Counselling | NCFE Award | Level 1 | Brighton MET
Why this course?

This course will help you develop your listening and communication skills. This course is a great introduction to the basics of counselling skills and theory, exploring a wide variety of topics. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to practice your new interpersonal skills with your class in practical Triad sessions.
This course is a great place to start if you are interested in pursuing a career in counselling. It is also the perfect course if you are looking to improve your employability and interview techniques, improve your self-confidence and ability to be assertive.
Lessons take the form of presentations from the tutor, group discussions, practice helping sessions and reflective journaling.
Upon completion, you will achieve an NCFE Level 1 Award in Interpersonal Skills qualification.
Entry requirements
Applicants will need to complete a telephone interview.
Applicants need a good level of English. If English is not your first language, you will need Entry Level 3 or above.
Funding
- 19+
- Unemployed and claiming a means tested benefit*
- Employed and earning less than £20,319 per annum*
- If English is not your first language, your language will be at Entry Level 3 or above.
- If you are not UK citizen, you will need to provide a confirmation of EU settlement status or a valid visa
Course content
During the course, you will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Listening skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Body language
- Empathy and respect
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Prejudice
- Communication styles
- Self-esteem
- Endings

What's next?
After completing your Level 1 Counselling you can progress onto our higher level counselling courses. Find out more here.
You can also use your new communication skills to further your career:
- Mental health sector
- Health and social care
- Customer service
- Mentoring
- Life coaching
- Charity work
- Education
Interpersonal skills will look great on your CV and our careers advisors at the college are available to support you with applying for roles in the local area and planning your future.

Course fees
Course is free if you meet the following criteria
You may not have to pay any fees if you will be aged 19 or over when you begin this course and:
- You are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- OR you are receiving a means tested benefit, earning less than £617 per month (take home) if you are a sole claimant or £988 a month if you have a joint claim with your partner, and are completing the course to improve your employability
- OR if you are working and earn less than £20,319 per year (gross pay)
You will need to provide evidence and sign a declaration when you enrol.
Subsidised fees
If the above does not apply to you, you may still be eligible for a subsidised fee. For more information, please speak to our Admissions team: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
Course is free if you meet the following criteria
If you will be aged 19-23 when your course begins and you have not already achieved a full Level 2 or above, you may not have to pay any fees. For more information, please speak to our Admissions team: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
This course is also free to those who are currently employed and earning less than £20,319 annual gross salary. You will be required to provide evidence of this in order to receive a fee waiver for this course.
We accept the following evidence:
- P60
- Last 3 months payslips
- Tax Credit notice (for self employed)
Please note you will also need to bring photo ID to your enrolment.
The amount a person can earn from their wages has gone up, it is less than £345 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £552 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner).