Description of the Qualification
The Level 5 equivalent Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling provides opportunities for critical self-reflection and enables learners to work towards the production of a research proposal.
The proposal will cover the field of counselling research and the methodological approaches to enquiry to assess and evaluate the practice of counselling and/or a topic relevant to the field.
This qualification comprises 3 mandatory units; Counselling Practicum, Counselling Supervision, Ethical and Legal Issues, Research in Counselling and an externally set synoptic assessment.
National Counselling Society Accredited Course
The AIM Awards Level 5 equivalent Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling course run at AAAIB is accredited by the National Counselling Society and, subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Society, is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority
Entry Guidance
It is recommended that learners have achieved the a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Practice (QCF) or equivalent before embarking on the Level 5 equivalent Diploma.
This will equip the learner with the prerequisite level of knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to embark on this qualification.
Learners will be expected to demonstrate a critical appreciation of theoretical concepts, legal and ethical issues in all their written work.
At level 5, learners should be practitioners who have sufficient experience to evaluate how useful theoretical concepts are proving to be in their own client work.
Counselling Practicum
Learners studying towards the Level 5 equivalent Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling must complete at least 100 hours of counselling placement, evidenced through a Supervisor’s report, before they can be awarded the qualification.
Learners who have achieved the Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Practice (QCF) will be able use the 100 hours of practicum gained as part of this qualification to meet the practicum requirements of the Level 5 equiavlent Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (QCF).
Please note that these are minimum hours and that candidates may exceed but not fall short of them.
Professional Accreditation
This qualification may be used to support candidates’ applications for professional accreditation or membership of a professional body. In all such cases, the professional body’s rules and/or accreditation criteria must take precedence.
Progression
This award will enhance career opportunities in a range of counselling environments and will also assist further opportunities for academic progression.
On completion of the Level 5 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice, candidates will have acquired substantial conceptual knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the practice of modern therapeutic counselling. They will also have acquired much deeper insight into
their own capacity, capability and limitations to engage effectively in a wide range of complex therapeutic relationships with different clients and further understanding of Supervision.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to progress into:
• employment, with one of the many counselling services operating in the UK
• self employment, ie professional private practice
• voluntary service
Duration
This is a part-time day or evening course running over a 1 year period. The details confirming the start dates and the day of the week that this course will run will be provided on enquiry.
What Day(s)
Evening courses Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 6.00pm – 9.00pm – depending on availability.
Daytime courses subject to sufficient registrations.
How is the course assessed?
The Level 5 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Practice is assessed by means of a combination of external and internal assessments. External assessment are set and marked by an independent External Assessor. Internal assessments are marked by the Tutor and are externally verified by an independent External Verifier.
The assessment processes used throughout this course are:
1. Report of Supervised Practice
2. Supervisors report;
3. Essays (or structured writing);
4. Research Proposal;
5. Examination.
External Assessment Methods
A 3 hour examination in the form of a question paper which is both set and marked by an independent External Assessor.
What qualification will I gain?
Level 5 equivalent Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Cost
Please contact AAAIB for further details.
When will the next course start?
Please contact AAAIB for further details.
How do I apply?
Contact AAAIB by email in admin@aaaib.co.uk or by telephone on 01726 814582