To be accepted onto any of our courses trainees will need to demonstrate evidence of the following qualities, or the potential for developing them:
- Self-awareness, maturity and stability.
- Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience.
- Capacity to cope with the emotional demands of counselling training.
- Ability to cope with the intellectual and academic requirements.
- Ability to form a helping relationship.
- Ability to be self-reflective and use both positive and negative feedback.
- Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression.
This qualification 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 counsellor
- learn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental health
- be prepared for work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting.
This course is aimed at people who use counselling skills as part of their work role and wish to improve their skills. This course does not qualify students to become professional counsellors, but provides progression to further counselling training.
This course does not require learners to have a placement. The programme encourages personal development and reflective practice alongside improved theoretical understanding of counselling.
This qualification could lead to employment or increase employability for those whose role is to support others in e.g. health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, other helping roles.
It provides additional skills for those already in employment likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement.
Entry Requirements:
- You must have undertaken Level 2 in Counselling skills with at least 75 Guided Learning hours
- Your Level 2 Certificate in Counselling must be from an approved examining board. Evidence will need to be presented before admission.
- You must be 19yrs+ to study this course

Course Overview
What will I study?
This qualification enables learners to work towards becoming a reflective practitioner of counselling by considering theories of human development, self-awareness, supervision and issues of difference and diversity.
It also provides knowledge and understanding of the three main core theories and theorists that underpin counselling and addresses the nature of psychological problems and how they may be approached.
The specialist skills and knowledge gained in this qualification will be applicable in a range of working contexts.
It will enable learners to understand the need for a firm grasp of a coherent theoretical approach to counselling or supporting others.
This is particularly important prior to starting work in a supervised placement if learners progress to Level 4.
Learning Outcomes

How will I be assessed?
Who teaches the course?
The Level 3 Course is taught by a member of NWCH’s training team. All our trainers are qualified counsellors and are registered with the BACP.
How is the course taught?
Sessions are a mixture of teaching; group work and practical role play exercises to develop counselling skills. Students are introduced to counselling theory to set the context for counselling but the emphasis at this level is on the development of practical skills. While there are academic elements, the course involves self-reflection and encourages growth in self-awareness. Each student receives a comprehensive course manual including additional background reading, with a comprehensive reading list. Guidance and support is provided, to write the journals, study for the exam and complete the course criteria.
Who Accredits the course?
The course is accredited by AIM Awards and is a nationally regulated OFQUAL qualification.
Progression: Successful candidates can progress on to our Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas to complete your training as a qualified Counsellor.
Why study here?
How to apply?
You can apply using our online application form downloadable here, please email to: admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk
Or
You can also apply using a paper application form which can be requested by emailing admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk or calling 01522 253809
Once this is received we shall invite you in for an interview, the questions are provided beforehand, with a list of the documents we will need to see.
We also request two references – a professional one and a character one.
Fees: £800 + VAT
A deposit will be required on booking your place. Payment plans available – please contact admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk to discuss the options.
Please note we make every effort to ensure information within our website is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.