Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (PC-L5)*

Description

This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as self-employed counsellors in independent practice. It also equips learners to take on a senior counselling role in an organisational context where client assessment, referral and routine evaluation are part of the role.

At Level 5 students have an opportunity to integrate skills and knowledge working as an independent practitioner. The course emphasis is on theoretical integration, client assessment, research and establishing private practice/self-employment. 

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This qualification is fully mapped to the SCoPEd column B competences, paving the way for candidates to achieve Accredited Membership status with all reputable professional associations in counselling, such as the BACP, NCPS, and ACC, all recognised by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). More information about this is available here. Information about BACP Accredited Membership can be found here.

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​​This course is delivered online, one evening per week during the academic school year, September to June.

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​This is an Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) qualification number 500/8386/7, full details are available here.

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What is Accredited Membership Status?

The professional development of a counsellor or psychotherapist is a process of growth through significant experience of professional practice and further training. Over time a therapist may develop specialist areas of practice and deepen their general skills and competence. Also called 'Accreditation', accredited membership status with the mainstream ethical bodies is where a qualified practitioner may choose to evidence this professional development and have it formally recognised through the process of accreditation.  

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4), or equivalent, is required to start the Level 5 Diploma.

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

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Cost & Requirements

£1950 (options to pay in full or by deposit and monthly interest-free instalments; a £99 admin fee applies). 

Counselling Supervision (minimum 1.5 hours/month and an extra 1 hour of supervision for every 8 hours of client work).

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

Be actively working as a counsellor under supervision and as a member of a professional body, such as the BACP or NCS.

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Course Dates

This course runs for one weekday evening during term time from September to June.

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Next available course dates: ​​​​

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Online Delivery:

Monday 1st September 2025 to 29th June 2026, 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm (breaks provided).

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Training Venues

Our courses are delivered online via Zoom and in-person at Cranfield Park Rd, Wickford, Essex SS12 9EP.

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Guided Learning Hours & Course Credits

This course is 120 hours and has a total of 46 credits.

* Pending CPCAB approval.