What job can you get with Level 4 counselling?

Counsellors play a crucial role in helping people to overcome a whole host of different life challenges by encouraging them to talk about their feelings while delving deeper to understand their behaviours.

From relationship breakdowns and bereavement to money issues, substance abuse and trauma, people turn to support and advice from counsellors for many different reasons.

Choosing a career in counselling can be incredibly rewarding. A level 4 diploma in counselling is a core stepping stone to becoming a working qualified counsellor, providing you will the skills, knowledge, and expertise you need to further your counselling career and work in many organisations, as well as agency settings.

While a level 4 diploma is a valuable foundation, it doesn’t qualify you to practice counselling independently. To establish a private practice or join a professional register, a level 5 qualification is typically required.

What is a level 4 counselling diploma equivalent to?

A level 4 qualification is equivalent to completing the first year of a bachelor's degree and is widely recognised in the industry as FHEQ Level 4.

If you’re embarking on a career in counselling, this will give you the skills you need to work confidently in a wide range of settings. During your course, you will learn about the many different counselling and psychological models of treatments and how to put them into practice.

However, before practising as a professional counsellor, we would always recommend skilling up further with a level 5 course as this will give you access to more opportunities and expand your knowledge and experience.

What type of job can you get with a level 4 counselling diploma?

After completing this diploma, you’ll be able to explore the many opportunities that come hand in hand with a career in counselling and have access to roles in almost any agency setting.

Here are some of the roles you can apply for with a level 4 diploma in counselling:

• Student Counsellor on Placement
• Telephone Counsellor
• Careers Advisor
• Residential Support Worker
• Counsellor in an agency setting
• Counselling Coordinator

But keep in mind that, if you’re looking to work independently within a private practice, you will need to complete a level 5 course. To become a member of a professional register, you will also usually be required to complete a level 5 diploma.

If you’re considering becoming a counsellor, there are many different routes you can take to achieve your career goals. Whether you complete a diploma, degree or postgraduate course in counselling or psychotherapy, there are plenty of opportunities to gain the theoretical and practical skills you need to become a counsellor.

If you’re considering becoming a therapist or counsellor, explore our counselling courses and get in touch if you require any further information.