Free Level 3 Counselling Course Online – Learning Curve

CostFREE
Duration15 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Counselling Course. Study online at your own pace over 15 weeks. No previous qualifications are needed to start. The course covers counselling approaches, ethical practice, diversity, and personal development. You'll explore how to apply counselling skills in a range of roles, from support work to education. This free counselling course for adults is designed to fit around your existing commitments. It does not award accredited counsellor status, but it builds a strong foundation for further study or for using counselling skills in your current role.

Who this course is for

1.83 million referrals were made for counselling through the NHS in 2023-24. People may find counselling helpful at different points in their lives, including for their mental health, experiencing bereavement or loss, processing significant life events, or overcoming trauma. The course is designed to support learners that are using counselling skills as part of their job role in a wide range of sector areas, or can be used as a foundation if you are looking to progress towards accredited counsellor status with one of the counselling professional accrediting bodies.

Please note this course does not provide accredited counsellor status, this is an introductory course and further study would be required if you are looking to progress towards accredited counsellor status.

Entry requirements

There are no previous qualifications required to complete this qualification. This is an entry level qualification aimed to build your skills and knowledge.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical counselling skills and learn how to apply them in real conversations.
  • You'll explore key theoretical approaches used in counselling practice.
  • You'll learn how to work ethically within a counselling framework.
  • You'll study how diversity affects counselling relationships and communication.
  • You'll build self-awareness through personal development and self-reflection activities.
  • You'll understand how to manage interactions and give and receive feedback effectively.

How you will learn

You'll study through an online learning platform, working through written assessments with support from a subject specialist tutor. The course is designed to be flexible, so you can work through the material at times that suit you. There are five units covering counselling skills, theory, ethics, diversity, and personal development. Assessment is based on the work you complete through the platform.

What you will need to bring

To enrol, you'll need your National Insurance number, a form of identification, employment documents, and details of your previous qualifications. Learning Curve will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Support worker. Use counselling skills to support people's wellbeing day to day.
  • Care assistant. Help individuals manage emotional and practical challenges.
  • Youth support worker. Work with young people facing difficulties at school or at home.
  • Teaching assistant or SEN teaching assistant. Support pupils with additional emotional or learning needs.
  • Adult educator. Teach or mentor adults in community or further education settings.
  • Mental health support roles. Entry-level positions in NHS or charity settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The next step if you want to work toward accredited counsellor status with a professional body such as BACP.
  • Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications in Health and Social Care. Broadens your options in care and support roles.
  • A degree in Counselling, Psychology, or Social Work. For those aiming at fully qualified practitioner status.

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