Progression to Level 4 (TC-L4)

BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification (APQ)

120 Credit Value 

Successful completion of the course leads to a nationally regulated qualification awarded by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) – the only nationally regulated awarding body to specialise in the field of counselling and supervision.

This two-year  qualification gives you the knowledge, skills and competencies to work as a therapeutic Counsellor.

The course structure is based on a Pluralistic Theory underpinned by a Person-Centred Approach to inform counselling skills practice.  Other theoretical orientations are integral to the course combined with theory/models enabling a greater awareness and understanding of the client and presenting issues. 

This qualification is intended for candidates who have already acquired Level 2 (CSK-L2) and Level 3 (CST-L3) and/or Recognized Prior Learning (RPL).  A qualification in English to GCSE standard or equivalent is also required.  You will have a desire to:

Take the next step in training to become a qualified Counsellor 

Learn more about counselling theory, ethics and mental health

Completed assessments include:

Internal Assessment of course expectations enabling an application of the BACP Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) towards the end of the second year

100 Hours of Counselling Placement in a recognized and established Counselling Agency which provides Clinical Supervision

A minimum of 10 Hours per year of Personal Counselling throughout the course 

Completion of a Portfolio consisting of achieving Learning Criteria over seven Learning Outcomes:

1. Working ehtically and safely as a Counsellor.
2. Working within a counselling relationship.
3. Working with client diversity in cousnelling work.
4. Working with a user-centred approach to counselling.
5. Working with self-awareness in the counselling process.
6. Working within a coherent framework of counselling, theory and skills.
7. Working self-reflectively as a counsellor.

Course philosophy:

An important aspect of the course is that Tutors pride themselves on maintaining a student-led approach, including a sensitivity in providing constructive feedback.  Continual support and guidance are offered with regular Tutorials ensuring a positive learning experience. This is complemented by external speakers from time to time. Our philosophy of ensuring a transparency and ease of communication between students and Tutors is aided by our tailored interactive classrooms/virtual learning environment (VLE).

Total cost of the course:

£4800.00 for the 1st Year and £4500.00 for the 2nd Year (Total cost over the two years is  £9300.00)

(Inclusive of CPCAB Registration Fee which is currently approx. £391.00 / and applicable each year of the course and BACP £25.00 COP Fee) 

Cost Breakdown for the 1st Year:

£275.00 Booking Fee applies to secure a place on the course (non-refundable)

£1750.00  Registration Fee is payable at least 8 weeks before the course starts (non-refundable).

The remaining cost of the course is payable 8 weeks before the course starts or an alternative payment plan may be available on request. 

Cost Breakdown for the 2nd Year:

£1750.00 Registration Fee payable at least 8 weeks before the start of the 2nd Year

The remaining cost of the course is payable 8 weeks before the course starts or an alternative payment plan may be available on request. 

Please refer to ACE Courses Policies for further information

Recommended Minimum Age 24 and obtained the following:

• Level 2 (CSK-L2) and 3 (CST-L3)  Counselling Qualifications and/or equivalent Recognised Priour learning (RPL).
• A qualification in English at GCSE or equivalient 

Candidates are also expected to meet the following criteria: 

•  Identify reasons for training beyond just personal development
•  Provide references
• Academically and emotionally able to cope with this level of training
• Ability to work with difference and diversity
• Possess personal qualities of imagination, intuition, openness and ability to benefit from self-development
• Ability to form a therapeutic relationship
• Self-awareness, insight, honesty and integrity
• Emotional stability and the absence of personality disturbance
• Ability to challenge and be challenged
• Ability to respond sensitively and empathically to others
• Capability to begin working with clients within an agency setting
• Are intending (and actively seeking) to begin work with clients during year 1 of the programme

In-Person at an ACE Location / Blended (25% Online)

420 Hours (Minimum) Guided Learning (GLH)

1204  Hours Total Qualification Time (TQT)  

ACE Centres starting in September 2025:

• University of Greenwich (Wednesday Eve / Weekly)

ACE Centres starting in January 2026:

• University of Winchester (Saturdays /Forntightly)

Approx: 2 years

Next course start date:

University of  Greenwich:

Start date: September 2025 - July 2027

Wednesday Evening (Weekly)

4.30pm - 8.30pm (Excluding Tutorials)

University of Winchester 

Start date:  January 2026 - November 2027

Saturdays (Fortnightly)

9.30am - 4.30pm (Excluding Tutorials)

Starting  from January 2025 - Locations:

• University of Greenwich (SE London)

Starting  from January 2026 - Locations:

• University of Winchester

1. Completion and submission of ACE Courses Registration Form
2. On receipt, you will receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours and a decision thereafter.  
3. If you fulfil ACE Courses criteria you will be offered a place on the course subject to receiving the advised initial booking fee to secure your place.