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CertHE Counselling and Therapeutic Communication

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 1 Year
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

CertHE Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication (awarded by NCG)

Levels Explained

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More about the course

This new Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication course is the first step on your journey to becoming a counsellor. This course provides hands-on, practical learning for those who want to practice counselling or open their own counselling service.

This course is taught by practising counsellors and provides excellent progression opportunities. It will enable you to develop an understanding of the principles and practices of communication and counselling approaches whilst allowing you to consolidate learning in practical counselling techniques, informed by the theory of counselling practice.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points (must include recognised Level 3 qualification in Counselling Skills).

You may be invited to a discretionary interview.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject[s], you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English Language or the Level 2 equivalence (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I learn?

Foundation Counselling Theory and Skills for Practice
Personal Development or Recognition of Prior Learning
Academic Study Skills
Developing Skills for Professional Practice
Work Related Learning
Exploration of Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Issues of Power and Oppression
Coping with Change: Theory and Practice

How is the course taught?

Seminars
Practical sessions in the brand-new Counselling Suite (simulated environment)
One-to-one sessions with tutors
Group work
Independent study

How am I assessed?

In-course technical reports
Essays
Portfolios
Reflection
Case studies
Academic posters
Presentations
Peer assessments
Work-based project

Work Experience

This Counselling course will provide you with hands-on learning in a simulated environment, mirroring what you will experience in the Counselling profession.

Where can I progress?

After successfully completing CertHE Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication, you may choose to progress on to the FdSc Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication course. You will also be able to work in pastoral care, youth work and family support work.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Richard Cave

Lecturer | Counselling

"The great thing about this course that I’m teaching is that it’s a professional course, so by the end of the two years, my students have a professional qualification to go out and be a counsellor and speak to real people with real issues."

Xania Prentice

BSc (Hons) Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication (Top-Up)

"As an older student, learning as a beginner meant I was able to bring all my life experience onto this course. I've studied modules ranging from trauma to gender to bereavement, and all of it fascinated me. But to me, this course wasn't just about qualifying in psychology - I've found my calling here, by discovering how people work and figuring out how I could help them."