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Level 3 Counselling Course in Oxford

CostContact the provider
Duration18 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start26 Feb 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

Contact Activate Learning for more info about costs.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Level 3 Counselling Course in Oxford. Classes run at Oxford City Centre College, part-time during the day over 18 weeks.

The course may be free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over and don't already hold a full Level 3 qualification, fees may be covered by the government. An Advanced Learner Loan is also available.

You'll study a range of counselling theories and how to apply them. Units cover mental health, ethics, and professional practice in counselling. You'll need a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, or a recognised equivalent with at least 75 guided learning hours, to join. You'll finish with an NCFE Diploma in Counselling Skills.

Who this course is for

Are you ready to take the next step towards a rewarding career in counselling? This Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, awarded by NCFE, builds on your Level 2 Counselling Skills and helps you develop the confidence, knowledge, and professional insight needed to follow a career in counselling. You'll explore a range of counselling theories and approaches, learn how to apply them to real client issues, and deepen your understanding of mental health, ethics, and professional practice. Through practical and reflective learning, you'll strengthen your ability to support others and prepare for employment or further training as a professional counsellor within an agency or community setting. This qualification is eligible in England for Advanced Learner Loans (19+), making it an accessible next step for those passionate about helping others and advancing their counselling journey. This is a progression course with limited spaces. To enrol, you must: hold a relevant Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification (for example, an NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent)

Entry requirements

You will need a level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or a recognised face-to-face equivalent qualification of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours. Following application to the course candidates will be contacted by a member of the counselling team to ensure that those joining can meet the academic and emotional demands of the course.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore key counselling theories and therapeutic approaches.
  • You'll learn how to apply counselling models to real client situations.
  • You'll develop your understanding of mental health and its impact on clients.
  • You'll study ethics and professional boundaries in counselling practice.
  • You'll build awareness of your own values and how they affect your work with clients.
  • You'll practise reflective skills to support your professional development.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Oxford City Centre College. Teaching combines theory with discussion and reflective practice. Assessment includes written assignments and reflective accounts. Before you start, a member of the counselling team will contact you to discuss whether the course is the right fit academically and personally.

What you will need to bring

Oxford City Centre College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counselling support worker, assists qualified counsellors in a service setting.
  • Mental health support worker, provides emotional support in community or residential settings.
  • Wellbeing adviser, supports clients in workplace or educational wellbeing roles.
  • Volunteer counsellor, practises counselling skills in a supervised voluntary setting while building hours toward professional registration.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, the next step toward professional practice as a counsellor and typically required for accreditation with a professional body such as BACP.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling, for those aiming at more advanced therapeutic practice after completing Level 4 study.
  • A degree in Counselling or Psychology (Level 6), for those wanting a route into clinical or research roles in mental health.
Apply on oxford.activatelearning.ac.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

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