Ofqual, together with its partner regulators in Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA), is responsible for regulation of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
The QCF is a system for recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning). Each unit has a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit. The flexibility of the system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best.
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (QCF)
This is a part-time course running for 3.5 hours per week over 2 years.
In addition to this there are also full day skills training, and a residential weekend per year.
Students will need to find a placement, having 100 supervised client 
hours over the two years, and have 20 hours of their own personal therapy.
This course is suitable for those who wish to become qualified counsellors
The fee for the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling course is £1,800 per year.
Aims and outcomes of the counselling programme:
- Counselling and communication skills
- Counselling theory and conceptual learning
- Self-awareness and personal development
- Applying skills and theory to practice
- Knowledge of contextual factors e.g. Culture agency.
- Counselling specialisms.
Dryden et al, (1989) Handbook of Counselling in Britain Routledge.
These elements are built into the overall course structure.
Target outcomes
The fundamental outcome for the course is the establishment of a sound, competent and ethical base for practice. The Diploma level is concerned with the training of counsellors to a professional level of competency. At Diploma level every aspect of training is covered in more depth, building on the knowledge, skills and self-development gained on the Certificate course or its equivalent. (See notes on entry requirements).
In addition to classroom-based work, students will be aided to find appropriate placements for counselling practice where they will be expected to complete 100 hours training. Students will be required to have regular and ongoing supervision with a qualified supervisor in accordance with BACP recommendations of 1.5 hours per month. (See notes on placements and supervision requirements).
By the end of the Diploma level course the candidate will have become a skilled reflective practitioner. They will be able to consistently evaluate their work and integrate their learning as a part of their professional being.
Specific aims
- To meet, when combined with the skills course, the training contact hours requirement for basic training at BACP level for recognition as a qualified counsellor.
- To provide further developed skills, including a 100 hour practice component under supervision.
- To create a reflective practitioner.
- To deepen the knowledge base about counselling and psychological theory which is needed to underpin counselling practice. In particular to examine an integrative way of working (to include person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT)
- To give an understanding of the main ethical issues for counselling.
