Level 3 Counselling Course in Southampton – Southampton College

Cost£1,386.00
Duration30 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start28 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body

About this course

Level 3 Counselling Course in Southampton. Classes run at Southampton College, part-time during the day over 30 weeks. This counselling qualification is designed for adult learners who already hold a Level 2 Introduction to Counselling. You'll need to be 18 or over and will attend a college interview before enrolling. The course builds on your existing counselling skills, developing your ability to work with clients in a range of support settings.

Who this course is for

Adult part time learners

Entry requirements

You will need to be over 18 years of age You need to have a Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Working at GCSE level in written and spoken English You will be required to attend a College interview prior to enrolling onto the course (you will need to provide a copy of your Level 2 certificate at the interview) You will need to provide two references before your interview (one from your Level 2 tutor and the other from a professional that has known you for at least two years) The reference

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core counselling skills including active listening and empathetic responding.
  • You'll explore key counselling theories and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll learn how to build and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients.
  • You'll understand professional and ethical boundaries in counselling work.
  • You'll reflect on your own practice and personal development as a counsellor.
  • You'll study how to support clients through a range of emotional and personal challenges.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Southampton College, combining taught input with group discussion and skills practice. Assessment typically includes written assignments, reflective journals, and observed skills practice. You'll be assessed on both your theoretical understanding and your ability to apply counselling skills in practical exercises.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Counsellor, working in community, charity, or private settings
  • Support worker, helping people through personal or mental health challenges
  • Care assistant, providing emotional and practical support to clients
  • Youth support worker, supporting young people's wellbeing and development
  • Teaching assistant or SEN teaching assistant, supporting pupils with additional needs
  • Adult educator, facilitating learning in community or further education settings

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, the next step toward practising as a qualified counsellor and meeting BACP membership requirements.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling, for those wanting to specialise further.
  • A degree in Counselling, Psychology, or Social Work, if you want to move into higher-level clinical or social care roles.

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