HNC Counselling

Intro to the course:

This advanced-level course is for those wanting a career in counselling and in working with people. It is ideal for those with certificates in counselling skills or relevant national units, and those with significant voluntary or paid work experience.

The course provides the skills, main theoretical concepts and approaches to counselling required to develop a working knowledge of counselling ethics and boundaries. The course programme is relevant to the counselling sector in Scotland.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for anyone wanting to develop their career in counselling. It will suit school leavers or those looking to change career or take their first steps into the counselling field.

What will I study?

You will gain knowledge and experience or both of counselling through groupwork, lectures and guest speakers.

Next step course options

• HND Counselling

• Direct entry at the discretion of the university into second year of a BA (Hons) degree in a related subject

How will I be assessed?

• Observation of practice, written assignments and a graded unit.

Why should I choose this course?

This is an area with good job prospects and earnings. This course will give you skills and knowledge for a future career in counselling and supporting people. 

You will be taught by lecturers from the sector, and benefit from guest speakers from the public and private counselling sectors. We link with COSCA, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and NHS Scotland. This is a popular course, so we encourage you to apply early.

Where can this course lead?

This course leads to opportunities in: 

• counselling practice 

• social care, social work 

• health care 

• early years 

• education 

• police service 

• human resources

What are the entry requirements?

One or more of the following: 

• two Highers, preferably in English and a social subject if you've left school in the last five years 

• qualifications at Higher level are advantageous

• Introduction to Psychology and Counselling 

• equivalent recognised counselling training and other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis 

• relevant work experience of counselling in a paid or voluntary capacity 

• candidates should be over 18 at the start of the course

• acceptance may depend on interview, where and written task to show you can work at SCQF level 7

What are the interview arrangements?

• Interview on campus with lecturing team, including a written task.