This CPCAB Level 4 diploma adopts a thoroughly person-centred approach throughout and focuses on the training of counsellors to a professional level of competency. The course builds on the knowledge, skills and self-development gained at Level 3 and combines classroom facilitation and experiential learning, ensuring you become skilled and reflective practitioners.
This two year qualification gives you the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context. It meets the training requirement for recognition as a qualified counsellor and also contains supervised placement hours. Many students progress towards national accreditation status with professional lead bodies. If you wish to approach a professional regulatory body, you will need to ensure you meet their requirements.
This qualification carries the Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) quality mark and is designed to meet the knowledge, skills, and behaviours for identified job roles associated with the relevant Occupational Standards. It is also recognised as an Institute of Technology (IoT) course, aiming to improve digital literacy within the sector.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
There are seven units on this course each covering theory, professional development and skills practice or peer supervision and personal development.
Units of study include:
Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
Working within a counselling relationship
Working with client diversity in counselling work
Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
Working self-reflectively as a counsellor
You will also need to undertake the following:
A minimum of 150 hours placement hours (100 hours counselling and 50 hours of workplace activity)
One hour supervision for every eight hours of client work
10 hours personal counselling
There is also an option to participate in a weekend residential to further enhance your counselling skills in practice.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
To achieve the qualification, candidates must be internally assessed as proficient across all units and must be externally assessed by CPCAB as proficient. There will be various methods of assessment that will include assignments, observations and testimonies. You will be required to provide at least two pieces of evidence for each criteria. In addition you will be required to submit a structured case review of 3,000-3,500 words that will be externally assessed by CPCAB.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
Tuition fees: £4,670* plus £160 for exam and registration fees.
(You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fees for this course.)
Additional course costs will include:
DBS check - approx. £43
Indemnity insurance - ranging from £30-£70 dependent upon provider
BACP student membership - £94 per year
Placement supervision - ranging from £30-£50 per hour (as part of the programme you are required to have 1.5 hours every month on placement)
Personal Counselling - ranging from £30-£50 per hour (as part of the programme you are required to have ten sessions with a Person Centred Counsellor)
Weekend residential - If you opt to participate in the residential, the cost for this is approx. £350. The residential fee for 2026-27 has not yet been confirmed.
*Please note: 2026-2027 tuition fees have not yet been confirmed and therefore may be subject to change.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
On successful completion of this course you may decide to continue on to higher-level study, enter into employment as a qualified counsellor working with clients in various settings, as well as joining professional bodies, such as BACP.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Please be aware that this diploma is not BACP accredited, however, successful completion of all elements of this qualification currently allows you to apply for the BACP Certificate of Proficiency for registered membership.
Mode of Study: 2 years duration. Running on either a Tuesday from 3.00pm to 9.00pm or Monday or Wednesday from 9.00am to 4.05pm. The timetable for 2026-27 academic year may be subject to change.
Minimum numbers required for this course to run: 12
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must hold a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling (skills based) or evidence of the equivalent standard. Due to the high volume of applicants for this course and limited spaces available, you will be required to participate in a competitive admissions process.
An enhanced DBS check is also required for this course.
