CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Skills (Two Year Course)

This two-year diploma is designed for learners who wish to train as professional counsellors working within an agency or organisation. Successful completion of the course will enable you to provide a therapeutic counselling service within an agency’s ethical and professional framework. The core model is Integrative Humanistic with considerations of the other counselling schools, as well as other subjects specific to working as a professional counsellor. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to offer counselling within the context of an agency’s services framework.

Throughout the programme, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competence needed to work safely and effectively as a counsellor. The course combines theoretical learning, personal development, and extensive experiential practice to prepare you for life as a reflective counselling practitioner.

This qualification is officially approved as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) by Skills England. HTQ status confirms that the TC-L4 meets nationally recognised, employer-defined occupational standards and prepares learners for skilled roles in the counselling profession. As an HTQ, it carries enhanced credibility with employers and supports learners progressing into professional practice or further study.

Successful completion of this course means you will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service – initially within the context of an agency’s service framework but later (with experience and support from the supervisor, or by completing PC-L5 or its equivalent) may progress to independent practice.

This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC.

As part of the course:

Students will need to access personal therapy (Mandatory )

Attend supervision once started seeing clients this maybe individually or within an organisation.

Complete a 100 hours of professional practice as a student counsellor in an organisation. (Mandatory)

Entry Requirements
Applicants must have completed both the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the Level 3 Applied Certificate in Counselling Studies (or equivalent qualifications, this must have been face to face training).

All students are expected to have an English qualification minimum: GCSE grade 4/C)

All applicants will be invited to interview to discuss their motivation, readiness, and suitability for training at this level.

Start Date: September 2026

Duration: 36 weeks

Day: Tuesday or Wednesday

Times: 2.30pm – 9.30pm

Fees: £3150 per year

Course Information

Are there any additional costs?

You may like to buy books from the recommended books list which is given out with your acceptance letter.

How will I be assessed?

External Assessment in the form of a written exam in year two of the course and Internal Assessment in the form of a portfolio. Students will be expected to complete a journal, essays and written assignments. Homework will normally be about 3 hours a week but will be more as the course progresses. Students must have a placement in an agency in year two of the course.

What do I need to bring to the class?

A pen and some paper. An A4 plastic folder or wallet to keep your journals/handouts in.

What next?

Further counselling courses

What is the course about?

The Diploma is a two year course for those who wish to train to become a counsellor working in a counselling agency. Successful completion of this course will enable you to provide a therapeutic counselling service within the context of an agency's service framework. The Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling provides: - coherent vocational and professional counselling training - a competence based training which highlights the development of skilled practice via experiential learning - specific training for the role of counsellor in an agency - the opportunity to learn and deepen your knowledge of a wide range of counselling theories and approaches - a pathway onto the Open University Foundation Degree in Counselling You must have obtained a Level 2 and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies to enter this course. All applicants will be interviewed before being accepted onto the course. Applicants will be required to answer questions to demonstrate and assess their suitability for the course.

Financial Information

Concessionary Fees

If you are studying an accredited course at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 you may be eligible for a concessionary fee. If you fall into one of the following categories you will need to complete a self-declaration funding form and provide evidence of your means tested benefit. All evidence must be dated within three months of the course start date.

Claiming Job Seekers Allowance/Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit
Receiving Universal Credit (UC) and your take home pay as recorded on your UC statement (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £617 per month (learner is sole adult in the benefit claim) or £988 per month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
Earning less than £25,000 annual gross salary. You must provide evidence of your salary

You will need to provide evidence of your means tested benefit. All evidence must be dated within three months of the course start date.

Paying in Instalments

If your course costs more than £200 you may apply to pay in three instalments. You will need to complete and sign an instalment form. The first payment will be taken immediately, followed by a further payment at the start of the course and a final payment two months later. Please note that a handling charge of 10% of the course fee (up to a maximum of £30) is added to all instalment payments. You will still be liable for the full cost of the course if you leave the course prior to all instalments being paid.

Refunds

No refunds are given once a course has started. If a course is cancelled by the college you will receive a full refund of all fees paid. If you decide to cancel your enrolment before the class starts your payment will be refunded less a 20% administration charge (up to a maximum of £50). All refunds will be processed within 14 working days.

Please ring the Adult Education office on 01273 546602 for further information.