The Level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling is a single semester, part time, evening course. It is of interest to people who are interested in using talking-based helping skills to support people who might be experiencing distressing problems of different kinds for example in the workplace, school or community group. It is also of interest to anyone who is simply interested in learning more about this fascinating area of study. A significant number of people take this course as a necessary step towards participation on a professional training programme such as the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling or the MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies.
The Level 4 Introductory Certificate in Counselling is a single semester, single module course which runs for 13 weeks (one evening per week). The formal teaching is conducted face to face in the classroom and in smaller ‘break-out rooms’ and practice counselling booths. Each session starts promptly at 6.15pm and ends at 9.30pm. There is a fifteen minute break around 7.45pm. The first half consists of a lecture and classroom discussion and exercises on specific topics. The second half consists of practice counselling sessions in groups of three where you will be supported by skills tutors as well as your class lecturer. You will also be undertaking wider reading and you will need access to a computer gain access to library and other university resources.
Whilst the course is pitched at level 4 (equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree), you will find that the course tutors generate a warm, supportive atmosphere which is conducive to personal growth as well as academic learning.