CPCAB Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 Diploma (TC-L4 BACP APQ)

When:  Week commencing 14th September 2026

Course Days:

Wednesdays: 9.30 - 17.00 

Guided learning hours: 450

Fees £3860 (per year)

Fees are inclusive of CPCAB candidate registration

Payment Plans are available upon request

Please note a £550 non refundable deposit is required to secure your place

Course details and entry requirements · Application form · Funding

The dates above describe the published 2026 intake. Check current availability with the Academy before applying.

Location, travel and access information

Funding Sources

Please submit an application form at the bottom of this page

Student feedback

“It is fantastic to be able to study with practitioners committed to developing opportunities for people who want to become counsellors.”

Level 4 Student1 July 2024

“The support  from tutors and peers has been amazing, as well, the integrative training has been a great learning experience to me. I feel much more confidence on my approach as a counsellor, and also my self esteem as a person has grown.”

Level 4 Student30 July 2021

Course overview

What is the aim of this course?
The BACP-approved Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling is a part time, 2 year blended learning course, which will benefit learners who want to train to become counsellors working within an agency setting.
  • A coherent vocational and professional approach, integrating Person Centred, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis theoretical perspectives with the therapeutic relationship.
  • A competence based training which highlights the development of skilled practice via experiential learning.
  • Practical training within an agency setting
  • Specific training in a wide range of counselling specialisms and techniques
  • A straightforward route to BACP registration, with immediate access to the BACP Register and BACP Therapist Directory
  • A pathway onto the CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, and the CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision
Who is the course for?
For students who achieved the Level 3 Counselling Studies Certificate. On completion of this course you will be a qualified professional counsellor recognised by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and eligible for inclusion on their Register of Counsellors.
What are the Qualification Units?
The Qualification units are as follows:

  • Working ethically, safely and professionally as a counsellor
  • Working within a counselling relationship
  • Working with client diversity in counselling work
  • Working within a user-centred approach to counselling
  • Working with self-awareness in the counselling process
  • Working within a coherent framework of counselling theory and skills
  • Working self-reflectively as a counsellor

Assessment is by candidate portfolio and an externally assessed written paper.

For more information on the content and expectations of this course, please visit the CPCAB website.
What is the progression?
After achieving the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling you can apply for the Level 5 Psychotherapeutic Counselling Diploma and the Level 6 Diploma in Supervision.
What are the entry requirements?
You must have obtained the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and the CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies or their equivalents. (Distance learning courses which do not involve skills practice or groupwork with fellow students are not equivalents).

You can apply for this training before the end of your previous course, but your acceptance will be conditional on the successful completion of the prerequisite qualifications by the start of the training.

  • A computer and access to the internet is essential for you to engage with the course.
  • Fees are not inclusive of text books, personal therapy or supervision.
  • You must complete a minimum of 30 hours of personal therapy across the 2 year course to support your training.
  • Successful applicants must register as BACP student members in order to undertake this BACP-approved training.
  • Candidates must enrol as BACP student members for both years of the training.
  • We regret that the training venue has no lift and students will need to climb stairs to access the classrooms.
What are the term dates?
The academic year is structured in 3 terms with Christmas, Easter and Half Term breaks.
How much will it cost?
Fees:

Fees are £3860 (per year) - Fees are inclusive of CPCAB candidate registration. Payment Plans are available upon request

Please note: a £550 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

For more information on sources of funding see - Funding sources

Affordable Payment Plans are available. Please state on your application form if you would like to arrange a flexible way to pay.
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete our online application form below. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a member of the tutor team.

Term Dates

The academic year is structured in 3 terms with Christmas, Easter and Half Term breaks.

Application Form

Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch…

Financial Support

For those experiencing financial constraints, the Banbury Counselling Academy is committed to inclusivity and so we offer flexible payment plan options to those who need them. We also offer several bursaries for those wishing to access our courses (subject to availability). We hope this flexibility will help us increase the numbers of those under-represented in the counselling and psychotherapy professions. Click here to find out more.