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Key Facts

  • Starting
    8 Sep 2025
    Location
    Kingston Hall Road Centre
    Start Time
    09:30
    End Time
    17:30
    Duration
    2 Years
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Tuesday
    Start Date
    8 Sep 2025
    End Date
    2 Jul 2027
    Level
    Level 4
    Code
    KCO4001CP

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CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

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If you have already started your journey in training to become a qualified counsellor, and are looking to take your qualifications to the next professional level, then the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is the course for you. This qualification will give you the knowledge, skills and competencies you need to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context.

The course structure and content are aligned to the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) core curriculum standards and has received excellent reviews by our learners and the CPCAB.

  • Entry Requirements


    You must have obtained both a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling studies, or their equivalent.

    GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) is required.

    Applicants' previous life experiences, both personally and professionally, will be considered in assessing their suitability for the course.

    Further details will be requested once the online application has been received and considered.

    This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty and/or severe psychological confusion.

    Applicants should be able to:

    • Provide references
    • Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development
    • Be academically and emotionally able to cope with this level of training
    • Possess the ability to work with difference and diversity
    • Possess personal qualities of imagination, intuition, openness, self-awareness, insight, honesty and ability to benefit from self-development
    • Have the ability to form a therapeutic relationship
    • Possess emotional stability and the absence of personality disturbance
    • Have the ability to challenge and be challenged
    • Have the ability to respond sensitively and empathically to others

  • Course Content


    The course structure includes 7 mandatory units listed below. To achieve the qualification, you must be assessed as proficient in all the learning outcomes of these mandatory units and must be externally assessed by CPCAB as proficient.

    • 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

    The course requires a minimum of 100 hours of formally contracted one to one counselling with at least 5 different clients within an agency setting.

    Students will undergo weekly personal therapy (minimum 35 hours per year) and are expected to study outside of classroom hours.

    Clinical supervision is an ongoing requirement for all professional and volunteer counsellors/trainees working with clients. This is usually provided through your clinical placement throughout your voluntary clinic work. Kingston College will also provide inhouse supervision throughout the second year of the course.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Upon successful completion of this Level 4 course you can progress into employed or voluntary roles in both health care and non-medical agencies. This qualification will give you the knowledge, skills and competencies you need to work as a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context and can open the door to progressing to independent and private practice.

  • Additional Information


    This course is run over 2 years and starts in September.

    Year 1 is run on Tuesdays from 9:30am-5.30pm Year 2 is run on Thursdays from 9:30am-5.30pm

    Fee: £4670 (In total for the two years course, payable in full in the first year. This course is eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan.)

    To apply for this course:-

    • Contact your nominated referee and ask them to email a character reference to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    • Provide a personal statement: email this to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. referring to the course entry requirements for guidance.

    • Apply for the course by clicking the Apply button.

    Location of study: Kingston Hall Road

    For further information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Course Structure


    You will be taught by BACP registered (or equivalent), qualified and experienced counsellors whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the units on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners who are actively seeing clients and successfully run their own private practices and/or work in the healthcare agencies.

  • Assessment Details


    Passing the written and verbal assignments and skills training throughout the two years, completing the placement with satisfactory supervision reports and passing the external exam are all mandatory requirements for successful completion on the programme.