After successful completion of the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, you have the opportunity to complete the Level 6 of the BA (Hons) Person Centered and CBT Counselling & Psychology (Top-up) course to obtain a full honours degree with a further year of study.
This course qualifies you at practitioner level as a Counsellor. You could gain employment in the counselling field or related psychological professions.
This diploma prepares you for a rewarding and meaningful career in counselling, where you can make a genuine difference in the lives of others. Rooted in the Person-Centred Approach, the programme emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship, valuing each individual’s unique experience and capacity for growth.
Through a balance of theory, skills development, and reflective practice, you will build the confidence and competence needed to work safely and effectively with clients. The course also offers opportunities to develop specialist understanding in areas such as loss, trauma, and mental health, supported by practical placement experience.
Graduates of this programme are well equipped to progress towards professional status as qualified person-centred counsellors or to continue their studies at degree level. The knowledge, skills, and self-awareness you gain will also be valuable in related fields such as mental health support, education, coaching, or community work — wherever empathy, understanding, and human connection are at the heart of the role.
Applications for this course are made via UCAS – click here to find out how to apply.
You can view The Open University regulations here.Level 4 Overview
The Person-Centred Diploma in Counselling offers a rich and reflective journey into the heart of therapeutic practice. In the first two modules, you will build a strong foundation in person-centred theory and begin developing practical counselling skills. As you progress, you will explore human development, creative and integrative approaches, and work with themes such as loss, trauma, and mental health. Rooted in the values of authenticity, empathy, and respect, this diploma prepares you to become a confident, ethical, and compassionate counsellor, ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In Module 1, you will explore the Person-Centred Approach (PCA) as a dynamic and evolving therapeutic philosophy. You will examine the work of Carl Rogers alongside later developments that have deepened and expanded person-centred theory, such as relational depth, configurations of self, and contemporary perspectives on the therapeutic relationship. This module encourages you to engage critically with the PCA as a living theory—one that continues to grow and adapt in response to modern understandings of human experience. Through this exploration, you will begin to build a strong theoretical foundation for your developing counselling practice. In Module 2, the focus turns to the practical application of person-centred theory in therapeutic work. You will begin developing the core skills and attitudes that underpin effective counselling practice, learning how to create a safe and collaborative space for clients. Through experiential activities, skills practice, and supervised sessions, you will explore how to be fully present and responsive within the therapeutic relationship. This module emphasises the integration of theory and practice, supporting you to embody person-centred values in authentic, relational ways as you begin to form your identity as a counsellor.
Module 3 – Human Development
In Module 3, you will explore the complexities of human growth and development across the lifespan, considering how life stages, experiences, and contexts influence the counselling relationship. You will examine key theories of human development and reflect on how these ideas intersect with person-centred values and practice. This module supports you in developing deeper empathy and understanding of clients’ lived experiences, helping you recognise the individuality and diversity of human journeys within therapeutic work.
Module 4 – Creative Therapies and Other Theoretical Approaches
In Module 4, you will broaden your perspective by engaging with creative and integrative approaches to counselling. You will explore how creative therapies—such as art, imagery, movement, and play—can enrich the therapeutic process and deepen client expression. Alongside this, you will be introduced to other counselling modalities, including cognitive-behavioural and integrative approaches, considering how they may complement person-centred practice within a pluralistic framework. This module encourages flexibility, creativity, and openness as you expand your understanding of what it means to work therapeutically with a range of clients and needs.
Level 5 Overview
Module 5 – Loss and Grief: Theory and Practice
In Module 5, you will explore the complex emotional landscape of loss and grief. You will examine key theoretical models and person-centred perspectives on how individuals experience and process loss in its many forms. This module emphasises sensitive, relational practice, enabling you to develop the skills and confidence to support clients through bereavement and other significant life transitions with empathy, presence, and authenticity.
Module 6 – Trauma and Abuse: Theory and Practice
Module 6 deepens your understanding of trauma and abuse within a therapeutic context. You will study contemporary trauma theories and person-centred approaches to working safely and ethically with clients who have experienced adversity. The module focuses on developing awareness, sensitivity, and appropriate therapeutic responses, helping you recognise the impact of trauma on the self and the counselling relationship while maintaining a grounded and compassionate presence.
Module 7 – Understanding and Working with Mental Health
In Module 7, you will examine person-centred understandings of mental health and distress, with particular focus on anxiety, depression, and phobias. You will consider how social, relational, and individual factors contribute to mental health challenges and explore ways to respond therapeutically within a person-centred and pluralistic framework. This module supports you in developing confidence and competence when working with clients experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties.
Module 8 – Integrating Theory, Practice, and Self
Module 8 brings together the theoretical, practical, and personal dimensions of your learning. Through reflective exploration, you will integrate your growing knowledge, skills, and self-awareness, deepening your understanding of who you are as a person-centred counsellor. This module encourages you to engage with your professional identity, ethical values, and relational way of being.
Year 1
Module 1 Person centred Counselling Theory – Level 4
Module 2 Person centred Counselling Practice – Level 4
Module 3 Theoretical Perspectives in Human Development and Counselling – Level 4
Module 4 Integrating Other Counselling Approaches and Creative Therapies – Level 4
Year 2
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory (Level 3)
Mature applicants or applicants who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.
Applicants must have GCSE English language and mathematics at a minimum of grade C or grade 4.
If English is not your first language you will require a recognised Level 2 English language qualification or an IELTS score of 5.5 (with 5.5 minimum in each skill) or an equivalent English language qualification.
Placements
It is the responsibility of the students to find a placement. A list of possible agencies that students can approach is provided. UCP runs a basic check that these providers registered and send any placement agencies a pack containing all the paperwork and course details.
Students will have identified possible placements before enrolling on the course but most placements will not confirm this until students have enrolled.
An enhanced DBS check will be undertaken by the placement provider. UCP provides a ‘placement pack’ to help students and placement providers
Additional Admissions information
All candidates will be required to attend an interview before joining the programme. Interviewers will be seeking evidence of:
EU STUDENTS AND EU STUDENTS AND OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS
We can accept a wide range of overseas qualifications and use UK NARIC to compare qualifications. For advice about overseas qualification conversion call the Admissions Office on 01733 214466 or email admissions@ucp.ac.uk.
ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR CERTIFICATED LEARNING (APCL) FOR ENTRY
APCL relates to learning completed through an earlier course of study. If you have previously completed a course which is relevant to your proposed course you should make this clear when you apply. For this to be eligible for consideration you must be able to provide certification, which shows your success in a final assessment for that course. Learning must be completed in the last five years or further evidence of updating will be required. Simple participation in a course or an attendance certificate is not sufficient.
EXEMPTIONS BASED ON ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING (APL)
We offer students flexibility in their studies, by recognising learning they may have completed elsewhere before they apply. The Accreditation of Prior Learning process ensures that we can take this into account when determining the modules you must study. It is important that you identify any relevant prior learning when you apply. If your previous study specifically relates to modules on the course you wish to undertake we may approve a reduced programmeme of study, thus shortening the time it takes to obtain your award. Where this relates to learning completed through an earlier course of study, this is called Prior Certificated Learning, and where learning has been achieved through relevant work or experience, this is referred to as Prior Experiential Learning. Claims must be approved before you commence a course.
EXEMPTIONS BASED ON ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL CERTIFICATED LEARNING (APEL)
It is important to understand that the APEL process does not award academic credit for experience alone, but for learning which can be shown to have been achieved through that experience. Students are required to prepare an individual case for the credit arising from their learning experiences. This normally means that a student receives support in the preparation of a portfolio, which evidences their claimed exemptions for entry. This portfolio of evidence is then submitted for assessment and the possible award of academic credit. Alternative methods of assessment of evidence may be available but needs to be discussed with the Admissions team or Course Leader.
This course is timetabled into one full day a week over two semesters per year or one afternoon and evening on the same day over two semesters per year. We are able to offer this convenient timetabling to our students as we are a smaller institution so we can timetable our staff and resources more efficiently.
There are two semesters per year and each semester is up to 16 weeks.
The course runs for 2 years.
When studying you will be in classes, seminars and tutorials for approximately 7 hours per week and will spend the rest of your time in independent study and extra-curricular activities including work. We recommend that full-time students allow an additional 15 hours per week for additional study.
The campus is open Monday to Friday term time and you will also have 24/7 access to a virtual learning environment (VLE) with e-books, journals and abstracts plus teaching resources and interactive tools.
Timetables are available at least 6 weeks before registration and you can refer to the academic calendar for examination weeks and resit periods.
The days of the week you study may change each year and in some circumstances one of the full days might have to be split into two half days, but we aim to keep these as full days where possible.
Throughout the duration of your course you will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods. These include essays, case studies, role play, in class quizzes, reflective journals and a placement portfolio.
Year one (Level 4)
100% Coursework
Year two (Level 5)
100% Coursework
We will provide, by the beginning of the first week of each semester, a current module guide with all the information you need for each module, including details of assessment tasks, the deadlines for these tasks, the required format and any relevant guidance.
Students are also responsible for funding their own 10 hours of personal therapy and monthly supervisions.
Students must have the ability to secure 100 hours of counselling practice.
As the course is timetabled on the same day during the week this also gives you the flexibility to find a work placement. A work placement handbook is provided and UCP can provide a list of possible work placements providers. An enhanced DBS will be required for your placement. This will be arranged in conjunction with your placement provider.
Cal Gilchrist is a highly qualified and experienced educator, mentor, and counsellor. With an array of academic achievements, including an MA in Education with a focus on Mentoring and Coaching, a Postgraduate Certificate in Supervision, and a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching and mentoring roles.
Cal has a passion for personal development and has continuously expanded her expertise with certifications in areas such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), addiction studies, and life coaching. Her extensive teaching experience encompasses various levels and subjects, including therapeutic counselling, psychology, and health studies.
As an Academic Course Writer and Curriculum Lead in Higher Education, Cal excels in academic management and curriculum development, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date and relevant education. Furthermore, her research interests in areas like domestic violence, addictions, and witness experiences demonstrate her commitment to making a positive impact on society through education and counselling.
Cal’s dedication to excellence and her broad knowledge base make her an invaluable asset to our courses, providing students with the opportunity to learn from a passionate and accomplished educator. Join our courses to benefit from Cal’s expertise and embark on a transformative educational journey.
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January - Peterborough Only
September - Peterborough/Stamford
From 7th of February 2025 on Fridays.
January 2025: £6,500, £3250 per year for 2 years
September 2025: £7,500, £3750 per year for 2 years
The course fully covers levels 4 and 5 of the subject, giving a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
For those who require financial assistance, there is the option of taking out a student loan (dependent on your eligibility).
This course is for 2 years and is delivered during the day.
The Open University
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Our partnership with The Open University ensures that a significant number of our foundation diplomas and undergraduate degrees are validated by one of the UK’s most respected institutions, enhancing the credibility and recognition of your qualification.
Each course validated by The Open University undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks, guaranteeing that our curriculum meets high academic standards and delivers an exceptional educational experience.
Through our collaboration with The Open University, students at University Centre Peterborough benefit from flexible learning options and expertly designed courses that support both part-time and full-time studies, tailored to accommodate diverse student needs.
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