Level 3Counselling Studies Certificate

Students must be over 19.

You will be required to have a conversation with a member of the course team prior to enrolment to ensure eligibility.

You must have undertaken counselling skills training, e.g. CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling or related prior recognised learning.

You must have a level of spoken and written English that allows you to complete the assessment requirements of the course, such as a GCSE or Essentials skills qualification.

Non-academic course entry requirements

Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:

• be 19 years old by 1 July 2026. 

• provide proof of: 

• Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required. 

• Photographic proof of identity 

• Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications. 

Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education

To apply for the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies you must be aged 19 or over.

In addition, due to the nature of this course it is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty or psychological confusion.

The following are identified by CPCAB as criteria considered important for selecting candidates:

• Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language
• Able to benefit from self-development
• Emotional stability
• Evidence personal insight
• Ability to form a counselling relationship
• Awareness of difference and diversity
• Able to cope with course content
• Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development
• Be motivated towards developing as a counselling practitioner

Attendance:

30 weeks, part-time, three hours per week.