Counselling - Level 3 Certificate in Studies
Are you ready to advance your training and move one step closer to a future in counselling? Deepen your understanding, strengthen your practical skills, and build the confidence you need to support others professionally.
At Level 3 you will explore legal and ethical issues based on ethical framework for counselling and psychotherapy in a multi-cultural and diverse society. Learn about a range of counselling skills and understand which counselling skills are used professionally. Reflect on counselling theory, professional conduct, ethical issues, confidentiality, boundaries, legal responsibility, and negligence.
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to Level 4 Therapeutic Diploma in Counselling.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- XDC3CSK
- Learner Aim Reference
- 50092868
- Price
- £811
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime or Evening
- Course Level
- Level 3
- Study Mode
- In person
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- Starting September 2026 for 35 Weeks / February 2027 for Fast track - 17 weeks
- Overview
*Price & Funding
The course may be free of charge if you fit one of the following criteria and reside in the Lancashire area:
- Unemployed in receipt of a recognised benefit
- Low Wage (Earning below £25,750 annual gross salary)
Payment options:
- Pay in full
- 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £202.75)
- Sponsor
- Advanced Learner Loan
Sessions Available
Start End Day Session Time Venue 10/09/26 Jul 2027 Thurs Day 17:30 – 20:30 Langdale Road, Leyland Feb 2027 Jul 2027 Tue Day 09:15 – 16:15 Langdale Road, Leyland Fast track Delivery method
- Fully delivered in the classroom.
Important Information
- Access to a computer is essential for successful completion of the course.
- Learners must be able to use basic Microsoft packages.
- Applicants need to be able to demonstrate their ability to handle the level of academic work.
- Learners should be respectful of everyone regardless of their age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
- The course requires the learner to participate in personal disclosure and associated personal development with their peers.
- Learners need to be in a sound state of mind to study this qualification.
- Entry Requirements
- Students must be aged 19+
- GCSE English grade C/4 or above or, Level 2 Functional Skills English
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling skills (must be delivered in a classroom-based setting- or face to face online, not asynchronous online courses)
AND
- Students must have done their qualifications face-to-face or live online (not asynchronous).
- Candidates are required to have completed tutor observed Person-Centred skills sessions.
- Completed weekly skills practice with a tutor present
Applicants cannot enrol or progress to IAG if they have done their qualifications online asynchronously, but are able to if the sessions were completed live in front of a tutor, with observed skills sessions, where live tutor feedback is provided.
- How will I be assessed?
Internal assessment and internal and external moderation.
Students will build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course, which will consist of written assignments, tutor and peer observations and testimonials, and other work produced by the student. The portfolio will be assessed by your tutor throughout the course, and moderated internally and externally. Please note there is no formal exam for this course.
- Progression Pathway
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to Level 4 Therapeutic Diploma in Counselling.
Career opportunities:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Next step)
- Volunteering
- Health and Social Care
- Education and Youth Work
- Higher Education and Training
- Advocacy and Mediation
- Support and Project Work
- Workplace Management and HR
- Counsellor
- Parole officer
- Social worker
- Psychologist
- Programme Specification
Course Units:
- Understanding the Context for the Use of Counselling Skills
- Understanding Counselling Theory
- Using Counselling Skills
- Personal Development for Users of Counselling Skills.
What will I learn?
- Explore legal and ethical issues based on ethical framework for counselling and psychotherapy in a multi-cultural and diverse society.
- Exploring a range of counselling skills and understand which counselling skills are used professionally.
- Reflect on counselling theory and the use of feedback.
- Exploring professional conduct, ethical issues, confidentiality, boundaries, legal responsibility, and negligence.
- Health, Safety & Well-Being
Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
- FAQs - Level 3 Certificate in Counselling
What counts as counselling skills training hours?
This is based off the guided learning hours (GLH) that has previously been studied. This would mean face-to-face tutor contact time and the observed skills practice that is included in prior qualifications.
Do classes take place throughout the year?
No, Runshaw College observes term times in line with the local educational government. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.
I am planning a holiday which means I will miss some of the course; can I still enrol?
If you have planned holidays that may impact on your learning, we recommend applying for the next available intake to ensure full participation and progress. For example a 2 week holiday on the fast track course, would effectively mean missing 4 weeks of work, therefore too much learning would be lost. Any time missed from college will have a detrimental impact on your learning.
Minimum attendance expectations at Runshaw are 90%
Do I need to attend every lesson?
Yes, you must attend all lessons without fail (unless due to exceptional circumstances) as any absences will have a significant impact on your learning and achievement on the course.
Do I need to attend every session in person?
Yes, the course is experiential in nature, meaning that your knowledge will come from practicing and reflecting on what you are learning. Active participation is essential, and sessions consist of skills practice, group discussions and activities to support learning.
I have a higher qualification in a related subject (psychology, mental health, coaching). Or I have other relevant experience, can I go straight onto Level 3 or Level 4?
Progression onto the Level 3 and Level 4 programmes of study are subject to the successful completion of a Level 2 tutor-taught course. Although your experience and knowledge will be a great asset to your studies, the Level 2 will provide you with the foundational skills and learning to support your development at higher levels. This is also a requirement set by the qualification awarding bodies and professional counselling bodies we work with.
Can I still do the course if I have work or family commitments?
Yes. Many students balance study with other commitments. We offer two flexible course options: a part‑time evening course (one evening per week for 34 weeks) and a daytime fast‑track course (one full day per week for 17 weeks).
Will I need a computer?
Yes, access to, and familiarity with using a computer and basic knowledge of Microsoft packages to complete your work is essential. The college also has a computer suite in the library for use by all students. During this course you will create an e-portfolio to produce and organise your work. A full induction is provided at the start of your course.
Can the course accommodate additional learning needs or disabilities?
Absolutely, please let us know any support needs when you apply so we can make adjustments.
Will I need to talk about myself, or share personal things with others?
Personal development is a central part of the course. You will be asked to only share what feels safe for you, and is appropriate to the context we are working in. You will be given opportunities to engage in activities to enhance self-awareness, and students are encouraged to keep a reflective journal.
I have just experienced a significant life event (bereavement, relationship breakdown etc.), will the course be suitable for me?
We advise students to think carefully about whether engaging in a course like this would be suitable following a significant life event. Although this is a level 2 course, some students may find some of the topics discussed to touch on personal experiences. Please get in touch with the course leader and/or tutors to discuss any specific concerns you may have.
I can struggle with my mental health at times; will be the course be suitable for me?
We advise students to think carefully about whether they currently feel a sufficient level of personal resilience to undertake the course, and to ensure that they have the necessary support in place beforehand. Please get in touch with the course leader and/or tutors to discuss any specific concerns you may have.
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
An Advanced Learner Loan is a government loan which helps with the cost of further education courses.
