Level 4 Counselling

The SEG Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling supports the development and demonstration of skills, knowledge and understanding of Counselling, with the aim of work towards achieving professional status as a counselling practitioner.

You will complete seven mandatory units: • Unit 1 - Professional Organisational Issues in Counselling • Unit 2 - Counselling in a Diverse Society • Unit 3 - Counselling Theory • Unit 4 - Advanced Counselling Skills • Unit 5 - Self-Awareness for Counsellors • Unit 6 - Research Methodologies in Counselling • Unit 7 - Counselling Placement You will develop a deep understanding of one therapeutic theory with knowledge of two others. The course involves a high degree of experiential learning and self-awareness exercises. There is a strong focus and emphasis on experiential learning developed through skills practice to include professional discussions and workshops.

This two-year vocational qualification is delivered at the Bishopdale Adult Learning Hub, LE4 0SR. It will focus on experience-based learning, engaging in counselling work and developing an understanding of the impact of therapeutic counselling theories, self-awareness, and research methodologies. A high degree of experiential learning and self-awareness exercises is involved, as well as professional discussions and workshops. You will attend monthly full weekend classroom-based sessions to cover the knowledge element of this course. You will be required to contribute to class activities. The estimated independent study time will effectively double the course length from the classroom time. This includes reading research articles and journals, preparing for and writing the assignments at an academic standard equivalent to first year degree level. You will need a strong disciplined approach and commitment to study at this level, which will be discussed during the application interview. You must also undertake a 100-hour supervised placement, which is an essential key component of achieving this qualification. Your course tutor will fully support you to secure an accessible placement. These hours are in addition to the academic element of the course. You'll be assessed through various methods including assignments, practical observations, reflective writing, and presentations. You must successfully complete all unit requirements, 100 hours work placement and the external assessment within this timeframe to achieve the full qualification. Any resubmissions for external assessment will bear an additional cost. Therefore, it will require a considerable time commitment, including a weekly commitment to your placement, or placements, casework supervision and extra study outside of classes. The fee is jointly learner loan and self-funded with additional costs related to the placement. Please ask us for full information with the application process.

To be eligible for this course: • You must have completed and passed the SEG ABC Awards Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or an equivalent qualification. Evidence of certification will be required. • You will need to provide two written references, one from your Level 3 tutor. • If you are not progressing directly from the Level 3 qualification with us, you will be asked to provide a 1,000-1,200-word piece of academic writing. The themes of which will be shared prior to interview. This is to evidence academic writing ability at first year degree standard. • All applicants will be invited to an interview to ensure suitability to undertake this Level 4 qualification. • If you have recently been experiencing severe emotional difficulty or psychological distress, you will need to make us aware of this during the application process so we can confirm your recovery from this and ensure you are able to manage the intense and long-term commitment to this qualification.

On successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to commence professional practice if you meet all the requirements of the professional regulatory body - such as the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists BACP or the National Counselling Society NCS. Additionally, you may progress onto Postgraduate and Post Qualifying courses in counselling studies that are designed to enhance the practice, skills and knowledge of a practising counsellor. This provides academic progression alongside a recognised career pathway. It combines the professional aspects, (see unit titles above) which are necessary to ensure that the counsellor is fit to practice.