Free Level 3 Counselling Course. Study online, joining live sessions via virtual classroom. You study at your own pace across 35 weeks, with no entry requirements to get started. You'll have an initial assessment to make sure the Level 3 Counselling Qualification is the right fit for you. The course covers active listening, reflective practice, and communication techniques, giving you a solid grounding in counselling skills. Sessions run Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 12:30pm, with one-to-one support available throughout.
Who this course is for
If you feel drawn to supporting people through life’s challenges, this course gives you a strong foundation in counselling skills. You’ll learn active listening, reflective practice, communication techniques and how to create safe, supportive spaces for others. It’s ideal for those exploring careers in Mental Health, wellbeing or therapeutic work. Progression includes higher-Level counselling qualifications or roles in support services.
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
What you will learn
You'll develop active listening skills to support people through difficult conversations.
You'll practise reflective techniques to understand your own responses and those of others.
You'll learn communication methods used in counselling and support settings.
You'll explore how to create safe, supportive spaces for the people you work with.
You'll study ethical frameworks and boundaries relevant to counselling practice.
You'll complete assignments using case studies, research, and report writing.
You'll build knowledge of mental health and wellbeing to support people in a range of contexts.
How you will learn
The course is delivered online through a virtual classroom using Microsoft Teams. You attend live sessions Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 12:30pm. Learning methods include videos, independent research, group work, case studies, question and answer activities, report writing, PowerPoint presentations, creating leaflets, and witness statements. Your tutor gives feedback on every assignment. Daily group workshops are available for extra support. One-to-one support is also available as needed.
What you will need to bring
You will need a laptop or PC and a reliable internet connection to take part in live sessions and complete your coursework.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker. Use counselling skills to support adults in community or residential settings.
Care assistant. Apply listening and communication skills in health and social care roles.
Youth support worker. Help young people navigate personal and social challenges.
Teaching assistant or SEN teaching assistant. Support pupils' emotional and social wellbeing in school.
Mental health support worker. Work alongside clinical teams in mental health services.
Adult educator. Use your skills to facilitate learning in community education settings.
What you could study next
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The next step if you want to practise as a counsellor. Most professional bodies require training at Level 4 and above.
Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid. Complements your counselling knowledge with practical mental health first aid skills.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Broadens your options across the health and social care sector.
