Training FAQs

How do I apply?

Download your application form from the relevant page of our website.
Send your completed form to our Training Coordinator (training@network.org.uk) before the closing date.

Am I eligible?

For the Advanced Certificate course, some prior training in counselling/listening skills at an introductory level, such as Network’s ‘Being there’ or ‘A way of being’ course (or equivalent), is helpful.

No previous listening or counselling experience is required.

You will be expected to show evidence of: 

• Your ability to meet the academic demands of the course, through undertaking and sustaining a prior course of study at an appropriate level.  If you do not have any formal academic or vocational qualifications at ‘A’ level or equivalent, you may be required to submit a short piece of written work as part of your application.
• A basic level of self-awareness and a commitment to your personal growth and development.
• Previous or current experience of being in counselling and/or the willingness to undertake counselling for yourself during the course should the need arise.

For the Advanced Diploma course you will be expected to have completed a level 4 counselling course (such as the Network Advanced Certificate in Counselling Skills course or equivalent). In some cases a level 3 Certificate course will be acceptable, but it must have included the following core elements: 

• A strong focus on person-centred counselling theory and practice.
• Practical counselling skills training (including triad work and some tutor observation of skills work).
• Some focus on personal development work (e.g. through large or small groupwork, engagement in self-reflective exercises/journalling).

Your Certificate level course must have been completed within the past five years.  

You will also need to demonstrate your ability to meet the following key learning outcomes:

• Adequate knowledge and understanding of person-centred counselling theory, and the ability to apply this to counselling practice. 
• A sound understanding of the counselling process.  
• The capacity to form a therapeutic relationship. 
• The competent use of a reasonable range of foundational counselling skills. 
• An adequate degree of personal soundness – i.e. an adequate self-reflective capacity (awareness and understanding of self); a high degree of personal integrity; the absence of major intra- or inter-personal difficulties which might inhibit the ability to work safely and competently with clients. 
• Awareness of personal and inter-personal strengths and areas for further development.  

N.B.  If your course has not included each of the three core elements outlined above, it may still be possible for you to make an application if you can evidence your ability to meet all of the above learning outcomes.  

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to meet the academic demands of undertaking and sustaining a course of study at Higher Education level 5. 
• Previous or current experience of being in counselling and the willingness to undertake personal counselling during the Advanced Diploma course.

Do I need to do an introductory course first?

An Introductory course is recommended, but not essential.

Do I need to do a Certificate course in Counselling before the Advanced Diploma?

Yes. Ideally this will be a course at level 4, but if your training is comparable we may consider a level 3. Whilst many courses may appear similar to counselling, we are unable to accept any other prior learning. Any previous training/qualifications must have included a significant amount of training in counselling theory and skills practice and ideally personal development.

How long is the training?

The Advanced Certificate is a one-year, part-time course (one day a week), which runs between September and July each academic year.

The Advanced Diploma course is a two-year, part-time course (one day a week), which runs between September and July each academic year.

On completion of the two taught years, you have up to one further year to complete any outstanding assignments and placement hours.  Most students can expect to go into a third year.

Do I need to have had any counselling myself before I apply?

It is helpful if you have previous or current experience of being counselled, when applying for the Advanced Diploma course. You will also be required to undertake at least 20 hours of personal counselling during the Advanced Diploma course.

Do I need to be a Christian or have a faith background to do your courses?

No, our teaching is based on the belief that all individuals are a complex unity of body, mind, soul and spirit, so some level of openness to human spirituality would enable you to make the most of this approach.  Network’s background and origins are within the Christian faith, but we are committed to spiritual and cultural diversity and to working with people of all faith traditions and none.

Will the Advanced Diploma course qualify me to practise as a counsellor?

Yes. Once you have completed the Advanced Diploma in Counselling, you will be equipped to work in a wide range of settings – including private practice, or employment with an agency or other organisation, or with the NHS.

When do the courses start?

Both the Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma courses start in September each year and run more or less in line with the local school terms, ending in July the following year. 

How much does it cost?

In 2024, the fee for the Advanced Certificate course is £3,460. 

The fee for the Advanced Diploma course 2024 – 26 is £4,560 per year.

Please see the prospectus for more details.

Is there help available with costs?

Network’s courses are not currently eligible for any government funding schemes, loans, grants etc. However, there are a number of Trusts which will support individuals who are not eligible for any form of statutory funding.  You can find standard lists of these in most public libraries.  Useful publications include the Guide to Educational Grants, the Charities Digest and the Directory of Grant Making Trusts.

There are some Christian Trust Funds which support Network students.  Please see our 2024 Prospectus for more details. 

Are there any hidden costs?

In addition to the course fee, you will need to be prepared to pay for personal counselling, supervision, DBS fees and buying books (there is a library on site for use by Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma students). Please see our 2024 Prospectus for more details. 

Do you offer any online courses?

Not at the higher level, but we occasionally deliver an introductory course remotely, online.

What if I need to make a complaint?

Please click here to find out more about our complaints procedure.