Home » Courses » Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) Full-time
Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) Full-time
Course Overview
Counselling and Applied Psychology Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) Full-time
The Counselling and Applied Psychology Higher National Certificate, awarded by Pearson BTEC, offers you the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes to enable you to make an immediate contribution to employment and to provide flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career progression in the sector.
The Level 4 units lay the foundations of learning by providing a broad introduction to counselling and applied psychology and the users of these services. This develops core skills while preparing the student for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some professional and personal responsibility.
You will gain a wide range of knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace and clinic scenarios. You are involved in vocational activities that help you to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those that are highly valued in higher education and the workplace, for example, communication, teamwork, research and analysis.
By the end of Level 4, you will have sound knowledge of the foundation concepts of counselling and psychology. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of these professions.
Course content
You will study the following mandatory units:
Core Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice
Core Unit 2: Developing Empathic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationships
Core Unit 3: Preparing for Research (Pearson-set)
Core Unit 4: Ethical Frameworks in Counselling
Core Unit 5 Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling
Core Unit 6: Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling
Core Unit 7: Individual Differences
Core Unit 8: Digital Approaches in Caring Professions
In addition, you will study Personal Therapy and Clinical Supervision and be required to complete 100 placement hours as part of the programme. You will not be awarded the HNC unless you have completed 100 placement hours.
Located at: Barnsley College University Centre
Course Start:
September 2026
Course length:
1 Years
Study Mode: Full-time
Course Code: HHEACOUC
UCAS Course Code: CAPC
Awarding Organisation:
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
£6,995
Other funding information
As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.
Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants' Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.
Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.
We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.
Be required to have a GCSE grade 4/C or above in English Language and it is highly recommended that you have a GCSE grade 4/C or above in Maths
All students will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The qualification is assessed through a range of methods including:
Internally set and assessed units
Direct observation of learner working in placement
Professional discussion
Reflective accounts
Expert witness testimonies
There are no specialist equipment requirements for this programme. You will need standard study materials such as: notebooks or writing paper; pens, pencils and highlighters; and a folder or organiser for keeping coursework and handouts. Access to a computer or laptop is recommended for completing assignments, but no specific software or technical equipment is required. You will be able to access laptops when on-campus. A suggested reading list will also be provided.
Higher National Certificate
After completing a Level 4 Counselling and Psychology HNC, you can work as a Trainee Counsellor, Mental Health Support Worker or Wellbeing Practitioner. This qualification prepares you to assist individuals with mental health challenges under supervision or in non-healthcare settings.
For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.
Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.
Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The course information on this page was last updated
16 July 2026.
Are you applying to study at Barnsley College University Centre only?
If you only wish to apply to Barnsley College University Centre, you can apply directly via our website, using OnTrack.
Simply select the course you wish to apply for and click the “Apply direct” button.
You will then be asked to complete an online application form and create your Barnsley College OnTrack account.
You will need to upload your qualification certificates and a form of ID. Once you have applied, your application will be reviewed by a course lecturer and you may be invited in for an interview.
Are you applying to more than one institution?
If you would like to apply to more than one university, you will be required to apply via the UCAS website.
As a general guide, applications can be made via UCASbetween September and late January.Please check the UCAS website for further information.
We do consider applications throughout the year, although the earlier you submit, the earlier you will receive a decision and can start to plan accordingly.
The UCAS Code for Barnsley College University Centre is: B13.
