Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)

Description

This BACP Approved Practitioner Qualifcation 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 follows the academic school year, September to July and we aim to run 2 groups per year, one day group and one evening group.

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​This is an Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) qualification number 500/8088/X, full details 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 (age requirement is linked to Ofqual’s system for categorising qualifications).

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Costs & Requirements

• £2450 per year course fee (options to pay in full or by deposit and monthly interest-free instalments; a £99 admin fee applies). 

• Individual person therapy (at least 40 hours), 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 is required.  All our students have the opportunity of completing their counselling placement with Life Perspective's Counselling Service.

• Counselling Supervision (1.5 hours/month whilst in placement), typically undertaken at the end of Year 1 and throughout Year 2.

• CPCAB candidate registration fee (currently £359 for each year).

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Course Dates

This course runs weekly from September to July following the academic calendar in terms of half terms, Easter & Christmas.

Next available course dates: ​​​​

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In-Person Daytime Course (Year 1): Full Cohort

Starts: Thursday, 4th September 2025, 9 am to 3 pm (breaks provided).

Ends: Thursday, 16th July 2026.

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In-Person Evening Course (Year 1): Available Places

Starts: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm (breaks provided).

Ends: Tuesday, 14th July 2026.

For the evening course, the last Sunday of each academic term incorporates a 10 am to 3.30 pm online Zoom session (breaks provided) 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

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.