1 Year Counselling Course
WAVERLEY ABBEY CERTIFICATE OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING
Build a strong foundation in counselling through this 1-year, Level 4 equivalent course, grounded in a Christian worldview. Ideal for those starting out or without formal qualifications.
- Start your counselling training alongside your existing commitments
- No formal qualifications required — designed for those ready to study at Level 4
- Grounded in a Christian worldview — integrate faith and counselling responsibly and ethically
- Develop foundational skills, self-awareness, and confidence
| Mode & Location | Length of Study | Level | Credits | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlendedBlended learning combines in-person teaching at Waverley Abbey, Farnham with some live online sessions, in line with BACP standards. Farnham campus | 1 year part-time | 4 | - | None, just life experience |
| Hours and Delivery | Term Times | Minimum Time NeededMinimum time needed is inclusive of lectures, coursework, therapy, placement, and supervision. This is a rough guideline. Students may require more time, depending on their personal pace. |
|---|---|---|
| 170 tutor contact hours 28 teaching days (22 in-person, 6 online) | September – December January – Easter Easter – May | 6 days a month |
Key Features
Learn to integrate faith and counselling responsibly
Train using the Waverley Integrative Framework, developing a thoughtful and ethical approach to integrating Christian faith with counselling skills.
Start with no formal qualifications
A Levels are not required to begin this course, only the ability to study at Level 4 standard.
Progress directly into Year 2 of a diploma or degree
On completion, you will be eligible to apply for direct entry into Year 2 of the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling or the BA (Hons) Counselling—without the need for the usual A Level entry requirements—providing an accelerated pathway toward becoming a qualified counsellor.
It is so good just to be surrounded with people that are open and honest and wanting to learn about themselves. It’s so important in so many jobs to be able to communicate; to talk well to people and be able to listen.
Riana
Course Description
Course Overview
This one-year course introduces you to the core theory, skills, and personal development required for counselling training. It is designed for those who do not yet meet the entry requirements for higher education programmes but are able to study at Level 4 standard.
Course Content
Students are introduced to the foundations of counselling theory, psychological understanding, and relational skills, while beginning to develop self-awareness and reflective practice. Through skills training, guided practice, and personal development work, you will gain a clear understanding of what counselling involves and the responsibilities of working with others.
Drawing on the Waverley Integrative Framework, the course explores a holistic view of the person—relational, emotional, physical, rational, volitional, and spiritual—helping you begin to understand how Christian faith and psychological insight can sit together in a counselling context.
Alongside developing practical skills, the course places a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, supporting you to grow in self-awareness and begin engaging with ethical considerations in counselling practice.
Assessment
Students are required to complete a range of assignments including essays, reflective journals, presentations and case studies throughout the programme.
Modules & Dates
Course Modules and Outcomes
Here is what you will study and your major outcomes:
| Timeline | Modules |
|---|---|
| Year 1170 tutor contact hours39 classes | This module provides students with a theoretical base and foundation for the whole programme. It introduces students to a Christian anthropology and theory of human personality and to the Waverley Integrative Framework of Counselling, a holistic approach which reflects on the client's history and current circumstances and on all core aspects of human functioning: relational, physical, emotional, volitional, rational and spiritual. Furthermore, the module provides students with the opportunity to apply the Waverley Integrative Framework and related counselling skills in a guided practice situation and through the use of case studies. Students will also be given an overview of the field of human development and a survey of human behaviour associated to lifespan development. In addition, students will be given an introduction to a range of therapeutic approaches to counselling and to basic research principles and methodology, assisting students to understand and make use of research findings to ensure evidence-based practice. |
| This module aims to equip students with the counselling skills needed to prepare them for their work with clients. It facilitates students to understand the importance of developing relationship-building skills which enables the formation of a therapeutic relationship and creates conditions in which change can occur. Students are introduced to a range of basic and advanced counselling skills for use within the counselling process and provided with the opportunity to gain practice and experience in their use. Students are also assisted to develop self-awareness and the ability to give and receive feedback, relating counselling theory with practice via peer counselling triplets using the Waverley Integrative Framework. | |
| This module aims to enable students to understand the different aspects of professional development in its various contexts and settings, assisting them to appreciate the need for ongoing professional development and providing them with an understanding of what constitutes good practice for the professional counsellor. This includes introducing students to the ethical and legal obligations for counsellors, the importance of supervision, and awareness of potential ethical dilemmas and boundary issues — including those that might occur for practitioners operating within faith communities. Students are also assisted to increase their self-awareness and to understand the importance of self-awareness in professional practice. Additional requirements: Students are required to undertake 20 hours of self-funded personal therapy. |
Term Times
September – December
January – Easter
Easter – May
Study Patterns
You may choose from two different blended learning study patterns at the outset of the year:
| Year | Study Pattern A: Week/Weekend | Study Pattern B: One-day-a-week |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 28 teaching days each year
| 28 teaching days each year
|
After Graduation
If you wish to continue your studies after completing this programme, you may:
- Continue your studies by moving directly on to the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (Level 5) in Year 2, completed in 2 years part-time.
- Continue your studies by moving directly on to the BA (Hons) Counselling degree (Level 6) in Year 2, completed in 3–4 years part-time.
Location, Fees, and Requirements
Location
Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8EP
Online via Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams
Accessibility Information
Waverley Abbey House is a Grade II listed property. Most courses take place on the first floor, which is accessed by stairs. In the event of a fire, participants need to be able to walk downstairs at an average pace without assistance. Due to the listed status of the building, a lift is not available.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry qualifications for this programme, however, students may need to demonstrate the potential to study at this level. This programme has limited availability and is an ideal opportunity for students who do not meet the qualification requirements of the Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling or BA (Hons) Counselling programmes.
Tuition Fees
| Course | Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Waverley Abbey Certificate of Christian Counselling | £6,450 |
No Application Fee
Apply before 31 July to apply for free and avoid a late application fee.
Deposit
£500 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance. Counts towards tuition.
Advance Payment Discount
5% reduction on annual tuition fees if paid in full, in advance.
Student Finance
Available, varies by region
Payment Plans
10 monthly installments
3 termly installments
Bursuries
Available, assessed on a case-by-case basis
Cancellation Policy
If you withdraw from study, we offer the following refunds:
- Prior to start date of course — Refund of fees paid, excluding deposit
- Within 2 weeks of course start date — Refund of fees paid, excluding deposit. Requires submission of Withdrawal or Interruption form.
- Between 2–12 weeks of course start date — you are liable for 50% of annual tuition fees plus any other costs incurred. Requires submission of Withdrawal or Interruption form.
- After 12 weeks of course start date — No refund available.
See our full policy under the "Withdrawal And Interruption Of Studies" heading in Terms and Conditions of Enrolment 2026/27.
Other Fees & Info:
- Additional costs such as books, personal therapy, and supervision fees, are not included.
Fund Your Study
See the Fees & Funding page for a range of options of how to fund your study with us.
Further Details
Award
Waverley Abbey Certificate of Christian Counselling
Level 4-equivalent, certified by Waverley Abbey College.
Application guidance
You can start your application straight away. During the process, you may be asked to upload a few documents. It can be helpful to have these ready:
- Passport or driving licence
- A passport-style photo (with a clear image)
- Certificates or diplomas showing your highest academic qualification so far
- The name and email address of a reference
- Your personal statement (between 300–800 words)
You can also begin your application and return later with the documents.
FAQ: Can I still apply if I live abroad?
Students would need to attend the in-person lectures at Waverley Abbey in Farham, Surrey and achieve an attendance of 80% or above. Please bear in mind the time differences when considering the lecture schedule. Please also be mindful that our counselling training is based on UK legislation and professional practice. If you live in another country you will need to comply with local regulations.
If you have further questions
You have three options:
- Book a 20-min call with our team to explore the next step for you based on your current experience level, capacity, and goals.
- See our Fees & Funding page for more about Student Finance and bursaries— don’t let fi nancial concerns stop you from studying.
- See our Frequently Asked Questions page for some of the most common questions we get about studying at Waverley Abbey College.
Learn Professional Counselling Skills
We know 1 in 5 people experience mental health problems each week. Perhaps you’ve seen first-hand how much people are struggling today. Or perhaps you’ve been there.
Grounded in a Christian worldview, this Certificate of Christian Counselling course equips you with the skills to understand and respond to what many face. If you’re drawn to counselling, this is the place to start.
Places are limited, so apply early.