Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Level 5)

This is Network’s flagship course for those who are looking to complete their training and become accredited professional counsellors.

This two-year course will build on your existing skills and knowledge of the Core-Self model and Person-Centred Counselling, equipping you with the theoretical framework, practical skills, and personal development needed to work as a professional counsellor.

The Network Level 5 Advanced Diploma is unique in its emphasis on the integration of faith, spirituality and counselling practice. In addition to covering the same ground that is covered by other comparable humanistic and Person-Centred Diploma courses, this course will also give you the opportunity to develop your understanding of human spirituality and to explore the interface between your own developing spirituality and your practice.

During the course you will further develop your counselling practice and skills through a 150-hour counselling placement which can be undertaken right here at Network (which includes a contribution towards the cost of supervision), or at another suitable counselling agency.

This course is suitable for those who have recently completed our Level 4 Advanced Certificate in Counselling Skills, or an equivalent Level 4 course in Counselling at another provider.

Successful completion of this course will equip and qualify you to work as a counsellor in a range of settings – voluntary, statutory and private practice. This course is accredited by both the BACP and NCPS.

“A well-run course offering students a thorough grounding in person centred counselling with a spiritual dimension.” BACP Accreditation Review August 2024

Key facts

Award	Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Level 5)
Course accreditations	The Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Counselling has been given Accredited training recognition by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) signifying that requirements set out by their Standards of Education and Training have been met and that SCoPEd Column A competencies have been fully mapped. Subject to their Terms & Conditions, this course is a route onto a national register of counsellors which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Delivery format & location	Face to face, one day a week (Wednesday or Thursday, 9am – 5pm) over two academic years (September to July) at Network Counselling & Training, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol. An additional third year is available for students who require extra time to complete their placement hours and assignments. The teaching day for the 2027-29 course will be Thursday.
Theoretical model	Core Self model – an integrative person-centred model of counselling which includes a focus on the spiritual dimension of personhood.
Counselling placement	150 hours, in-house within Network’s own counselling agency, which includes a contribution towards supervision costs. Alternatively, external placements at other suitable counselling agencies are also possible.
Course fee	2027 fees will be frozen at the 2025 rates for a second year! £4,750 per year (with the option to pay by instalments) for the 2027-29 course Network Certificate students please ask for information about a discount.
Next intake	September 2027
Entry requirements	Applicants must be aged 19 or above. Level 4 or equivalent qualification in Counselling, completed within the last 5 years. Ability to demonstrate a sufficient level of self-awareness & commitment to personal growth & development. Previous or current experience of being in counselling and the willingness to undertake personal counselling during the Advanced Diploma course.
Applications	The closing date for applications in Round 1 is 9am on Friday 5 March 2027. The deadline for applications in Round 2 is 9am on Friday 7 May. Please be aware that places available in Round 2 will be limited, so we encourage applicants to submit their application in Round 1 to avoid disappointment. You can apply via the online form linked below. (A Word version is available on request – please contact the Training Coordinator). Network Certificate students please ask for an internal application form.
Interviews	Interviews will be held on in April and June, dates TBC.

Don’t miss out! We suggest you apply as early as possible and attend the first round of interviews. Places will be offered and secured at this stage. Any remaining places available will then be allocated at the second round of interviews. If no places are available after Round 1, then Round 2 will not be held.

For more detailed information about entry requirements, fee payment options, key dates, application process and more, please see the 2027 Prospectus (link below).  For more details about the course content and structure, please refer to the Course Information Book (link below).

If you have any further queries or questions, please contact our Training Coordinator – training@network.org.uk