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Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Durham

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Durham. Classes run at New College Durham, part-time during the day. This free counselling course for adults is aimed at people aged 19 or over, though learners aged 16 to 18 years old may also be eligible. The course runs over one year. You'll develop counselling skills that can support your work across a wide range of roles, from support work and care to education and youth work. It also lays the groundwork if you want to progress toward qualified counsellor status through a body such as the BACP.

Who this course is for

Course may be subject to change.

This course is aimed for people aged 19 years or over.

This Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills course is designed for you if you are interested in using counselling skills as part of your functional role in a wide range of sector areas, or if you are looking to progress towards qualified counsellor status with one of the counselling professional bodies such as the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

This course does not qualify you to practice as a Counsellor.

Entry requirements

Please refer to College website.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the core theories and models used in counselling practice.
  • You'll develop active listening and communication skills used in helping relationships.
  • You'll learn how to apply counselling skills within your professional role.
  • You'll study ethical frameworks and professional boundaries in counselling contexts.
  • You'll examine how personal values and self-awareness affect your practice.
  • You'll understand how to support people through difficult emotions and experiences.

How you will learn

Classes are classroom based and run part-time during the day at New College Durham. You'll learn through tutor-led sessions, group discussion, and reflective practice. Assessment is through written assignments and skills observations. You'll build a portfolio of evidence over the year to demonstrate your development as a practitioner.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. New College Durham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Support worker. Use counselling skills to support vulnerable adults or young people.
  • Care assistant. Apply listening and communication skills in care settings.
  • Youth support worker. Help young people navigate personal and social challenges.
  • Teaching assistant or SEN teaching assistant. Support pupils with emotional and behavioural needs.
  • Adult educator. Facilitate learning for adults in community or college settings.
  • Counselling volunteer or trainee. Work toward a supervised counselling role.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. The next step if you want to work toward qualified counsellor status recognised by the BACP or BACP-accredited training routes.
  • Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications in Health and Social Care. Useful if you want to move into care management or social care roles.
  • A degree in Counselling, Psychology, or Social Work. Opens routes to fully qualified and registered practice.
Apply on newcollegedurham.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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