Ironmill YR2 Bespoke Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling 2026/28

We advise booking early to avoid disappointment. 

Explore Counselling Courses at Exeter College

This course enables trainees to consolidate their learning within a person-centred, humanistic framework while exploring and integrating additional theory and approaches, including:

• Psychodynamic
• CBT
• Existentialism
• Trauma-informed practice
• Neuroscience
• Addiction
• Mindfulness

These approaches are intended to deepen therapeutic understanding and enhance integrative practice while remaining grounded in person-centred values.

Application Process

Please apply through this course page. We will then send you an additional form to complete, and successful applicants will be invited to interview.

Course Overview

Day and Times: Friday – 9.00am – 16.00pm

Location: Exeter Community Centre

Core model: Person-Centred / Humanistic

Duration: One taught year (one full day per week)

Additional Time: Year 3 to complete placement hours and final dissertation

Contact Hours: 200 guided learning hours (32 days)

One-day Intensive – Bridging and transition programme

To support the successful transition of applicants we will be putting on a one-day intensive bridging and transition programme (Friday 26th June). This will provide an opportunity to meet tutors, discuss the transition process, and complete preparatory work over the summer period to support successful entry into Year 2 and meet our NCPS training requirements.

Why Choose This Course?

• Led by two fully qualified practising counsellors
• Personalised support throughout training
• Experiential teaching model focused on ethical, confident practice
• NCPS-recognised route to professional registration
• Opportunity for in-house placement experience with young people

Fees & Payment

Annual Tuition: £3,650

Payment Plan: £1,100 upfront, followed by 8 monthly payments of £318.75

Course fees include the bridging day and transition support as required.

Assessment methods include:

• Reflective journals and self-awareness assignments
• Counselling theory assignments
• Research and CPD in counselling
• Advanced therapeutic practice (case presentation)
• Placement dissertation/practice evaluation (7,500 words, externally assessed)

Applicants must provide a transcript of attendance and evidence of successful completion of the following Year 1 Ironmill assessments:

• IMC31 – Preliminary Thoughts on Counselling
• IMC32 – Diversity and Equality in Practice
• IMC33 – OPT Assignment

For those wishing to work with children and young people, completion of the CYP patchwork assignment is recommended to support safe practice and applications for relevant CYP placements, including our in-house young people’s counselling provision (16–18 years).

Applicants will also be required to attend a one-day intensive bridging and transition programme. This will provide an opportunity to meet tutors, discuss the transition process, and complete preparatory work over the summer period to support successful entry into Year 2 and meet our NCPS training requirements.

Exeter Community Centre – First floor room. Ballroom.

NCPS Trainee membership

Monthly Supervision