Entry requirements

You will be expected to have English and maths at GCSE grade 4 or above or a Level 2 Functional Skills certificate in English and maths may be considered.

Applicants must also have successfully achieved a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to 64 UCAS points, such as A Levels or BTEC Level 3. Other related Level 3 qualifications such as VRQ, NVQ, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma or related work experience, would also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to attend an interview to demonstrate suitability for the course.

About the course

If you're passionate about supporting others and understanding human behaviour, the Level 4 HNC in Counselling and Applied Psychology is your gateway to a meaningful career in roles like mental health coach, trainee counsellor or wellbeing advisor.

This two-year course provides a solid introduction to counselling and psychology, helping you develop core professional and personal skills through a blend of academic learning and real-world experience. You'll explore key topics such as Developing Empathic Communication, Digital Approaches in Caring Professions, and Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice, all designed to deepen your understanding of the field and prepare you for future study or employment.

A key part of the course is a 100-hour work placement, giving you the opportunity to apply theory to practice, gain hands-on experience, and grow in confidence in a professional setting. You'll also build valuable transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and reflective thinking - highly sought after in both the workplace and further education.

Whether you're continuing to Level 5 or stepping into a career that makes a difference, this course equips you with the knowledge, behaviours and experience needed to succeed.

Why study?

A Recognised Qualification

The HNC is a Level 4 qualification, equivalent to the first year of a university degree and worth 120 credits. It combines academic learning with hands-on, career-focused skills.

Progression Opportunities

An HNC offers flexible next steps. Progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND), a Bachelor’s degree (BSc Hons), or move straight into entry-level Counselling or Mental Health coaching roles.

Designed with Employers in Mind

Developed with employers, industry experts, and universities, Higher National qualifications focus on the skills businesses need blending technical, business and employability knowledge.

Smaller Class Sizes

With classes of around 15 students, you’ll enjoy personalised teaching, individual support and plenty of opportunities to engage with your tutors and peers.

Where will this course take me?

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding, which students can build on if they decide to continue their studies. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma enables students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. Once students have achieved the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, they can develop their careers in the respective sector by:

• Enter employment into roles such as Wellbeing officer, Mental Health Coach or Counsellor
• continuing existing employment
• committing to CPD
• going to university

Core modules

Mandatory Modules:

Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice

Developing Empathic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationships

Preparing for Research (Pearson-set)

Ethical Frameworks in Counselling Core

Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling

Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling

Individual Differences

Digital Approaches in Caring Professions

Students must also complete 100 hours placement to achieve the Level 4 HNC qualification and to be able to practice. 

How much does it cost?

£6185

You may be eligible to a student loan to cover your fees and maintenance. This loan is available from the Government via Student Finance England. The https://www.gov.uk/studentfinancesteps website has full details and you can use their calculator to see what help you may be entitled to. 

If you have any questions our Admissions Advisers are on hand to offer financial advice and guidance. Please email  or call 01279 868100.

Additional costs:

Students must also independently source and pay for the following:

Student membership - BACP registration – Approximately £100 (this will be funded by the College)  

Insurance to practice as a counsellor - Approximately £100

Supervision every 2 weeks – cost range approximately £35 - £50