A pathway designed around real people

There isn’t one typical person who chooses to study counselling.

You might be considering a complete career change. You might already work in a people-focused role and want to develop your skills. You might be returning to education after years away. Or you might simply have reached a point where you want to do something that feels meaningful.

That’s why our counselling pathway gives you different points to start and different ways to progress.

Study alongside the life you already have

For many adult students, going back into education can feel like a big decision.

Our students have balanced counselling study with work, family and other commitments.

Felicia Kahin returned to education while working and raising her family. She chose a Foundation Degree in counselling because it allowed her to continue working while gaining a professional qualification.

“I was able to keep my full-time job throughout the Foundation Degree. The only costs I really had to think about were tuition fees and travelling to college. I didn't have accommodation costs and I didn't lose my income.”

For Felicia, studying at college also meant having tutors who understood the challenges of returning to academic study.

“Most of us hadn't written an academic essay for years. The tutors understood that. They didn't expect us to know everything already, and they were always there when we needed them.”

Learn through experience, not just theory

Counselling is about people. So while academic knowledge matters, developing the ability to listen, reflect, communicate and build therapeutic relationships is just as important.

Our higher-level counselling courses combine academic study with experiential learning, including group work, discussion, creative activities and counselling skills practice.

As Person-Centred Counselling student Rae Faulkner explains:

“This course also provides a balance of experiential and academic learning which appealed to me; a mixture of taught theory, discussion, group work, presentations, creative work and counselling skills practice. This course offers a very engaging way of learning.”

That approach continues as you progress through the programme, helping you connect theory with practice and develop the skills, knowledge and self-awareness needed for counselling.

Why study counselling at East Sussex College?

A complete pathway

Start at Level 1 and progress through to degree level, with different entry points depending on your experience and qualifications.

Professional accreditation

Our Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

University-validated degrees

Our Foundation Degree and BSc (Hons) courses are validated by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Real-world experience

Higher-level students gain practical experience through supervised placement work, helping connect academic learning with professional practice.

Experienced tutors

Learn from qualified and experienced counsellors in a supportive learning environment.

Study locally

With counselling courses available across Eastbourne, Hastings and Newhaven, you can find a route that works for you without necessarily having to move away to study.

A supportive learning environment

Our students regularly highlight the support they receive from tutors and the collaborative nature of learning.

Silvia Spankova, who studied Person-Centred Counselling, says:

“The college gave me the support to achieve my goals, balance study with work and family, and gain a qualification that boosted my personal and professional development.”

Where can counselling take you?

A qualification in counselling can open the door to a wide range of opportunities.

Our qualified students have gone on to work in areas including:

• Mental health services
• Primary care counselling
• Relationship services
• Abuse services
• Drug and alcohol support services
• Services for young people
• Careers services
• Private practice

Your qualification can also provide opportunities for further study and professional development.

Your questions, answered

Do I need previous counselling experience?

Not necessarily. Our pathway starts at Level 1, giving beginners the opportunity to develop foundational interpersonal and communication skills before progressing further.

Can I study counselling while working?

Our students have successfully balanced counselling study with employment and family commitments. Course patterns vary by level, so check the individual course pages for current timetables.

Where can I study counselling?

Counselling courses are available across East Sussex, including Eastbourne, Hastings and Newhaven. Availability varies depending on the level.

Can I progress from Level 1 to a counselling degree?

Yes. Our pathway is designed to provide progression from introductory study through to degree level, subject to meeting the entry requirements for each stage.

Is the counselling degree accredited?

The Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and validated by the University of East Anglia.

What practical experience will I gain?

At Foundation Degree level, students complete at least 100 hours of placement work and receive supervision as part of their training.

Can I become a counsellor after completing the degree?

The Foundation Degree is a stage towards professional practice and accreditation. Professional requirements can vary, so students should check the current requirements of relevant professional bodies and employers.

Find your starting point

Whether you’re curious about counselling, developing skills for your current role or ready to retrain for a new career, there’s a place to start.

Level 1
New to counselling? Start here.

Level 2
Build your counselling skills.

Level 3
Explore counselling theory and practice.

Level 5
Train towards professional counselling practice.

Level 6
Take your counselling qualification to degree level.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our counselling courses and find the right starting point for you.