East Sussex College has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
You will be trained to use person-centred counselling skills and attitudes to form and maintain effective counselling relationships. The course develops the skills of reflection and reflexivity in relation to their counselling practice, together with the opportunity to analyse the social context of counselling practice including the family, difference and diversity, culture, politics, religion and language within contemporary society. The course is accredited by the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists [BACP] ethical framework for counselling practice, and supports students with how to use supervision effectively, to research effectively, and develop research knowledge and skills. You will discuss mental health issues in relation to counselling and examine the implications of working as a counsellor across a range of work settings. WHAT WILL YOU STUDY? The course is based on the person-centered philosophy and therapy of Carl Rogers. All course tutors are qualified and experienced person-centred counsellors. The skills and professional attitudes of counselling are developed through group work, seminars, creative workshops, tutored discussions and lectures. WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? The course is for those who can demonstrate an empathy and understanding of life experiences and knowledge of person-centred beliefs and attitudes and wish to become a person-centred counsellor. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for this course, students will need to have completed, or be in the process of completing, a Level 2 Counselling skills course with a minimum of 60 hours counselling skills which must include observation of counselling practice. The Level 2 Counselling courses run at East Sussex College fulfil this criterion, as do other synchronously taught courses, but please enquire if you are unsure. (Synchronous teaching refers to courses taught in real-time either face to face or online). WHAT CAN YOU DO AFTER THIS COURSE? As a qualified Counsellor, you can work in a wide range of services including abuse services, primary care counselling, services for young people, mental health services and careers services, as well as in private practice. Qualification enables you to work towards professional accreditation and pursue higher education in counselling related fields. Graduates may progress to the one year Top-up Degree at East Sussex College to gain a full BSc Honours Degree. In 2024 we were awarded an exceptional 94% National Student Survey (NSS) rating. Every university in the UK takes part in the NSS, as do many colleges. This survey gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses which helps to inform prospective students’ choices and provide data that supports universities and colleges to improve the student experience. East Sussex College University Courses is very proud of our extremely high score. The NSS is managed by the OfS on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies.
Modules
The main aims are achieved through students becoming able to:
- Use person-centred counselling skills and attitudes to form and maintain effective counselling relationships.
- Develop the skills of reflection and reflexivity in relation to their counselling practice.
- Analyse the social context of counselling practice including the family, difference and diversity, culture, politics, religion and language within contemporary society.
- Discuss the application of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy [BACP] Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions to counselling practice.
- Describe how to use supervision effectively.
- Use research effectively and develop research knowledge and skills.
- Discuss mental health issues in relation to counselling.
- Examine the implications of working as a counsellor across a range of work settings including private practice.
Assessment method
Your progress and development are monitored through tutor, peer and self-assessment and specific assignments. You will complete 100 hours of placement work and receive 25 hours of supervision for this work. You will also engage in 40 hours of personal therapy in the life of the course. Study on campus is timetabled to cover 1 day per week during term-time.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
GCSE/National 4/National 5
You will need to have achieved a Level 2 qualification in Counselling Skills (classroom-based course), and have completed a minimum of 60 hours in-person counselling practice hours at Level 2. Distance learning or online courses at Level 2 or upper level, can't be accepted, as an entry requirement for this course.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Other
A course specific essay will need to be completed in addition to the application paperwork Academic Reference from Level 2 Counselling Tutor
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 overall with mimimum 6 in writing. |
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £8250 | Year 1 |
| England | £8250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £8250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Residential Weekends
There is one residential weekend in each year. It is a requirement of the course that all
students attend these residential weekends. Please enquire for indicative costs. Fees for
these residentials are paid in advance and attendance will not be allowed without
payment having been made.
Personal Counselling Costs
Personal counselling costs are in addition to fees stated and must be provided by purely
Person-Centred counsellors who have been approved by the tutor team.
Supervision
Placement supervision may be offered free of charge. However, students are very likely to
need to complete additional supervision hours to top-up those offered in placements to
meet college requirements
Provider information
East Sussex College
Station Plaza
Station Approach
Hastings, East Sussex
TN34 1BA