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Level 3 Counselling Course in Paignton

Cost£2,345.00
Duration7 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start21 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Counselling Course in Paignton. Classes run at South West Energy Centre, part-time during the day, over 7 months. You'll explore core counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and communication strategies, developing practical counselling skills for use in professional and personal settings. To join, you'll need English at Level 2 and either a Level 2 counselling qualification or experience in a helping role. This level 3 counselling qualification builds a solid grounding in the approaches and reflective practice that support roles in care, education, and support work.

Who this course is for

If you're passionate about helping others and want to develop deeper listening, communication, and reflection skills, the Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills at South Devon College is a valuable next step. This course gives you a solid grounding in the theories, approaches, and practical use of counselling skills in both personal and professional settings. You will explore a wide range of counselling concepts, including core theoretical models, ethical frameworks, and communication strategies. This course is ideal whether you're looking to enhance your skills in a current role, explore counselling as a potential career, or study out of personal interest. While this qualification won’t qualify you to practise as a counsellor, it forms an essential foundation to progress to a Level 4 Diploma or higher qualification, which can lead to professional practice. You’ll develop your confidence and understanding through guided learning, discussions, and practical activities. The course encourages you to reflect on your own development while learning how counselling skills are used to support others in a meaningful, ethical, and inclusive way. To enrol, you must be aged 16 or over. Funding may be available for those aged 19+, depending on your personal circumstances and residency status. Upon successful completion, you’ll have the option to progress to higher-level study, including approved Foundation Degrees in counselling-related subjects at University Centre South Devon, part of South Devon College.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have achieved English at Level 2, You will be required to have achieved Level 2 in a Counselling qualification and/or have experience of working effectively in a helping role

What you will learn

  • You'll study core theoretical models used in counselling practice.
  • You'll develop active listening and communication skills.
  • You'll explore ethical frameworks and how to apply them in helping relationships.
  • You'll practise reflection skills to evaluate your own responses and development.
  • You'll examine how counselling skills apply in professional settings such as care, education, and support work.
  • You'll build an understanding of boundaries and professional responsibility in helping roles.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions with a mix of taught input, group discussion, and skills practice. Assessment is through written assignments and reflective work that draws on your practical experience. You'll keep a reflective journal or portfolio to document your development throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South West Energy Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counselling support worker: use counselling skills in community or charity settings.
  • Care assistant: support adults or older people with emotional and practical needs.
  • Support worker: work with people facing mental health, housing, or social challenges.
  • Teaching assistant: support pupils' wellbeing and communication in schools.
  • SEN teaching assistant: work with children and young people with additional needs.
  • Youth support worker: provide guidance and emotional support to young people.
  • Adult educator: teach or facilitate learning in community or further education settings.

What you could study next

A Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is the natural next step if you want to practise as a counsellor. Many learners also progress to a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling or Psychotherapy. These higher-level qualifications are required by professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) for accredited practitioner status. A degree in counselling or psychology is another route for those aiming toward chartered or clinical roles.

Apply on southdevon.ac.uk →
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