal development, and ethical practice. It also builds your academic writing and study skills for university. The course is recognised by UK universities as a route into degree-level study in counselling, psychology, and mental health.
Who this course is for
If you are passionate about supporting others, the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Counselling can help you take the first step towards a rewarding future. You will explore counselling theories, communication skills, personal development and ethical practice while building confidence in academic study. The course prepares you for progression to university and careers in counselling, psychology, mental health and related support professions.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be aged 19 or over as at 31 August to be eligible for this course, and / or a reasonable level of maturity.Applicants will be required to supply a current basic disclosure form within the first six weeks of the course and 2 references, one from an employer and one character reference should be supplied to the Course Director at the time of interview. The character reference must be someone who has known you for at least 2 years, who is a professional-qualified person (i.e. doctor
What you will learn
You'll explore core counselling theories and how they apply in practice.
You'll develop communication and active listening skills used in support roles.
You'll study personal development and self-awareness as a practitioner.
You'll examine ethical practice and professional boundaries in counselling.
You'll build academic writing and research skills for university study.
You'll gain an understanding of mental health and related support professions.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom setting, full-time during the day. Learning is through taught sessions, group discussion, and guided independent study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll also need to supply a basic disclosure form and two references within the first six weeks of the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. University and Professional Development Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to supply a current basic disclosure form within the first six weeks, plus two references: one from an employer and one character reference from a professional-qualified person who has known you for at least two years.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counsellor. Entry-level or trainee counselling roles after further study.
Mental health support worker. Supporting people in community or clinical settings.
Wellbeing advisor. Providing guidance in schools, colleges, or workplaces.
Psychological wellbeing practitioner. Typically requires a further degree-level qualification.
Support worker. Working with vulnerable adults or young people.
Volunteer counsellor. Many services accept graduates of access programmes.
What you could study next
BSc or BA in Counselling or Psychotherapy. The most direct degree route after this access to HE counselling qualification. Universities recognise the Diploma for entry.
BSc Psychology. Broadens your options into clinical, educational, and occupational psychology.
BA Social Work. An alternative degree for those drawn to statutory support roles.
Foundation Degree in Counselling. A shorter higher education route if a full degree is not your immediate goal.
