Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST - L3)
Timeline: 30 Weeks | Study method: Online or In person | Class time: 3 hours per week | Cohort: Smaller cohorts - stronger support | Code: CST‑L3
Approved by:
Next course dates - coming soon
If you are interested in enrolling in this course, please sign up to the wait list and we’ll let you know when enrollment is open.
Your Next Growth Step: From Learner Toward Practitioner
You’ve already taken steps in learning counselling skills. Now you want more: richer theory, professional frameworks, credible confidence. You’re looking for training that supports your life and your schedule, not one that overwhelms it.
This Level 3 Counselling course is that bridge. It builds on your foundation pillars, guides you into deeper understanding, and prepares you for serious progression with care, clarity, and integrity.
Why Counselling Theory & Practice Matters
You’ve often been the one people turn to, even if you don’t always feel prepared. You’ve felt the weight of someone’s pain. You know healing matters. But now, you want to be more than well-intentioned, you want to be skilled, trusted, credible.
This course helps you understand how counselling works, the theory, the ethics, the frameworks behind the scenes. It’s the difference between “I care” and “I know how”.
What you learn is built to trusted professional standards. This is a CPCAB Level 3 Award in Counselling Studies (CST‑L3) recognised by the BACP and the NCPS.
While this qualification alone doesn’t allow you to practise as a fully qualified counsellor, it enables you to move into Level 4 where you can qualify as a counsellor and beyond, with confidence and clarity.
What You’ll Learn In This Level 3 Counselling Studies Course
Over 30 weeks, you’ll meet for 3 hours each week in a live, confidential, online space (sessions are not recorded to ensure confidentiality).
-
Tutor presentations & guided walkthroughs: theory clearly explained and discussed
Practical application: applying the theory in a supported and safe environment
Group discussions & peer testimonials: your perspective is valuable
Reflection & feedback: you’ll grow week by week in your knowledge and skills
Case Study exercise over a period of six weeks to apply your skills in a realistic client/counsellor setting
-
Presentation slides and detailed handouts
Video links and recommended podcasts
Blog posts, reading lists and book suggestions
Worksheets, infographics and guided exercises
-
Assignments, worksheets, reflective journals
Tutor‑observed skills tasks
Learning reviews and feedback
No high-pressure exams! You show your progress through your work and development across your regular attendance.
-
Ethical practice, referral, and limits of ability
Understanding the counselling relationship, stages, boundaries
Diversity, culture and social context
Working within a user-centred approach to counselling and agenda.
Theories from Freud, Rogers, Jung and many others and integrating them into your practice
Self-awareness and its importance in the counselling role. We will look at how counselling theory applies to your own personality, personal history and relationships.
Understanding mental health and the role of counseling in promoting positive mental health
Clinical supervision, feedback, and your ongoing growth and development
How It Works: Support, Structure & You
Fully online or in person sessions in our Lincoln city centre location, live weekly sessions (usually working around school holidays and national holidays)
30 weeks, 3 hours per week
Smaller cohort sizes: allowing for more dedicated support from your tutor
Materials included: slides, handouts, videos, infographics, worksheets - whatever works best for your learning style, we have it covered.
Tutor support: direct tutor contact, check‑ins, one‑to‑one support
24/7 learner community: share, connect, ask questions
You’ll also need to set time aside for independent study, reading, reflection, course work, so the learning continues beyond sessions.
Who This Level 3 Course Is For
& What’s Expected
This is for you if:
You’ve completed a Level 2 Counselling Skills Course (or equivalent).
You want to deepen your understanding and ability to help others.
You’re ready to commit emotionally, intellectually, and consistently.
You want a course that supports you to achieve this qualification which is the next step on becoming a qualified counsellor.
You’re interested in improving your employability within the helping profession or if your existing role is in the helping sectors such as social services, education, advocacy, mediation, caring and project work.
You do need to:
Be consistent in attending.
Bring willingness to explore, be challenged, and reflect.
Engage in portfolio work, assignments, skills practice.
Be open to emotional growth, with support along the way.
You’ll go through a suitability check to ensure you are ready for this course. If you have any questions - get in touch.
Important note: this qualification does not allow you to practise as a fully qualified counsellor on its own. It enables progression to the Level 4 Diploma in Counselling (where you can attain qualified status) and beyond. You may decide that you prefer to look at the Level 4 Diploma in Life Coaching instead at this point.
You will have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What You’ll Walk Away With
On successful completion of this course, you’ll:
Know counselling theory with clarity and confidence.
Understand how to integrate theory, ethics and presence in your practice.
Know how to use clinical supervision, feedback and reflective practice as essential tools.
Have an increased knowledge around mental health and ethics.
Hold a respected CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies qualification on your CV.
Be ready to move into Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or Life Coaching.
See real growth in your self‑awareness, listening, presence and confidence.
You begin to shift from aspiring counsellor → counsellor in training.
“The tutors are very knowledgeable and the teaching is done in a way that is accessible to everyone. I felt very comfortable from the start with my tutor and peers.”
— Level 3 studentCommon Questions & What You’ll Want to Hear
“This feels too academic for me.”
We break theory down into practical, digestible steps, and support you along the way, you will never be left behind.
“I don’t think I have time.”
The structure is paced. Sessions and tasks are spread thoughtfully. You’ll receive regular support to help you manage and there’s no exams!
“Will this qualification matter?”
Yes. It’s an essential part of becoming a counsellor and will enable you to go on to the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling where you can qualify as a counsellor following successful completion of the course.
“So many training options! Which is right for me?”
This course is built around learners like you, someone with a life, a job, a dream. You get the depth without overwhelm and pressure of completing this so fast that you have no time to absorb the learning.
Accreditation & Credibility
✓ This is the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST‑L3).
✓ It is BACP and NCPS recognised, which confirms it meets standards expected in the counselling sector and signalling alignment with professional counselling ethics.
✓ While this course does not allow you to work as a fully qualified counsellor on its own, it enables progression into Level 4 and beyond.
JOIN THE WAITLIST /
JOIN THE WAITLIST /
Investment, Application & Next Steps
You can pay in full, or we offer installments over a 7 month payment plan.
To apply: Submit your application form below, after which you will be contacted for an interview. If approved you will then be required to pay the deposit (CPCAB registration fee) to secure your place.
Pay In Full
Option to pay the course fees in full
Complete the application form to get started (CPCAB registration fee due after approval)
£994
(price not including the £189 registration fee, which must be paid in full and is non-refundable after the course has started)
Payment Plan
Pay over 7 months - interest free!
Complete the application form to get started (CPCAB registration fee due after approval)
£142 x 7
Payments will be taken by direct debit over 7 months
(price not including the initial £189 registration fee, which must be paid in full and is non-refundable after the course has started)
Learner Stories
“I am familiar with CPCAB structure so wanted to stick with it. I am happy with the homework and really like the schedule sharing at the start which helps me manage my time whilst running a business and family pressures. I know where I am at, thank you.”
— Level 3 student“I have enjoyed the way the course was run - the quality of the teaching and the supportive environment. From the start of Level 2, through to currently completing Level 3, the quality of the training, the marking of homework and feedback provided has been consistent and thorough. I felt like the trainers put a lot of thought into giving really helpful feedback. I also received support and appropriate adjustments when I needed it, due to life circumstances causing me challenges personally.”
— Level 3 student“I’m glad I managed to find you because the course feels right for me - it’s at a nice pace; not too slow and drawn out. Sharon’s great and I like the smaller group size. Added bonus - all the other students are so nice and all so accomplished and interesting. Loving it so far!”
— Level 3 student
This is the course you’ve been searching for
If you're ready to transform your knowledge into usable, practical skills, and use theories and models that are the framework of ethical counselling… This is your next step.
Join us on Level 3 Counselling Studies today and let the path to professional counselling begin.
Please note we run courses once there is sufficient interest to ensure a high-quality learning experience for everyone, so please join the waitlist if you’d like to join us. As soon as numbers align and a new date is confirmed, we’ll be in touch with full details and clear next steps.