Overview

Applied Counselling Studies CPCAB Level 3 Certificate

This course is aimed at those who want to develop recognised counselling skills in the workplace or wish to develop their career as a professional counsellor.

Course information

Need to know

Entry requirements

You need to be over 19 years old and have:

Completed a Counselling Skills Introduction Award, Level Two:

  • Minimum 25 guided learning hours
  • Tutor facilitated

AND:

Essential:

Completed a Level Two Certificate in Counselling Skills:

  • A minimum of 90 guided learning hours; facilitated by a tutor
  • Skills practice experience in your level two learning group – helper/helpee/observer
  • Experiential group work
  • Experience of journal writing and assignments within the training programme
  • Evidence that you have successfully achieved the Certificate in Counselling Skills

Recommended:

  • Knowledge of Person-Centred Counselling theory
  • Relevant occupational experience.

NOTE:

  • You will only be accepted on the course following an essential interview with a member(s) of the Counselling Team.
  • You must provide a copy of your Counselling training certificates at, or before, the interview.
What qualification will I gain?

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.

How will I be assessed?

Tutor led material and group discussion. There will be continuous assessment with portfolio production, essays, case study, personal journal and self, peer and tutor assessment.

Course content

What will I study?

You will study the following seven units:

  • The professional framework of the counsellor
  • The counselling relationship
  • Client diversity
  • The service user-centred approach
  • Personal awareness in counselling
  • Counselling concepts and skills
  • Person-centred counselling theory
  • Supervision and self-reflection.

Next steps

Successful completion of the course, along with your Counselling Skills Level 2 Certificate, enables you to progress on to our Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 Diploma.

Additional information

You can expect additional study time of four hours per week. Six hours of personal counselling is now a requirement of the course. There is an additional cost of £20 for a textbook.

Candidates who are already enrolled on courses at The Bedford College Group do not need to fill in an application, or attend an interview. A group interview will be offered as part of your current course by your tutor at the end of the course.

Please note:

Applicants should have sufficient literacy skills to read and write at A‑level standard. Students will also need access to a PC and the internet, and basic IT skills would be advantageous.

If an applicant is not currently working at the required level of English, they may be advised to enrol on an adult level 2 English course. Once this has been completed, they will be welcome to reapply for the course.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, or contact info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk.

Two students looking at a laptop

Interested in this course?

If you would like to be notified when this course is next available, please fill out the form below.

Register your interest
2026 - Available Courses
Bedford College
Starts: 08/09/2026
Type: Part Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Tue
Time(s): 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fees: £724.00
Bedford College
Starts: 09/09/2026
Type: Part Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Wednesday
Time(s): 9:30am - 12:30pm
Fees: £724.00
Bedford College
Starts: 09/09/2026
Type: Part Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Wed
Time(s): 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fees: £724.00
Tresham College Kettering Campus
Starts: 10/09/2026
Type: Part Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Thu
Time(s): 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Fees: £724.00
Corby Manor House
Starts: 10/09/2026
Type: Part Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Thu
Time(s): 10:00am - 2:00pm
Fees: £724.00

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Part-Time Funding Information

Some courses may be free depending on the qualification and if you are unemployed and on a qualifying benefit.

Please contact our Customer Contact team on 0345 658 8990 to find out accurate fees information.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.