ABC Award in Counselling Concepts (Sept. Start – Evening) Level 2

Course Marketing Title
ABC Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts.

Overview
This course is for those who wish to return to study, seek a career change, undertake voluntary work, enhance career prospects through extra qualifications or train as professional counsellors.

Entry Requirements
There are no specific requirements but you need to be able to produce work up to GSCE standard. You must also possess basic IT skills as you are required to use Skoodle, the Stockport College online learning resource.

We are able to take people of 16 years or over. However, due to the nature of the course, emotional resilience and an ability to reflect and draw on life experiences is essential.

You will need to understand the demanding and personal nature of the course. Whilst this course is by no means "therapy" for some it can present an emotional challenge. We therefore ask you to consider whether you are able to take on the course at this time. For example, we welcome applications from those who have experience of therapy, however, joining the course whilst still in therapy needs to be given careful consideration.

The next available start date for this programme will be September 2016. An information session will be held prior to the start of the course. Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory and forms part of the course selection process.

Please note: if you have been in recovery we ask that you have been clear for a minimum of six months before applying for this course.

The course will run subject to minimum numbers being reached.

Composition of the Course
This is a ten week course which runs each term. A daytime (9.00am-12.00pm) and an evening (5.45-8.45pm) option are available.

There are three mandatory units:
The professional context of counselling.
Communication skills in helping relationships.
An introduction to personal development.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Enhance and improve your verbal and written communication skills. Emphasis will be given to working in groups and teams

Have a realistic understanding of the demanding nature of vocational training, especially in counsellor skills training

Have experienced work in an experiential manner that will include a high element of personal growth work, developing further self-confidence and self-esteem

Have the necessary basis to move into the next level of counsellor training

Utilise knowledge in such a way as to help directly in the world of work

The programme is delivered by experienced counselling practitioners who have many years' experience teaching at this level.

You will be required to complete a written workbook to evidence your learning whilst on the course. Homework will be set each week, either written work or reading. Students are encouraged to keep a personal journal and your tutor will offer advice and guidance in relation to all subjects taught on the course.

The programme takes place at our Town Centre campus.

Award Received
Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts from ABC Awards.

Please note that regular and punctual attendance is a course requirement and final qualifications may be withheld if attendance is below 80%. However we would expect 100% attendance.

Progression
Successful completion of this course will provide you with one of the entrance requirements for ABC Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 3.

Please note that progression from the Level 2 programme onto the Level 3 programme is not automatic. You are advised to check with your tutors regarding selection procedures which may require further evidence of your suitability to progress to Level 3.

Course Fees
The course fees for the 2015-2016 academic year were £240. The fees for the 2016-17 year have not been confirmed yet.

Fees may increase should there be a significant change to the underlying cost of providing the course, such as in periods of high inflation, or fundamental changes to course structure due to regulatory or legal obligations. In all cases we will seek to set the maximum of any annual fee rise to the greater of the Retail Price Index or 5%. The most the course will cost in the 2016-2017 academic year will be £252.

The full fees will be due at enrolment.

Quality Assurance (QA)
QA systems are embedded throughout the College and the College is regulated by ABC Awards.

The course is NOT accredited by the BACP.