Counselling - Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
This part-time qualification gives learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context. It is designed to lead to an employed or voluntary role in a counselling agency in both health care and non-medical settings. Learners with sufficient post qualification experience can also begin working as independent practitioners in private practice. The course is delivered one day a week over two years.
- Course Information
- Validated By
- CPCAB
- Learner Aim Reference
- 5008088X
- Price
- *£4,670
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 4 / Diploma
- Study Mode
- In person
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- 2 years
- Overview
*Payment Options
- Pay in full
- 4 x consecutive payments (4 x £1,167.50)
- Sponsor
- Advanced Learner Loan
Sessions Available
Start End Day Session Time Venue Sep 2026 Jun 2028 Wed Day 09:30 – 16:30 Langdale Road, Leyland Sep 2026 Jun 2028 Thurs Day 09:30 – 16:30 Langdale Road, Leyland Delivery method
Fully delivered in the classroom over 2 academic years.
Important Information
- Applicants are required to have an enhanced DBS (£73.50 (Correct at 07/11/25) – Learners who are not registered with the ‘update service’ can complete this through the college.
- 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 and not involved in substance or alcohol abuse.
- Learners will need to complete a minimum of 100 hours of formally contacted counselling with at least 5 different clients in an agency setting.
- Learners will need to pay for and attend a mandatory 2-day residential trip including an overnight stay; this fee is not included in the course fees (approx. £250)
- Learners are required to purchase a BACP membership
- Students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of personal counselling (self-funded)
- Students are required to attend clinical supervision for placement hours (self-funded)
- Entry Requirements
- Students must be aged 19+
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
AND - Students must have done their qualifications face-to-face.
- 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 (the only exception of this would be if they have studied online (e.g., during COVID) but they would still need to have completed a course which provides tutor feedback.
L2 & L3 must have been studied for a minimum of 90 GLH per programme.
Pre IAG requirements:
- 1000-word statement on why they have chosen to do the course
- Two academic references
The above information MUST have been received prior to enrolment
- How will I be assessed?
Self-review to show development, weekly learning review, assignments, presentations, and an externally marked question paper.
- Progression Pathway
- Counsellor
- Parole officer
- Social worker
- Psychologist
- Programme Specification
Course units:
- Working Self-Reflectively
- Client Diversity
- Self-awareness in Counselling Process
- User-Centred Approach
Students will learn:
- 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.
- Safeguarding
Runshaw College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
- 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.
- DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check
You must be prepared to comply with the vetting procedures for those working with vulnerable adults, children and young people as required by current legislation (ie undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check).
You will need to complete an enhanced DBS for this course and in doing so will need to provide 3 ID documents. These can include; Birth Certificate, Driving License, Passport, Bank statement or a letter.
Please note that if the course is fully funded for you, you may get your DBS for free, if not, there may be an additional fee for this to be processed.
Please contact our Adult Admissions Team to find out more on how to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through the college.
To find out more information on DBS checks, please visit https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/enhanced-dbs-checks
- FAQs - Level 4 Diploma 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 skills practice that is included in prior qualifications.
Is Runshaw College BACP accredited?
Runshaw college is not BACP approved, however we work within the BACP ethical framework and ask students to become members. For this you will need 400+ hours work experience.
The awarding body is created by counsellors to be in line with BACP recommendations and is
nationally recognised and provides a valid route into professional counselling roles.
I have a degree, can I come on to the Level 4 without completing Level 2 and 3?
No, the awarding body CPCAB requirements are the learners hold Level 2 Certificate in Counselling skills & Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies prior to undertaking 4 Therapeutic Diploma in Counselling – must have been studied for a minimum of 90 GLH per programme.
Do classes take place throughout the year?
No, Runshaw College observes term times in line with local education. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.
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.
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.
Do I have to do any homework?
Students must dedicate an equal amount of time to independent study as they do to in-class sessions.
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
An Advanced Learner Loan is a government loan which helps with the cost of further education courses.
