Certificate in Counselling Skills SL6

What will I learn?

This course is ideal for those who wish to develop advanced knowledge and understanding of counselling skills. It is designed for individuals who use counselling skills within their role or are considering progression towards further counselling study.

Counselling skills are highly valued across health and social care, education, community work and support services. This course provides a strong foundation for those wishing to progress in helping professions.

This is an NCFE Awarding Body course and explores counselling theory, ethical practice, diversity, self-development and the practical application of counselling skills. Learners will develop a deeper understanding of helping relationships and the skills required to support others effectively.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Developing Counselling Skills
• Theoretical Approaches in the Use of Counselling Skills
• Working Ethically with Counselling Skills
• Counselling Skills and Diversity
• Counselling Skills and Personal Development

This is a fully online course, designed to be flexible, allowing you to study at a time that suits you.  Target submission dates are provided to support your progress and can usually be adjusted if needed. 

The course is assessed through short essay-style responses that demonstrate your understanding of the subject. All coursework must be complete by course end dates. 

You will receive an email with a login to access the course and assessments.  On successful completion you will receive a NCFE Certificate.

What qualifications do I need?

As the course is online you will need basic IT skills, access to internet facilities and a suitable device such as a laptop or tablet.  If you don’t have access to equipment at home, you may be able to use local library services, or if you’re local to West College Scotland, our campus libraries.

You must have completed the SL5 or equivalent course in the same or similar subject area to progress onto the Level 3 course.

You can only undertake one SL5 or 6 course at a time.

This course does not require a personal statement.

What can I do after?

On completion of this course, learners may progress to higher-level counselling qualifications or further study in mental health, psychology or social care.

It is also a good starting point for those individuals who are interested in entering a career as Support worker, care practitioner or voluntary counselling and listening roles.

Please note that this course does not qualify learners to practise as a counsellor but can form part of a progression route towards professional counselling qualifications

Programme Information

SL5 is comparable with SCQF Level 5

This course has fixed start and end dates and is delivered in scheduled cohorts.  Cohorts typically start in October and February, although exact dates will be confirmed on the website. 

Please note that the first assessment deadline cannot be extended.  While some later deadlines may be flexible, all assessments must be completed within the 25-week course timeframe.

We recommend considering your commitments before applying to ensure you have enough time to fully engage with the course and meet the required deadlines.

Dates: 19th October - 23rd April 2026

Course Hours – 400

No of Weeks – 25, that's just 16 hours per week

Please be aware that you could be withdrawn from your course if submission dates are vastly overdue. If at any point you are struggling with deadlines you should contact us for an extension which we will assign where possible

On successful completion and confirmation, you will receive your NCFE e-certificate online which you can print and/or save for your records. Please note a fee may be required if a hard copy certificate is requested.

Cost:

This course is fully funded for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Resident in Scotland for 3+ years and has not studied the course previously.

If you do not meet these criteria, you can enrol but the course fee will be applicable.

Companies looking to undertake this course for multiple staff or as part of a funded workforce training plan, should contact Online Learning Contact Form.