Health and Social Care

Professional counsellors are needed for a wide range of settings and circumstances to help people discuss their problems and feelings, and make their own choices. The demand for counsellors is increasing so if you think you’ll be a good listener, non-judgmental, patient and sensitive then our HNC could be suitable for you.

• A minimum of two relevant Highers including English at C grade or above and ideally National 5 Maths/Numeracy  
• OR a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 6 or equivalent such as: First Steps to Counselling and Mental Health; NQ level 6 Health and Social Care  
• If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have life and practice experience or other training, and can demonstrate the ability to achieve at the advanced level, we will also consider you for a place. 
• 17 years old by August of the year of entry. 
• Applicants whose first language is not English should have a minimum SQA ESOL Higher or equivalent.  

Selection 

• Your application statement should show a good awareness of the course you are applying to and explain why you are suited to studying with us. 
• You may be required to attend a group and/or individual interview and information session, during which you may be asked to complete a written activity.  
• A satisfactory reference  

This course focuses on the three main areas required to effectively counsel people in different circumstances - counselling theories, practical counselling skills and personal development 

What you will learn 

• You’ll explore behavioural and cognitive counselling theory.  
• How psychological or emotional difficulties are acquired and perpetuated 
• How to support changed thinking or behaviour  
• Humanistic counselling theory 
• Psychodynamic counselling theory.  
• Group counselling skills.  
• Counselling skills 
• Self-evaluation and awareness 

You’ll also hear from a wide range of professional practitioners from local counselling and support services. 

On completion of this course:

• you'll have highly valued knowledge and counselling skills that will be of benefit in a wide range of roles and careers that involve working with and/or supporting others
• the level 8 COSCA Certificate in Counselling at Ayrshire College may be an option for you
• HND counselling courses at other colleges may be an option
• you may progress to a relevant degree, such as BSc Psychology and Counselling or a postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Counselling. Postgraduate counselling courses are also available from privately financed counselling businesses within Scotland. Please check their websites for details of their entrance requirements. 

Students who wish to continue onto a more advanced course that includes a care work placement and/or into employment in the care sector will at that time be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. This involves a police check by Disclosure Scotland. You can ask about this at the point of application or interview, and this is highly recommended for applicants who have a criminal history.

• Work within an agency or organisation where counselling skills are required.  
• HND Counselling 
• BSc Psychology 
• BSc Psychology and Counselling 
• BSc Mental Health Nursing 

The following skills are developed over the course of the HNC:

• Counselling techniques 
• Academic  
• Analytical and problem solving 
• Project management 
• Team work and collaboration  
• IT and Digital  
• Reflection  
• Career specific  

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

• Health  
• Mental Health  
• Homelessness 
• Addictions and Recovery 
• Trauma 
• Loss and bereavement 

“The HNC Counselling course was life-changing and transformational in so many ways. Seeking to understand myself and become self-aware resulted in considerable personal progress. Learning how to listen to and help others provided me with the skills and confidence to continue my education at university. The path of self-discovery and development was invaluable, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to begin my studies at Ayrshire College. Overall, it was a positive experience. Although the coursework was challenging at times, it was fulfilling and created a strong foundation for my future pursuits. The lecturers were genuinely approachable and supportive during the course. Their willingness to teach, listen, and provide guidance significantly enhanced the learning experience. Their support and knowledge created a nurturing environment where I felt safe to explore complex concepts and reflect openly in class.”  

Degree study programmes such as:

• Psychology 
• Social Sciences 
• HND Counselling