Choosing the Right Counselling Course for You
Are you looking to become a counsellor?
Besides a great average salary of £31,524, becoming a counsellor is a rewarding job, helping people transform their lives.
In this blog post, we’ll compare between two popular counselling courses for individuals aged 19 and above: the Counselling Concepts course and the Counselling Skills course.
Level 2 counselling course: Counselling Concepts
The Counselling Concepts course is an entry-level qualification aimed at introducing learners to the use of counselling skills in various aspects of life and work. Here are some key points to consider:
Qualification and level:
- Level 2 counselling course qualification.
- Primarily focuses on introducing counselling skills for everyday life and work applications.
Duration and location:
- Runs for 10 weeks on evenings only.
- Teaching takes place at the City Campus Manchester.
Entry requirements:
- No formal entry requirements.
- Desirable: English and IT skills for assignment completion and constructing an e-portfolio.
Course overview:
- Aims to develop counselling skills for personal or professional use.
- Does not qualify learners to practise as professional counsellors.
Important note:
- Individuals receiving counselling or rehabilitation must be six months clear before joining the course.
Level 3 counselling course: Counselling Skills
Counselling Skills is a Level 3 counselling course designed for those aiming to progress as professional counsellors or individuals seeking advanced counselling skills for use in various professions.
Qualification and level:
- Attains a Certificate at Level 3.
- Geared towards progression to become a qualified professional counsellor.
Duration and locations:
- Evening classes for 1 year at City Campus Manchester and Wythenshawe Campus.
- Part-time, non-released classes for 1 year at Shena Simon Campus.
Entry requirements:
- Requires a Level 2 Counselling Certificate.
- Level 2 English FS/GCSE or GCE.
- Completion of the Level 3 application process, including a piece of work and an interview.
- 12 months free from rehabilitation.
Course overview:
- In-depth coursework, including e-portfolios, experiential learning, and self-awareness exercises.
- Not a licence to practise but serves as a progression route into further study.
Choosing the right counselling course
Similarities:
Both the Counselling Concepts and Counselling Skills courses are part of Health & Social Care curriculums and are designed for people aged 19 and above. It's important to know that neither course gives you a licence to work as a counsellor. Read our blog to find out how to become a counsellor.
The courses act as a starting point for further study and progress. These courses are meant to help you develop personally and may be useful if you're thinking about working in areas like healthcare and social services.
Differences:
- The Level 2 course is an introduction to counselling course, while the Level 3 course is more advanced and geared towards professional counselling.
- They both have varied durations.
Considerations:
Choosing between the two courses depends on your goals and the depth of counselling knowledge you seek.
The Level 2 course serves as an entry point, introducing learners to counselling skills applicable in everyday life and work situations. With no formal entry requirements and a 10-week evening duration at City Campus Manchester, it's suitable for those looking to explore counselling basics without immediate professional aspirations.
On the other hand, the Level 3 Counselling Skills Course is designed for those aspiring to become professional counsellors. The decision hinges on your desired level of expertise and commitment, with the Level 2 course offering a more casual introduction and the Level 3 course providing a rigorous path towards professional counselling.
Find the counselling course that's right for you – explore our comprehensive options and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in counselling.