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First Steps to Counselling and Mental Health

  • Qualifications National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 6
  • Study mode August 2026 Courses
  • Campus Ayr
  • Start date August 2026
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance/Duration

Full-Time

Overview

This course will be of interest to individuals who have an interest in developing counselling knowledge and skills. These would be beneficial in a wide range of health, social care, educational and community settings where the individual communicates with and/or supports others.

Entry requirements

  • A real interest in working with people and good interpersonal skills  
  • Five relevant National 5s at C or above or equivalent including English and ideally Maths/Numeracy OR a recent and relevant NQ course at SCQF Level 5 or equivalent 
  • Applicants whose first language is not English should have a minimum SQA ESOL Higher or equivalent.  
  • You should be aware that students choosing to study care courses will be asked to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme  

Selection 

  • A personal statement in which you should explain your motivation for studying this course and describe the skills, qualities, and life experiences you would bring to the course.  
  • An individual or group interview. 
  • Suitable references on request 

Course content

This course introduces learners to basic counselling theory and skills before helping them to develop a more in-depth knowledge of counselling theory for practice. Good communication skills are essential to counselling and they will be a valuable feature of the course. Other content includes: 

  • Social Influences and the social behaviour of people 
  • Human Development and Behaviour 
  • Values and Principles 
  • Substance Use and Misuse 

There will be a particular focus on mental health and further relevant units of study will consolidate a varied and interesting curriculum. 

Careers and Further Study

Successful learners may also choose to continue their education with courses such as: -  

  • HNC Counselling 
  •  HNC Social Services  
  •  HNC Healthcare Practice 

Skills

Sills you may develop:

  • Counselling Skills 
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
  • Team and Project work skills 
  • Time Management skills 
  • Academic skills 

Testimonial

The Health and Social Care level 5  course gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to understand real-world care settings.  It helped build skills, grow personally and see the value of the work we do in supporting others.  First Steps to Counselling and Mental Health has taken that even further.  It’s boosted my self-awareness, deepened my understanding of mental health, and shown me how important communication and empathy truly are.  These courses don’t just teach you, they prepare you for a meaningful future in health, care and support.  Lyndsay

Employer and Industry Links

We have links with employers who support the following needs of individuals: 

  • Health  
  • Mental Health  
  • Learning Disabilities 
  • Education 
  • Homelessness 
  • Addictions and Recovery 
  • Trauma 
  • Loss and bereavement