Course Overview
The course provides an introduction to the use of counselling skills in everyday life and work settings. It explores key approaches that underpin these skills and offers learners the opportunity to develop the knowledge and techniques needed to engage in helping interactions appropriately.
Entry Requirements
You do not need to have any formal qualifications in order to follow this course, but you will need to demonstrate commitment and motivation to work through the specially prepared distance-learning materials.
What the course covers
This qualification focusses on key counselling skills to enable learners to provide support wherever it is required. The course gives learners an understanding of various theoretical approaches, as well as covering the importance of a counselling relationship and helpful interaction techniques. There is one observation in the course and this can be carried out by a colleague, friend or manager. The course is knowledge based and does not qualify you to practise as a Counsellor. The course has a credit value of 16 on the Qualifications Credit Framework.
The course will cover the following areas and consist of 2 modules each with 2 assessments.
- Module A: Using counselling skills. Introduction to counselling skills theories
- Module B: Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills. Counselling skills and personal development.
Candidates work through the course materials for the programme at times convenient to them, so there is no need to attend the college to gain the qualification. The learning materials contain the knowledge needed to meet the assessment requirements of the course and activities to allow candidates to practice their skills and test their learning.
Assessments are based on a combination of knowledge and skills learned on the programme and work-based activities and experience.
There is one observation/simulation in the first assessment. The course should be completed within 12 weeks.
Fees and funding
Most people are eligible to access our Distance Learning courses for free, the criteria below outline the requirements for free study.
You must:
- Be aged 19 years or above as of 1 August of the current academic year.
- Have lived in the UK, EU, EEA for the past 3 years, for purposes other than study.
- Not currently be enrolled on an Apprenticeship.
- Live in England, in a funded postal code within Surrey, GLA or a non-devolved area.
If you live outside of Surrey or Greater London Authority, click here to see if your area is funded.
We may ask to see evidence of residency status and/or evidence of income or benefits status where applicable to grant funding.
If you have any questions, please contact the Distance Learning team at distancelearning@nescot.ac.uk
Progression
Having completed this course, learners may wish to progress to similar qualifications at a higher level or a role in which counselling skills are used.
Duration
The course should be completed within 12 weeks.