Our Level 4 Diploma is a nationally recognised professional qualification for those who are ready to take the final step towards becoming qualified counsellors. Delivered over two years, this inspiring and rewarding course supports learners to grow into reflective, grounded and competent practitioners, fully prepared for professional practice.
We pride ourselves on offering small class sizes within a warm, inclusive and supportive learning environment. Throughout your journey, we work alongside you to nurture your strengths, encourage authenticity and support your personal and professional development, helping you reach your full potential with confidence.
Our diverse teaching team brings together decades of counselling knowledge, expertise and real-world experience across a wide range of therapeutic settings, including private practice. This means you will learn from passionate professionals who understand both the theory and the realities of counselling work.
At Level 4, learners are recognised as trainee counsellors and are required to complete a minimum of 100 client hours as part of the qualification. A major benefit of studying with us is that we guarantee all learners a placement within one of our colleges, alleviating a lot of the difficulty around securing a suitable placement. We are able to provide up to 30% of client hours working with young people, alongside additional opportunities to work with adult students.
The course is designed to develop a strong understanding of counselling theory and the practical application of counselling skills, while supporting learners to work ethically and professionally within therapeutic relationships. You will learn how to maintain ethical principles, uphold professional responsibilities and make effective decisions in practice.
The personal and professional nature of counsellor training means that our learners are also required to engage in a minimum of 15 hours of personal therapy each year.
To hear what our students say about their experience studying with us, please visit our testimonials Here
Skills and Education group – Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 4
- WINDSOR COLLEGE
- LEVEL 4
Course Overview
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Applicants must hold both a Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, alongside GCSE English at Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent qualif...
Applicants must hold both a Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, alongside GCSE English at Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent qualification).
Please note that your Level 3 qualification must have been completed through face-to-face study. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from students who completed their Level 3 course online or through distance learning.
Candidates will be required to complete a supplementary application form, which will be emailed following initial application. Once approved, applicants will be invited to attend a formal assessment process, including an interview and counselling skills practice assessment.
Course information
This course is both robust and rewarding, offering a challenging and enriching learning experience that prepares you for professional counselling practice. Commitment and engagement are essential, and we actively encourage self-care, reflective practice and dedicated time for reading and assignment work throughout the course.
Our core therapeutic approach is Person-Centred Counselling, while also exploring a range of comparative models including Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Transactional Analysis. This broad approach gives learners a strong and well-rounded foundation for practice.
There are seven mandatory units of study:
– Professional & organisational issues in counselling
– Counselling in a diverse society
– Advanced theory
– Research Methodology
– Advanced counselling skills
– Self-awareness for counsellors
– Counselling placement
To further enhance your professional development, we also offer a range of complimentary workshops, including:
– Working with Young People
– Online Working
– Working Creatively in the Therapeutic Space
In addition, learners will have the opportunity to attend a residential experience during the second year, focusing on personal development, self-awareness and deeper reflective practice.
SCoPEd
This Level 4 Diploma is aligned to the SCoPEd framework, ensuring your training meets nationally recognised professional standards. This provides a clear pathway into counselling practice, giving you the confidence to work competently, ethically and safely with clients.
The course runs over two academic years. In the first year, learners attend two evenings per week; classes will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, this is followed by one evening per week, in the second year.
Alongside weekly teaching, there are mandatory experiential workshops held each term during the first year to deepen counselling knowledge, self-awareness and practical skills.
A residential experience will also take place during the second year.
Your portfolio must be completed by the end of the second academic year. However, learners who have not yet completed the required 100 supervised placement hours may be granted a maximum extension of six months.
The course is primarily classroom-based. Delivery may also include some structured online learning sessions and online tutorials to complement classroom teaching.
Each unit has specific assessment criteria which must be successfully achieved in order to complete the qualification. We use a variety of assessment methods designed to support different learning styles and professional development, including:
– Case studies
– Essays
– Research projects
– Individual presentations
– Group presentations
These assessments form part of a comprehensive portfolio of learning, which is initially assessed by course tutors, internally moderated and finally externally moderated by the awarding body.
To progress into Year 2, learners must successfully complete Year 1 and achieve their ‘Fitness to Practice’ certificate.
The Counselling Placement element of the course is submitted directly to the awarding body for external assessment.
Successful learners will achieve the:
SEG Awards – Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
On successful completion of the course, learners are recognised as qualified counsellors and are able to practise within counselling organisations and agencies.
Graduates can progress from student membership of the BACP to registered membership (MBACP) by successfully completing the BACP Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) assessment. This online multiple-choice assessment is based on case studies and is designed to evaluate the professional skills, knowledge and abilities of counsellors and psychotherapists following qualification.
Many graduates choose to establish their own private practice after qualifying, although continuing within a counselling agency is highly recommended to further develop experience, confidence and professional expertise.
There are also opportunities to continue professional development through:
– National accreditation with recognised professional bodies
– Specialist Level 5 qualifications
– Degree-level counselling programmes
– Further specialist training within therapeutic practice
This qualification opens the door to a meaningful and rewarding career supporting others through positive change and personal growth.
Level 4