Level 4/5 DipHE Integrative Counselling

This course is subject to validation by the University of Portsmouth. Applications for September 2026 will open soon. If you would like to be notified when the application portal opens, then please register your interest using the form at the bottom of the page.

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 Integrative course is perfect should you aspire towards a career in counselling. Created in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, this course supports you to explore different approaches to counselling.

The course will cover the application of integrative counselling, focusing on how multiple therapeutic theories can be blended ethically, coherently, and purposefully within professional practice. Building on foundational counselling skills, you will develop a flexible and principled approach that responds sensitively to the unique needs of each client. This course shares the same first year modules as our DipHE Person Centred Counselling, Dip HE Gestalt and DipHE CBT Counselling courses and you will have the option to switch modalities 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. Overall, 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. including both individual and group activities as well as small research and discussion groups.

In year 1 (Level 4), you will develop foundational counselling skills and explore all the counselling approaches available to practitioners including gestalt, integrative and person centred counselling. 

You will study 4 modules in year 1: 

• Counselling Theory
• Counselling Skills 
• Diversity, Ethics and Professional Practice
• Personal and Professional Development

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.

You will study a further 5 modules: 

• Introduction to Research
• Integrative Applied Counselling Practice
• Diverse Clients Groups
• Working With Mental Health
• Personal and Professional Development 2

Timetabled teaching takes place 1 day a week. You may occasionally have to attend additional sessions and workshops at the college or university in the evenings and at weekends. Details will be provided during induction to the course.

During the second year you will put your newly formed knowledge into practice working with real world clients in a clinical placement. You will have the support of our work placement co-ordinator to find a suitable placement. 

You’ll 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.

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 Gestalt counselling.

Important Notice
A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until enrolment is complete, and any relevant fees are paid. Adult course times, dates, durations and fees may be subject to change, and courses may be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met.

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.