Academy of Counselling Education

(ACE Courses)

Providing  innovative counselling courses by aspiring to excellence


Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)

Courses starting from

 April 2025

Next Course Dates From April 2025...

  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) April 2025 / Saturdays / Fortnightly

    Online Interactive Course Starts:  26th April 2025 until 8th November 2025 - 9.30am until 4.00pm (Excluding Optional Tutorials)

    Find out more

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

(CST-L3)


20 Credit Value applies to this qualification which is designed for those who already have acquired a qualification in counselling skills and want to increase their employability.  For example, for those whose role is to support others in sectors such as health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles. It provides additional skills for those already in employment and is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement towards the practitioner-level qualifications (TC-L4).


The course adopts a Humanistic Approach to inform counselling skills in addition to learning more about the three main theoretical models; Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT.


For courses at Centre Locations a blended approach applies which includes approx. twenty percent of the total course online teaching/webinars and complimented by a virtual learning environment throughout the course.   


ACE Courses is an Independent Counselling Training Provider which means we do not have direct links to Government Finance Funding.  As an alternative we accept a deposit and regular payments for Level 4 and above.   


APPLY HERE

What you will learn...


1. Working safely

Prepare to work within an ethical framework. 

2. Working through the relationship

Understand the counselling relationship.

3. Working with difference and diversity

Understand differences and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding. 

4. Centering the work with the person being helped 

Work within a user-centred approach to counselling

5. Working with self-awareness

Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice.

6. Working with theory, skills and techniques

Understand theories of counselling and mental health.

7. Working reflectively

Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies .

  • General Information: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)

    Progression to Level 4 (TC-L4)


    Ofqual - Recognised National Qualification (RNQ) - Certificate  


    20 Credits


    The course adopts a Humanistic Approach to inform Counselling Skills Practice in addition to learning about the three main Theoretical Models; Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and CBT.  


    This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired a recognised qualification in counselling skills and want to:


    • Take the next step in training to become a counsellor 
    • Learn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental health
    • Be prepared for work as a professional counsellor in an agency setting 

    This qualification leads to employment and increases employability for those who support others in sectors such as health and social care work, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles. It provides additional skills for those already in employment and is likely to lead to increased opportunities for promotion and advancement towards practitioner-level qualifications (TC-L4). 


    Blended /Hybrid learning/Group work and Assessments


    The internal course work/assessments include creating a Portfolio consisting of achieving Learning Criteria over seven Learning Outcomes:


    •  Prepare to work within an ethical framework.
    • Understand the counselling relationship.
    • Understand differences and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding.
    • Work within a user-centred approach to counselling.
    • Use Counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice.
    • Understand theories of counselling and mental health.
    • Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies.

    Course philosophy:


    An important aspect of the course is that Tutors pride themselves on maintaining a student-led approach, including a sensitivity in providing constructive feedback.  Continual support and guidance are offered with regular Tutorials ensuring a positive learning experience. This is complemented by external speakers from time to time. Our philosophy of ensuring a transparency and ease of communication between students and Tutors is aided by our tailored interactive classrooms/virtual learning environment (VLE).



  • Course Entry Requirements

    Minimum Age 19 or over and obtained the 


    CSK-L2 or equivalent / Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent to at least 75 GLH


    • Ability to translate intra-personal experience into language 
    • Able to benefit from self-development 
    •  Emotional stability 
    • Evidence personal insight 
    • Ability to form a counselling relationship
    • Awareness of difference and diversity 
    • Able to cope with course content 
    • Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development 
    • Be motivated towards developing as a counselling practitioner
    • Provide references (centre option) 

  • Mode of Study

    Nationwide / LIVE Online


    90 Hours (Minimum) Guided Learning (GLH)


    196  Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT):  


    •   90 Guided Learning Hours
    •   25  Learning Reviews 
    •   30  Essay Preparation
    •   51 Coursework, module sessional reading and group work 
  • Duration of the Course

    Approx 6 months

    Progressing to Level 4 (TC-L4)

  • Next Course Start Dates

    Next course start date


    April 2025 until November 2025

    Saturdays/Fortnightly 

    (Online/LIVE Interactive Class)


    Course times: 


     9.30am - 4.00pm - Approx/Fortnightly

    (Excluding Tutorials)


    Location: 


    Nationwide / Online / Refer to ACE Courses Location


    Next scheduled Online course dates 

    (Online/Interactive in Class):


    April 25 / Saturdays / Fortnightly...

     

    April 25

    26

    May 25

    10; 24

    June 25

    07; 21

    July 25

    05; 19

    September 25

    13; 27

    October 25

    11; 25

    November 25

    01; 08

  • Course Times

    9.30am to 4.00pm (Excluding Optional Tutorials)




  • Course Location

    Nationwide / Online / LIVE Interactive Classes

  • Course Fees

    Total cost of the course:


    £1195.00


    Breakdown of initial cost:


    £175 applies to book your place on the course (non-refundable)


    £325  Registration Fee and ACE  (including the Approved Fee of the Ofqual Regulated Training Provision/Qualification) is payable  (non-refundable).


    The remaining course fee is to be received/arranged at least 4 weeks before the course starts.  


    Also refer to specific locations as costs may vary.


    If at any point after starting the course, you are unable to continue refer to our Refund Policy

  • Registration Process

    1. Completion and submission of ACE Courses Registration Form
    2. On receipt, you will receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours and a decision thereafter.  
    3. If you fulfil ACE Courses criteria you will be offered a place on the course subject to receiving the advised initial booking fee to secure your place.
    Registration Form
  • Request Contact

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