COUNSELLING AND APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY HNC

If youre passionate about supporting others and understanding human behaviour, the Level 4 HNC in Counselling and Applied Psychology is your gateway to a meaningful career in roles like mental health coach, trainee counsellor or wellbeing advisor.<br/><br/>This two-year course provides a solid introduction to counselling and psychology, helping you develop core professional and personal skills through a blend of academic learning and real-world experience. Youll explore key topics such as Developing Empathic Communication, Digital Approaches in Caring Professions, and Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice, all designed to deepen your understanding of the field and prepare you for future study or employment.<br/><br/>A key part of the course is a 100-hour work placement, giving you the opportunity to apply theory to practice, gain hands-on experience, and grow in confidence in a professional setting. Youll also build valuable transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and reflective thinking - highly sought after in both the workplace and further education.<br/><br/>Whether youre continuing to Level 5 or stepping into a career that makes a difference, this course equips you with the knowledge, behaviours and experience needed to succeed.<br/><br/>Why study?<br/><br/>A Recognised Qualification<br/>The HNC is a Level 4 qualification, equivalent to the first year of a university degree and worth 120 credits. It combines academic learning with hands-on, career-focused skills.<br/>Progression Opportunities<br/>An HNC offers flexible next steps. Progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND), a Bachelor’s degree (BSc Hons), or move straight into entry-level Counselling or Mental Health coaching roles.<br/>Designed with Employers in Mind<br/>Developed with employers, industry experts, and universities, Higher National qualifications focus on the skills businesses need blending technical, business and employability knowledge.<br/>Smaller Class Sizes<br/>With classes of around 15 students, you’ll enjoy personalised teaching, individual support and plenty of opportunities to engage with your tutors and peers.<br/><br/>Where will this course take me?<br/><br/>The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding, which students can build on if they decide to continue their studies. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma enables students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. Once students have achieved the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, they can develop their careers in the respective sector by:<br/>Enter employment into roles such as Wellbeing officer, Mental Health Coach or Counsellor<br/>continuing existing employment<br/>committing to CPD<br/>going to university<br/><br/>Core modules<br/>Mandatory Modules:<br/>Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice<br/>Developing Empathic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationships<br/>Preparing for Research (Pearson-set)<br/>Ethical Frameworks in Counselling Core<br/>Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling<br/>Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling<br/>Individual Differences<br/>Digital Approaches in Caring Professions<br/><br/>Students must also complete 100 hours placement to achieve the Level 4 HNC qualification and to be able to practice<br/><br/>Please note that course viability is subject to the final number of enrolments.