Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Applied Psychology
Health & Science Higher National Diploma

Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Applied Psychology

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology (Cognitive Behavioural) prepares students for progression to Level 6 degree-level study while specialising in a counselling-related field — leading to the BSc (Hons) Psychology top-up.

Study Mode / Duration
Weekend/Weekday / 18 – 24 Months (2 Years)
Delivery
Fully Physical

Programme Overview

Comprehensive introduction to the programme

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Applied Psychology (Cognitive Behavioural), awarded by the British College of Applied Studies, is a Pearson Level 5 qualification. This programme is designed to prepare students for progression to Level 6 degree-level programmes, while offering an opportunity to specialize in a counselling-related field.

The course aims to equip students with the essential skills and attributes needed for roles involving professional responsibility and decision-making, preparing them for successful employment in the field. Throughout the programme, students will develop the ability to apply critical thinking to their studies, manage complexity and uncertainty, explore potential solutions, and demonstrate thoughtful evaluations in both theory and practice across a range of therapeutic settings.

Upon completion, students will have a solid understanding of the core principles within the area of specialization, and be able to apply these principles more broadly within the fields of counselling and psychology practice.

Programme Structure

Academic curriculum and module breakdown

  • Level 4 – Semester 1

    • Personal and Professional Development Through Inclusive Practice

    • Developing Empathetic Communication for Effective Therapeutic Relationship

    • Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling

    • Ethical Frameworks in Counselling

  • Level 4 – Semester 2

    • Theoretical Perspective in Counselling

    • Individual Differences

    • Digital Approaches in Caring Professions

    • Research Preparation

    • Placement (100 hours)

  • Level 5 – Semester 3

    • Counselling Skills Development and Practice

    • Working with Diverse Clients in Therapeutic Counselling

    • Risk and Assessment (Pearson-set)

    • Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Counselling

  • Level 5 – Semester 4

    • Counselling Skills Development and Practice

    • Risk and Assessment (Pearson-set)

    • Comparative Theories and Approaches in Counselling

    • Psychodynamic Approaches to Counselling

    • Placement (70 hours)

Entry Requirements

Academic prerequisites and admission criteria

  1. GCE A/L with two passes (any stream) in one sitting + six passes in GCE O/L (including English)

  2. BTEC Level 3 certificate in Psychology or a relevant field

  3. NVQ Level 4 certificate in a relevant subject

English language requirement: an acceptable standard in English

What’s Next for You

Academic pathways and career progression

Career pathway: After A/L – HND in Counselling & Applied Psychology → BSc (Hons) in Psychology (Top-up) awarded by Goldsmiths, University of London.

Progression: Final year of a relevant top-up degree programme.