Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Oldham

CostFREE
Duration204 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Counselling Course in Oldham. Evening counselling classes run at Oldham College, part-time to fit around your existing commitments. To join this course, you'll need to have completed a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts. You'll also need a good standard of written English, as the course involves substantial coursework alongside experiential learning and self-awareness exercises. The course runs for 204 hours in total. It suits those building counselling skills for their current role and those working toward becoming a qualified professional counsellor.

Who this course is for

This qualification is designed for those seeking progression to become a qualified professional counsellor or for those who wish to acquire greater counselling skills for use as part of their job role.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this course you will need to have previously completed a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts. Prospective learners should be aware that the course requires a good standard of English skills which are to be demonstrated in substantial coursework. The course also includes experiential learning and self-awareness exercises, which will be demanding of yourself in interaction with others.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced counselling skills to use in professional and support settings.
  • You'll explore counselling theories and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll practise active listening, empathy, and person-centred communication.
  • You'll build self-awareness through experiential learning and reflective exercises.
  • You'll learn how to manage boundaries and ethical responsibilities in counselling relationships.
  • You'll develop skills to support clients through a range of personal and emotional challenges.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered in the classroom at Oldham College on an evening, part-time basis. Learning includes taught sessions, experiential exercises, and self-awareness activities carried out with other learners. Assessment is through substantial written coursework, which requires a good standard of English. You'll be expected to engage actively in group and paired exercises throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counselling: foundation role using counselling skills with clients
  • Support worker: emotional and practical support for vulnerable adults
  • Care assistant: person-centred care in residential or community settings
  • Youth support worker: guidance and support for young people
  • SEN teaching assistant: supporting pupils with additional needs in school
  • Teaching assistant: classroom support with a focus on wellbeing
  • Adult educator: facilitating learning in community or further education settings

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: the next step toward becoming a qualified professional counsellor, covering advanced theory and supervised practice.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling: for those pursuing a career as a fully qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.
  • A degree in Counselling or Psychology: for those wanting to work at a higher clinical or academic level.

Related courses at Oldham College

More courses near you