Level 3 Counselling Course Online – South Devon College Paignton

Cost£2,225.00
Duration5 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start12 Jan 2027
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Level 3 Counselling Course. Study online with live weekly sessions, fitting your learning around your life. You'll need English at Level 2 and either a Level 2 counselling qualification or relevant experience in a helping role before you start. The course runs over 5 months and covers counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and core counselling principles. You'll develop practical and reflective skills through structured online study. This level 3 counselling qualification is offered through South Devon College Paignton.

Who this course is for

If you're interested in supporting others, enhancing your communication, or progressing towards a career in counselling, the Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills at South Devon College offers the perfect foundation. Delivered online with live weekly sessions, this course gives you the flexibility to study from home while developing practical and reflective skills in a supportive environment. You will explore a range of counselling theories, ethical frameworks, and core principles that underpin professional practice. You’ll also develop an in-depth understanding of how counselling skills can be used in a wide variety of roles—from education and healthcare to human resources and support services. While this qualification does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor, it provides a vital stepping stone to Level 4 and higher qualifications that lead to professional accreditation. It’s ideal if you’re looking to progress into counselling, enhance your effectiveness in a current role, or simply explore this rewarding field out of personal interest. You will study independently using our online learning platform and attend a weekly live session via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday evenings from 6–9pm. There is also an optional drop-in support hour from 5–6pm, providing extra help and space for discussion and reflection. You must be 18 or over to enrol. Funding may be available for those aged 19+, subject to eligibility. This has a start date of January. Upon successful completion, you can continue your journey with approved progression routes into Foundation Degrees at University Centre South Devon.

Entry requirements

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

What you will learn

  • You'll explore a range of counselling theories and how they apply in practice.
  • You'll study ethical frameworks and the principles that guide counselling work.
  • You'll develop active listening and communication skills used in helping roles.
  • You'll practise reflective skills to evaluate your own development as a practitioner.
  • You'll learn how to apply core counselling skills in supportive conversations.
  • You'll build an understanding of boundaries and professional responsibility in counselling contexts.

How you will learn

The course is delivered online with live weekly sessions. You'll study at a time that suits you between sessions. Assessment is based on written work and reflective practice, drawing on your learning throughout the course. South Devon College Paignton will confirm the full assessment requirements before you begin.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College Paignton will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor (trainee or assistant level) - applying counselling skills in a supervised setting
  • Support worker - using communication and listening skills to support vulnerable adults
  • Care assistant - providing person-centred support in care settings
  • Youth support worker - supporting young people's emotional and social wellbeing
  • Teaching assistant - supporting pupils with emotional and learning needs in schools
  • SEN teaching assistant - working with children with special educational needs
  • Adult educator - facilitating learning and personal development in adult education
  • Welfare or advice worker - guiding people through difficult personal circumstances

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - the next step toward practising as a qualified counsellor, covering deeper therapeutic models and supervised client work.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling - for those aiming toward professional registration with BACP or UKCP.
  • Level 3 or 4 qualifications in Health and Social Care - broadens options across care and support roles if you want to move into a wider care career.

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