Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)

Description

This BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification and NCPS Recognised course is a two-year part-time diploma qualification, giving learners the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work as therapeutic counsellors, where they may register with an ethical body, such as the BACP, and obtain the necessary insurance to work with individual clients. 

The theoretical approach underpinning this course is integrative, led with Person Centred with Psychodynamic theories.  Other related modalities, such as Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are explored at depth and integration frameworks and how to integrate are explained in full.  Since our belief is that all counsellors are forged in their training, we encourage all students to explore the modalities that resonate with them and support them in developing their practice.  By successful completion of this diploma course, students will be able practice as recognised integrative counsellors.  Assessment is via written coursework and tutor observation.

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The course observes the academic year, September to July and we aim to run at least 2 groups per year, day & evening.

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​This is an Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) qualification number 500/8088/X; full details are available here.

​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), such as the BACP or NCPS.

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Entry Requirements

Successful completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3), or equivalent training, is required to start the Level 4 Diploma. In this context, 'equivalent training' means completing a face-to-face or remote 'synchronous' counselling course (online, via Zoom for example) with a training group and tutor at Level 3 with at least 75 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). These hours must total 75 or more 'contact' hours with the tutor-led training group. If you have completed a distance learning course (self-directed and alone), then unfortunately this does not meet the requirement for Level 4.

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The minimum age for this course is 19 (the age requirement is linked to Ofqual’s system for categorising qualifications).

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Costs & Requirements

• Course Fees: £1,950 per year course fee (excl. VAT).

• CPCAB Candidate Registration Fee: currently £413 for year 1 (£388 for year 2).

• Total Course Cost, Year 1 (Incl. VAT & Reg Fee): £2,835.60.

• Payment Options: you can pay by bank transfer or credit/debit card in full, or by deposit with monthly interest-free instalments.

  • £425.60 deposit.

  • 10 x monthly payments of £241

• Individual Personal Therapy: arranged privately, at least 40 hours are required, typically undertaken during Year 1. 

• Placement: a minimum of 100 formally contracted one-to-one client hours of supervised client work in an agency setting are required.

  • 30 of these may be with clients aged 11-18 years. 

  • All of our students have the opportunity of completing their counselling placement with Life Perspective's Counselling Service.

• Counselling Supervision: arranged privately, at least 1.5 hours/month with fortnightly sessions are required whilst in agency placement.

  • Placement, and therefore supervision, is typically undertaken towards the end of Year 1 & throughout Year 2.

  • Individual private supervision is further to the group training supervision included as part of your course.

• Support:​ Individually and as a group, we fully support all students with coursework, obtaining a personal therapist & supervisor, and moving into agency placement.

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Course Dates

The Level 4 courses run weekly from September to July, observing the academic calendar in terms of half terms, Easter & Christmas.

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Next available course dates: ​​​​

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In-Person Daytime Course Group 1 (Year 1):

Starts: Friday, 4th September 2026, 9 am to 3 pm

Ends: Friday, 16th July 2027.

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In-Person Daytime Course Group 2 (Year 1):

Starts: Monday, 7th September 2026, 9 am to 3 pm

Ends: Monday, 19th July 2027.

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In-Person Evening Course Group 3 (Year 1):

Starts: Monday, 7th September 2026, 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Ends: Monday, 19th July 2027.

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In-Person Evening Course Group 4 (Year 1):

Starts: Thursday, 3rd September 2026, 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Ends: Thursday, 15th July 2027

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For the evening courses, approx. one Sunday of each academic month incorporates a 10 am to 3.30 pm online Zoom session to meet the necessary Guided Learning Hours (GLH). There are 11 online sessions in total for each year of the course.

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Training Venues

Explore our videos & photos of our training centre here​.

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Our Level 4 courses are delivered in-person (at least 75%), per BACP and CPCAB requirements, at our Great Broomfields training centre, Cranfield Park Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 9EP. Additional online components (25% max) will be delivered via Zoom, which are factored in as part of the curriculum / used in adverse weather conditions.

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​Guided Learning Hours & Course Credits

This course is 420 hours and has a total of 120 credits.