Counselling and Applied Psychology - HNC Summary Where can this subject lead? Key information What will I learn? How will I learn? How will I be assessed? Summary The B&FC HNC Counselling & Applied Psychology provide exciting opportunities for you to study to enable you to progress to or within a role in counselling and applied psychology. This programme provides you with a platform to begin or enhance your career and incorporate both practical elements and theoretical concepts that are highly desirable in a range of roles in the sector but also gives you a strong range of transferable skills, relevant to many employment opportunities.This programme is designed to develop you as a professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The structure of the programme includes core units which underpin your professional development.The HNC is delivered over one day and one evening a week. Monday 9am – 6pm and Thursday 6pm – 9pm. Course code SM1HE139 Duration 1 Year Day/s of week Monday and Thursday Time 09:00 - 21:00 Next course dates Start date Location Duration 08 Sep 2025 University Centre 1 Year Apply now 86,694 Annual job openings in the North West £25,650 Average annual salary Well-resourced onsite training equipment What Uni Reviews Really enjoyed my time at uni, the tutors have unconditional support for all students. ***** - Jessica Halliwell Amazing course. Learnt so much, tutors are fantastic. ***** - Kelly Broadbent Tutors and HELMs are fantastic! ***** - Bethany Daniels Prev Next Student case study - Heidi Why did you decide to study this qualification?I chose this course because I want to work in substance abuse, supporting adults with addiction. I already work in the sector and this will enable me to progress my career and make the difference I really want to see in people's lives.Why did you choose B&FC?I chose B&FC as I had heard lots of good things about studying here and positive feedback.What have been the benefits of studying here?Socialising and meeting new people, having some much-needed time to myself and achieving my goals. Where can this subject lead? Career progressionBy successfully completing the Certificate, students will:Be equipped with the attitudes and behaviours required to succeed in counselling practice.Have the enhanced employability prospects and ‘work readiness’ of graduates.Be ready to take part in CPD and lifelong learning for personal and professional development. Next steps at B&FCAs part of the HND, you will have the choice to study one of two optional units, dependent on your chosen career path. This will either be ‘Counselling Young People’ or ‘Supporting Clients Experiencing Addiction’.However, there will need to be a minimum of 6 students choosing the option, for either unit to be offered each year. Key information Entry RequirementsTo study this course you must have one of the following:A Level 3 qualification in a related subject, such as Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Counselling Skillsother related Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects such psychology, mental health or carean Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities or ScienceAndYou must have a counselling placement for 4-6 hours per week in place before commencement of the programmeYou will be required to provide the details for 2 references and also a recent DBS check To meet BACP approval requirements, there will also be a selection process that ensures successful applicants have or have the potential to:Develop self-awareness, maturity and stabilityReflect on life experienceCope with the emotional demands of the qualificationCope with the intellectual and academic requirementsBe aware of issues of difference and equalityRecognise the need for personal and professional supportBe able to demonstrate values, principles, personal moral qualities and ethical stancesSelection process:You will be asked to prepare a written piece of 750-1000 words to demonstrate meeting or working towards these BACP requirements. This must be submitted prior to being invited for interview. Details will be provided by letter / email following our receipt of your application. If you meet the requirements at this stage, you will be invited to interview.On the interview day, you will take part in a group discussion.This will be followed by an individual interview where the content of your written piece and your suitability for the programme will be discussed.After this process you will receive a call to either confirm your place on the programme, or to let you know that you have not been successful this time. Students who are not yet ready for the programme will be signposted to suitable opportunities which will enable them to develop so that they can achieve the above. Qualification obtainedBTEC Higher National Certificate in Counselling and Applied Psychology Extra costs and equipmentYou will need to ensure that you have the following in place, prior to starting the programme. These costs may be supported through B&FC Access Fund, depending on your personal circumstances.Further details are included in the Placement Handbook. Approximate costs identified for guidance.Student membership of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy £86Personal Indemnity Insurance £30DBS check £46You will need to have a supervisor in place when you are on placement £30-£60 per session. This should be 12 hours for the HNC and a further 9 hours for the HND.Approximate total additional costs for the programme (assuming supervision at £40 per hour) would therefore be:HNC (year 1) £642 Terms and conditionsRead our full terms and conditions for more information. What will I learn? Industry placement, field trips and guest speakersYou will be required to complete 100 hours of placement during the HNC and a further 70 hours whilst undertaking the HND. These hours are closely managed and regulated, with full details being described within the Placement Handbook which you must read before enrolling to the programme as it contains important information about the placement requirements. Modules at level 4 Module title Code Credits Optional Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice SM4MD191 15 Yes Developing Empathic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationships SM4MD192 15 Yes Preparing for Research Person Set SM4MD193 15 Yes Ethical Frameworks in Counselling SM4MD194 15 Yes Individual Differences SM4MD195 15 Yes Self Awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling SM4MD196 15 Yes Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling SM4MD197 15 Yes Digital Approaches in Caring Professions SM4MD198 15 No Study Support - at a glance Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)One-to-one and group study support sessionsPre-degree preparation workshopsIT Support Discover available Study Support How will I learn? You will benefit from the expertise of the curriculum team who have excellent experience in these sectors and are also actively involved in developing the workforce of the future. Class sizes are normally small and again this is very beneficial, affording the opportunity for a tailored personal learning situation and plenty of help and support. Learning Methods Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Scheduled 50 0 0 Independent 100 0 0 Placement 0 0 0 Total 150 0 0 Qualifications Explained Our Degree-level courses come in all shapes and sizes. Visit our guide that explains what all these different qualifications mean. Learn about our Degree-level qualifications Higher and Degree Apprenticeships Higher and degree apprenticeships are a high-quality alternative to the traditional degree route, combining skilled on-the-job training with higher level study. More on Apprenticeships One Day a Week Degrees Study towards a degree by committing to one day a week. You don't need to disrupt your home life or sacrifice your job. So what's stopping you? Explore our One Day a Week Degrees Preparing for a Degree Free workshops and short courses to help prepare you for the next stage of your educational journey. Learn how we can prepare you for a Degree Plan your Degree Pathway Flexible learning built around you. Study for one, two or three years and get a qualification at every stage. More info on Degree Pathway Admissions - Higher Education Everything you need to know about our admission procedure, application process, entry requirements and more. Explore HE Admissions Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey. Not the course for you? Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination. Mental Health and Resilience - Certificate of Higher Education View course Children, Young People & Families - Certificate of Higher Education View course Electrical and Electronic Engineering - HNC View course How will I be assessed? How will I be assessed?The Higher National Certificate and Diploma are assessed using a combination of internally assessed Centre-devised internal assignments (which are set and marked by Centres) and internally assessed Pearson-set assignments (which are set by Pearson and marked by Centres).BTEC Higher Nationals recommend a variety of forms of assessment evidence to be used, provided they are suited to the type of learning outcomes being assessed. For many units, the practical demonstration of skills is necessary and, for others, you will need to carry out their own research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team.Summative assessment will be used to ensure all outcomes have been met for each unit, in line with Pearson regulations. The forms of summative assessment across the programme consist of essays, reports, case studies, presentations, posters and are used to support the development of cognitive skills and abilities.The principal rationale for selecting these methods of assessment and feedback are that they are supporting your development to progress within and to their career with a range of skills. Case studies will be used to enable you to critically appraise and examine real life situations and link these to theory. The application of conceptual and theoretical knowledge and perspectives to real life situations will allow you to critically analyse and evaluate material, produce findings and make further recommendations.You must also successfully complete the placement requirements to pass this programme. How will I be assessed? Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Coursework 100% 0% 0% Exam 0% 0% 0% Practical 0% 0% 0%