The British College of Applied Studies grants the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Applied Counselling-(Cognitive Behavioral), a Level 5 Pearson-assured credential. This program provides students the chance to concentrate in a counselling-related topic while preparing them for advancement to Level 6 degree-level programs.

The goal of the course is to prepare students for successful work in the Psychology and Counselling related sectors by giving them the fundamental abilities and qualities required for positions requiring professional responsibility and decision-making. Students will gain the capacity to manage complexity and uncertainty, apply critical thinking to their studies, investigate potential solutions, and exhibit careful evaluations in theory and practice in a variety of therapeutic contexts throughout the course of the program.

• Award : BTEC HND in Applied Psychology and Counselling

• Level : Higher National Diploma

• Credits : 240 Credits

• Duration : 2 Years

Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• Local GCE Advanced level of minimum 2 subjects supported by GCE grades A* to S.

• GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. (This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths and English.)

• Other related Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects such as Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Psychology.

• BTEC Level 3 qualification in a related subject, such as BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.

• A Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution in a relevant subject.

• Relevant work experience.

• An international equivalent to the above qualifications.

Language Requirement

Students will need to demonstrate English language proficiency meeting standards of;

• Completing the final two years of schooling in English.

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level B2.

• PTE Academic 51.

• IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5).

Intake Interview

An interview will be conducted with students and their guardians to assess whether the student’s character aligns with the expectations of the course.What will be checked;

• The interview will address if the candidates’ characters align with qualities expected for an aspiring mental health practitioner.

• Guardians will be interviewed on the candidates’ conduct, such as the absence of any misconduct or violent behaviors.

• Candidates are required to present school leaving certificates to evaluate student conduct.

Note : If any misleading or false information is provided, the center will not provide the qualification to the student.

Course Overview

The program comprises four semesters, each with four to six modules, including placement tests and assignments. In the 1st Semester, students have modules such as Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice, Developing Empathetic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationship, and Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling.

The 2nd Semester introduces students to Theoretical Perspective in Counselling, Individual Differences, and Digital Approaches in Caring Professions while the 3rd Semester contains Counselling Skills Development and Practice, Working with Diverse Clients in Therapeutic Counselling, and Cognitive Behavioral Approaches to Counselling. The last Semester involves 70 hours of placement tests, Counselling Skills Development and Practice, Risk and Assessment (Pearson-set) and Comparative Theories and Approaches in Counselling.

Career Paths

After finishing, students will have a firm grasp of the fundamental ideas in their field of study and be able to apply these ideas more widely in the practice of psychology and counselling.

This program can be the first step for you to explore and gain roles involving professional responsibility, decision-making as well as potential innovations.

For more information, visit the BCAS official website.