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Level 3 Counselling Course in Derby

Cost£811.00
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCPCAB awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Applied Counselling Studies Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, part-time during the day. This applied counselling studies course is designed for people who already hold a recognised counselling skills qualification and want to take their training further. Over 34 weeks, you'll study counselling theory, ethics, mental health, and how counselling skills apply across health and care settings. The course prepares you for work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting. You must be 19 or over and have completed prior counselling skills training of at least 75 guided learning hours.

Who this course is for

This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills and want to:take the next step in training to become a counsellorlearn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental healthunderstand the use of counselling skills in allied professionsbe prepared for work as a professional counsellor in an agency settingThis qualification leads to employment and increases employability opportunities across a range of health, care and allied sectors, such as for those whose role is to support others in sectors including health and social care, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles. It provides additional skills for those already in employment and is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement towards practitioner-level qualifications.

Entry requirements

You must be over 19 and have undertaken counselling skills training, such as our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent units/qualifications of at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.You must also:have emotional stabilityhave an ability to form a counselling relationshiphave awareness of difference and diversitybe able to cope with the course contentbe able to identify reasons for training beyond just personal developmentbe motivated towards developing as a counselling practitionerpr

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your understanding of counselling theory and how to apply it in practice.
  • You'll explore ethics and professional standards in counselling.
  • You'll study mental health and its relevance to counselling work.
  • You'll learn how counselling skills are used in allied health and care professions.
  • You'll prepare for working as a counsellor in an agency or professional setting.
  • You'll reflect on your own development as a counselling practitioner.
  • You'll build awareness of difference, diversity, and their role in the counselling relationship.

How you will learn

You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Derby College throughout the 34-week course. Learning is delivered through taught sessions, group work, and reflective practice. Assessment methods for this qualification include written assignments, reflective journals, and evidence of practical counselling skills. Derby College will confirm the full assessment schedule before you start.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor (agency or voluntary setting): work with clients under supervision
  • Support worker: use counselling skills in health or social care
  • Mental health support worker: assist people experiencing mental health difficulties
  • Bereavement support worker: provide emotional support to those who have lost someone
  • Substance misuse worker: support people in recovery programmes
  • Family support worker: help families through difficult periods
  • Wellbeing advisor: provide guidance in community or workplace settings

What you could study next

A Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is the next step if you want to practise as a qualified counsellor. Many practitioners also pursue a degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy. Membership of a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) typically requires a diploma-level qualification alongside supervised practice hours.

Apply on derby-college.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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