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Level 3 Counselling Course Online – Activate Learning at City of Oxford College

Cost£2,225.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start25 Jan 2027
Study modePart-time
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Counselling Course. Study online, part-time, at your own pace over one year.

You'll need a Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification to enrol. The course is self-directed, with assessor support available throughout. You'll study counselling theory, ethical practice, and how to apply counselling skills in a range of settings. The course includes 10 hours of live online observations, recorded to evidence your competency. Fees may apply, though adults who do not already hold a full Level 3 qualification may have fees covered by the government.

You'll finish with an NCFE Diploma in Counselling Skills.

Who this course is for

This course is designed to support learners who are using counselling skills as part of their functional role in a wide range of sector areas. Applicants must provide evidence of completing the Level 2 course at enrolment. You will be required to remotely participate in 10 hours of live observations during the course that will be recorded to evidence to the awarding body competency of the core skills. This is a fully online, self-directed, independent study course with assessor support and guidance. Students must have use of a laptop to complete this course and must be aged 19+ at the beginning of the academic year (31 August).

Entry requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of completing the Counselling Skills Level 2 at enrolment. You must have English at either GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. Applicants will need to have a successful assessment and be able to provide their Level 2 certificate. If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core counselling skills used in professional and support settings.
  • You'll study key counselling theories and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll learn how to work ethically and maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • You'll practise active listening, empathy, and reflective techniques.
  • You'll understand how to support clients through a structured counselling process.
  • You'll demonstrate competency through observed practice sessions.

How you will learn

The course is fully online and self-directed. You study independently, with assessor support and guidance available. You'll take part in 10 hours of live remote observations, which are recorded to evidence your counselling skills to the awarding body. Assessment is competency-based, drawing on your observed practice and written work completed throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a device with internet access to study and take part in live online sessions. You must provide your Level 2 Counselling Skills certificate at enrolment. You'll also need evidence of English at GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2, or equivalent. Activate Learning at City of Oxford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counselling support worker, uses counselling skills within a wider care or support role.
  • Mental health support worker, assists clients in community or residential settings.
  • Youth worker, applies counselling skills when working with young people.
  • Employee assistance adviser, provides workplace wellbeing and listening support.
  • Volunteer counsellor, works in a charity or community setting with further supervised practice.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Counselling, the next step toward practising as a qualified counsellor, usually requires further supervised client hours alongside study.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy, a higher-level route for those aiming toward professional registration with BACP or a similar body.
  • Degree in Counselling or Psychology (Level 6), for those seeking a deeper academic grounding or a route into clinical work.
Apply on adult.activatelearning.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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