EastleighEastleigh
Counselling is an incredibly fulfilling career path, offering a much-need opportunity to support and transform people’s lives. Our Level 5 Diploma in HE Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course is perfect should you aspire towards a career in counselling. Curated in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, this course supports you to explore different approaches to counselling.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people focus on current issues so they can find practical solutions that help them feel better now. You will be taught the practical knowledge and interpersonal skills you need to pursue a career as a cognitive behavioural therapist. You will learn how to help people challenge negative thinking so they can approach situations more positively, guiding them to change how they feel and act so they can deal with issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), stress, depression and phobias. You could work in areas such as education, the police service, the prison service and the voluntary sector. This course shares the same first year modules as our DipHE Humanistic Counselling and DipHE Gestalt Counselling. As such, you will have the option to switch courses at the end of year one, if you wish.
This two-year course starts with an initial introduction to the broad and varied world of counselling. You will learn about the different approaches available to a practitioner so that you can start to decide which modality is best suited to your skills and personality.
Year 1 (Level 4) – you will develop foundational counselling skills and explore all the counselling approaches available to practitioners including gestalt and humanistic counselling. You will become confident in:
Year 2 (Level 5) – you will focus on the practical skills you need as a cognitive behavioural therapist, and you will gain a deeper, more detailed awareness of CBT, including:
During the year you will put your newly formed knowledge into practice by completing 100 hours of supervised therapy. You’ll also develop skills you need to work with different types of clients and learn about mental health issues. You will also complete a module in research methods and ethics in counselling and psychotherapy; this is preparation should you wish to move onto the corresponding BSc (Hons) top-up qualification. The programme has been designed to suit a range of entrants; you will be taught using a mixture of didactic and facilitative methods with an emphasis on experiential and student-centred learning. Throughout the course, you will be engaged in both individual and group activities as well as small research and discussion groups. You will be required to take part in personal therapy throughout the course, as well as register for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) membership; both come at an additional cost, with therapy costing anywhere between £30-£70 per hour and BACP membership at £82 per year. Both will enormously benefit and enrich your learning experience, giving you first-hand experience of the world of CBT.
Awarding Body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Portsmouth.
Course Fees
The course fees are set by the University of Portsmouth and may be subject to change – please see their website for the latest fees and details. Instalment plans and loans may be available to assist with this.
Policies
For our HE Fees, Admissions and Student Protection Policies, please visit our Policies page.
You will require a Level 3 Counselling skills qualification plus GCSE English at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent. We welcome applications from A Level students with A Levels in Psychology, Psychotherapy or Sociology (112 UCAS points) and will consider on an individual basis subject to a successful interview and interpersonal skills role-play.
A Levels – BBC
International Baccalaureate – 25
You must also pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting the course.
You will need to apply for the course through the University of Portsmouth website – the below APPLY button link will take you directly there. Whilst you are based in Eastleigh College, you would also be a University of Portsmouth student and will therefore be able to access their facilities and support.
Upon successful completion of this Level 5 DipHE qualification you will have the necessary tools to progress into employment or continue studying to top-up your diploma to a Bachelor’s degree with our one-year Level 6 BSc (Hons) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course, also awarded by the University of Portsmouth.
College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.
Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.
