Level 3 – Certificate in Counselling Studies
Take the next step towards professional counsellor training.
About this course
Level 3 Counselling Studies is designed for students who have already completed recognised counselling skills training and want to deepen their understanding as they progress towards practitioner-level training.
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The course builds on the practical skills developed at Level 2 while introducing a greater depth of counselling theory, ethics, self-awareness and understanding of the therapeutic relationship.
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Our core theoretical approach at Level 3 is Person-Centred, while students are also introduced to other counselling approaches and encouraged to begin developing a broader understanding of therapeutic practice.
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Level 3 is a pre-practitioner qualification and does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor. For students intending to qualify, it provides progression towards the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
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Course at a glance
20 weeks
Course duration
90 hours
Guided learning
Face-to-face
Hockley Heath, Solihull
90%
Attendance requirement
What you'll learn
Level 3 develops your counselling skills alongside a deeper understanding of counselling theory, ethics, diversity, self-awareness and reflective practice.
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The qualification is structured around seven areas of learning:
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• Working within a professional framework
• Developing the counselling relationship
• Understanding and working with diversity
• Developing a client-centred approach
• Developing personal awareness in counselling
• Understanding counselling theory, concepts and skills
• Developing reflective practice and an understanding of supervision
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Learning takes place through counselling skills practice, workshops, seminars, personal development activities, training group work, projects and presentations, tutor and peer feedback, and reflection on your learning.
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Classes are predominantly taught face-to-face at our centre in Hockley Heath, with occasional online classroom sessions providing experience of how communication and counselling skills can differ when working remotely.
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Assessment
Assessment takes place throughout the course and is designed to demonstrate your developing counselling skills, theoretical understanding, self-awareness and reflective practice.
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You will build a portfolio of evidence across the course. This may include written work, assignments, learning reviews, tutor-observed counselling skills practice and feedback from tutors and peers.
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Assessment is completed internally by Maple Leaf in line with CPCAB requirements, with students required to demonstrate proficiency across the qualification's learning outcomes.
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Entry requirements
Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have completed recognised counselling skills training, such as the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2), or an equivalent qualification providing at least 75 Guided Learning Hours.
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As Level 3 involves increasingly reflective and experiential work, applicants should be ready to engage with both the academic and personal demands of counselling training.
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When considering applications, we will look for:
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• The ability to engage with the academic and practical requirements of the course
• A willingness to reflect on personal experiences and development
• The ability to communicate and reflect upon internal experiences
• Motivation to develop towards professional counselling training
• An openness to difference, diversity and the experiences of others
• The ability to give, receive and reflect upon feedback
• Clear reasons for undertaking counselling training beyond personal development alone
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Important: Counselling training involves personal disclosure, self-reflection and emotionally challenging material. If you are currently experiencing significant emotional or psychological difficulties, we may recommend delaying your training until you are better able to engage safely with the demands of the course.
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Course dates & times
Wednesday daytime
2 September 2026
10.00am – 3.00pm
Wednesday evening
2 September 2026
4.30pm – 9.30pm
Thursday evening
3 September 2026
4.30pm – 9.30pm
The course runs for 20 teaching weeks, following Solihull term dates.
Course fees
£1,055
2026/27 course fee
£250 deposit
followed by 5 monthly instalments of £161
Course fees are payable in full and remain payable if you withdraw from the course before completion. Fees can be paid in full or through our monthly payment plan.
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All cohorts are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. If a course is unable to run, applicants will be notified at least two weeks before the scheduled start date.
Qualification & progression
On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3).
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Level 3 is a pre-practitioner qualification and does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor. It prepares students for progression to practitioner-level training and, for those following the CPCAB pathway, progression to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4).
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Qualification: CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
20
Credit Value
196 hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
90
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
600/5104/8
Qualification number