Course Overview

This HNC Counselling is designed to appeal not only to those who wish to progress and eventually qualify as a counselor but also to those practicing in any sector that would benefit from the range of skills employed in a helping/supporting relationship, for example, community work; social care; education; criminal justice; health services; and voluntary work. The course integrates theory, skills practice, reflection, and self-development. There is a strong emphasis on personal development and there will be work relating to reflective skills, self-awareness, assertiveness, and dealing with challenges. The HNC doesn't qualify you to practice counseling but is the ideal stepping stone if you wish to proceed onto this career path.

Special features

• Delivered by experienced, practicing counselors

• Jointly developed by SQA and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

• Strong emphasis on personal development

• Opportunity to engage with students across the UHI partnership in the online units

General Eligibility

• Counseling award at SCQF 6 or above OR

• Participation in relevant voluntary/paid work

• Other relevant/related qualifications may be considered, such as HNC Social Care; HNC Health Care; Diploma in Social Work; Degree/Diploma in Nursing, etc; experience working with people who have experienced substance misuse, eating disorders, relationship problems

• Completion of the Work placement module is required for anyone wishing to progress to HND. PVG scheme membership is required to undertake this module, therefore this course is determined to be a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/units, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional modules/units, but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours work permit for international students

Language Requirement

• • Overall score of 5.5 with no element below 5.0

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic3-Min 50

  • TOEFL-Min 69 or above with min 17 in each section