Counselling Skills Level 3 (September Start)
Course Overview
Counselling Skills Level 3 (September Start)
This qualification is ideal for those seeking to enhance their functional role through the use of counselling skills.
You will gain an understanding of a range of counselling skills and have the opportunity to examine some of the various schools of thought/theoretical models associated with them.
The course is suitable for professionals employed in education, welfare or social services wishing to develop a counselling role. It may also be appropriate for those working in a voluntary capacity with self-help groups or other agencies.
A commitment to equal opportunities is an essential component of this course.
Note: This qualification does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor.
Study Options
There are two study options available:
Daytime: Wednesdays from 9.30am to 4.30am
Evening: Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Located at: Old Mill Lane campus
Course Start: 01 September 2025
Course length: 10 Months
Study Mode: Part-time
Course Code: QHEADIC311
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
This course costs £2,225.
Free courses for jobs
If you are aged 19 or over, you may not have to pay for this course if:
- You do not already have a Level 3 qualification OR
- You already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but earn below the earnings threshold set by your local authority, which includes benefits (see below) OR
- You already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested benefit, below the earnings threshold set by your local authority (see below).
This course is funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and/or West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). You must be living in the South or West Yorkshire regions to qualify for funding.
Earnings Threshold
- If you live in the qualifying West Yorkshire region and earn below £25,000 a year, then you may not have to pay for this course.
- If you live in the qualifying South Yorkshire region and earn below £30,476 a year, then you may not have to pay for this course.
Other funding information
You may be eligible for assistance with expenses such as travel, books, equipment and childcare. For further information please contact Student Services by calling 01226 216 267.
This course may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
For eligibility information and details about how to apply, visit the Advanced Learner Loan page. Or contact our Information Team by emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk or calling 01226 216 123.
Course Content
Candidates will need to be aged 19 or above.
Possession of a Level 2 qualification in Counselling Skills/Helping Skills (proof of this will be expected at enrolment).
GCSE Grade C or above in English Language (or the equivalent).
Continuous assessment through assignments/reflective journals and a portfolio of evidence.
Candidates must submit a completed portfolio of evidence by the end of the course for final assessment. External verifier may request photocopying part of your portfolio but your confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
Minimum 90% attendance, which will be monitored throughout the course.
Students who achieve this qualification could progress to the Level 4 Counselling Therapeutic Diploma.
Other Resources
For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.
If you are aged 16 - 19 and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards achieving a higher grade in English and Maths, we can help you do that too and we offer Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) which maybe added to your study programme, subject to approval from your chosen department.
If you're aged 19 or above and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.
If you need any further information, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.
Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.
Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The course information on this page was last updated 18 June 2025.
