SEG Awards Level 5
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

We are excited to announce that the L4 Diploma will change from September 2026 to being a L5 Diploma. The awarding body, SEG, are updating the qualification to align it more closely with the SCoPEd framework, an evidence-based standard adopted in 2023 by six UK professional bodies (including BACP and UKCP) to define the training, core competencies, and practice standards for counsellors and psychotherapists working with adults. We see this as a progressive development for the ethical training of professional counsellors and we are pleased to embrace the change for September. In terms of what you will experience as a forthcoming student, the application process will remain the same, and you will need to have passed L3 to apply, just as with the previous L4 Diploma. The course will still be part-time over 2 years, and we anticipate the format of study will remain much the same, though we have yet to receive full guideline about classroom hours etc. Please note there will be a possible adjustment in the fees for the course depending on course requirements; we will update fees as soon as we know. The application process remains the same - please apply on the form below and we will get back to you with an interview date. There will be more updates to come about the new course, so please come back to this page to see any new developments. In the meantime, this page outlines the L4 Diploma course which will still be the backbone of the training for L5, notwithstanding that there might be some changes to come. We look forward to talking to you soon.

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The following is a description of the current situation - as we transition to L5 there might be some changes in times/fees/course material which we will update as soon as possible here. You can apply for the L5 Diploma as normal at the bottom of the page.

This is a professional 2-year qualification aimed at those wishing to be recognised and practise as a professional integrative counsellor. The course is delivered by a large team of experienced counselling tutors who will support you throughout the two years.

The course aims to help you to become a reflective practitioner who is competent in the knowledge, understanding and application of counselling skills and theory within the framework of a therapeutic relationship.

This competence will be underpinned by a deep understanding of the core therapeutic model, which for this course is comprised of the Person-Centred Theory of Carl Rogers, Gestalt Psychology and Eric Berne’s theory of Transactional Analysis. In the second year of the course you will study comparative models of counselling, along with CBT and Psychodynamic Theory.

The course also examines the wider context of counselling. It looks at the meaning of an ethical, professional stance and its implications, and explores students’ attitudes to people who are different from themselves.

Please be aware this course is robust and challenging in terms of time commitment and personal development. All students are required to undergo at least 40 hours of personal therapy, 15 of which need to be completed within the first year. We can provide you with a list of counsellors we know and recommend, or you can source your own.

Online Learning in addition to Face to Face

In response to the current counselling job market and evolving practice requirements, our Level 5 programme includes three weeks of structured live online working to support the development of competence in digital practice. The Level 5 Diploma also incorporates a Certificate in Online Working, ensuring learners meet ethical, professional, and risk-management standards when working online. This additional certification forms part of the Level 5 programme and strengthens graduates’ readiness for contemporary practice across both face-to-face and online contexts.

SCoPEd*

Our courses are mapped to the SCoPEd framework, ensuring your training meets nationally recognised standards. This gives you a clear, supported pathway into practice — and the confidence to work competently and ethically with clients

At CCT, we are committed to delivering courses of the highest professional standard. Our programmes are carefully mapped to the SCoPEd framework, ensuring that the knowledge, skills, and competencies you develop are benchmarked against nationally recognised standards in counselling and psychotherapy.

This alignment means your training with us is current, robust, and directly connected to the expectations of the profession — giving you a clear and supported pathway into practice. We believe in developing counsellors who are grounded, competent, and ethically aware, so that both you and your future clients can have confidence in your professional readiness.

*The new L5 Diploma will be even more closely aligned to the SCoPEd framework

Target Group

Students who wish to qualify as a professional counsellor.

Entry Requirements

You must have obtained both a Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, or their equivalent.

Please note that your L3 qualification must have been achieved on a face-to-face, in-person course. We do not accept applications from students who have done their L3 course online or by distance learning.

Applicants must be at least 25 years old at commencement of the course.

Course assessment* (Current L4, TBC for L5)

• Each unit of study has assessment criteria which need to be met (using a range of assessment strategies such as case studies, reports, essays, research activities and individual and group presentations) to successfully complete the course
• Progress Into year 2 is dependent on passing your “Fitness to Practice” certificate. This is an ongoing assessment
• Each student must obtain a formal counselling placement with a minimum 1.5 hour’s clinical supervision a month and complete a minimum of 100 face to face supervised client hours during the 2-year Diploma programme. This is the responsibility of the student
• This qualification is internally and externally assessed and externally moderated
• The Counselling Placement Assessment File is completed as an e-portfolio and assessed externally by the Awarding Body

Additional costs

• Minimum 1.5 hours of Clinical Supervision per month once on placement (some placements offer free or reduced rate supervision)
• Personal Liability Insurance
• BACP student membership
• Placements normally require student counsellors to be DBS checked, which might carry a cost to the student
• Stationery items

Personal Therapy

• Over the two years you will be required to undertake 40 hours (TBC) of personal therapy at your own expense.

Progression

• Successful completion of the course and the placement requirements enable students to progress toward accreditation with the BACP and/or the National Counselling Society
• Being a qualified counsellor opens up all sorts of possibilities, e.g. specialist training in counselling Children & Young People or Couples counselling

Course Dates & Times* (possibly subject to change for L5)

*Currently - This is a 2 year course, 32 weeks in year 1 and 30 weeks in year 2 with half terms and holidays as per local schools. There might be changes for L5

Next intake start dates:

Monday 21st September 2026, 9.30am to 2.45pm (TBC)
OR
Wednesday 23rd September 2026, 9.30am to 2.45pm (TBC)
OR
Thursday 24th September 2026, 3.30pm to 8.45pm (TBC)

We will run each group according to demand.

Fees - new fees for L5 TBC

• We are happy to take a deposit and spread the remaining fees over 23 monthly payments
• If a third party organisation is paying your fees we will need a purchase order number from them and full payment must be made at least for year 1 before the start of the course.

How to apply

Click the Apply for Course button below to complete our online application form. If you need any further information before applying, please use the Got Questions button.