FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What level does the basic counselling skills course, as part of the entry requirements, have to be?
2. I don’t have an ‘A level’ qualification or equivalent.  Would I need to have one to apply for the course?
3. I want to become a counsellor. Which course should I choose?
4. Are there limited places on these courses?
5. Can I pay by instalments?
6. What happens If I am unable to attend one of the blocks on a course due to illness or personal circumstances?
7. What hours will I have to do for the placement?
8. I’m looking to do this type of work as a career, how much will I get paid if I complete one of the Relate Institute courses?
9. How many days are involved in the training?
10. How do I find a placement?
11. What is the interview process?
12. When should I apply for this course?
13. Where do the courses take place?
14. How long are the study days?
15. How much does the courses cost?
16. I am thinking of applying to the MA in Relationship Therapy. I meet the entry requirements but I have no couple work experience. What do I need to do?
17. Is there a difference in cost between studying at High Melton and other venues?
18. I might need help with fees. Can you help?
19. I have a disability. What should I do?

1) What level does the basic counselling skills course, as part of the entry requirements, have to be?

This can be a level 2 or 3 course.  These courses can be found either at your local college or a Relate Centre.  If you have, however, completed a course with counselling skills as part of its content, please include details, or even a transcript, of the course with your application.

2) I don’t have an ‘A level’ qualification or equivalent.  Would I need to have one to apply for the course?

Yes, one of the entry requirements is an ‘A level’ or equivalent. However, if you do a level 3 counselling skills course/qualification, this would be the equivalent level 3 for the academic standard of an ‘A level’ qualification.

3) I want to become a counsellor. Which course should I choose?

if you do not have a first degree, but do have a level 3 qualification and a basic counselling skills qualification at level 2 or 3 or equivalent, such as Samaritans training, entry course for you would be the Introduction to Couple Counselling. If you have a first degree you can access the MA in Relationship Therapy directly.

4) Are there limited places on these courses?

There are usually 24 places on each cohort, however this may vary depending on start date and location.

5) Can I pay by instalments?

Yes.  You will be invoiced by Doncaster College with dates for three instalments.

6) What happens if I am unable to attend one of the blocks on a course due to illness or personal circumstances?

It is advisable to register with a cohort that fits the dates that are appropriate for you, as it is a requirement to attend all blocks of the cohort you have registered.  If you are unable to make all the dates, then you will be charged for non-attendance of that cohort you have registered with.  If you are ill, then we will endeavour to fit you into another cohort for the missing block, however this is not guaranteed. This may delay your progression on the course and ultimately delay your award.

7) What hours will I have to do for the placement?

This depends on the course you attend, please refer to the course page on the website. The clinical placement manager in the centre will be able to advise you.

8) I’m looking to do this type of work as a career, how much will I get paid if I complete one of the Relate Institute courses?

This is really down to the clinical organisation that will employ you.  When you first contact them you may wish to ask them about employment opportunities (paid or unpaid) after you have completed this course.  Some employers may require you to gain your professional accreditation first of all.  A good place to look information about a career in counselling is the BACP website at: http://www.bacp.co.uk  

The Relate Institute Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy is accredited by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.  Individual accreditation can be sought independently with COSRT on completion of this course.

9) How many days are involved in the training?

The required number of hours varies from course to course. Please refer to the relevant course page on the website. The clinical work can either be done on placement at a Relate Centre or a clinical setting where couple clients with relationship issues can be sought.  If using a clinical setting outside of Relate, the supervisor supervising the clinical practice would need to meet the Relate Supervisor Register criteria.

10) How do I find a placement?

Please read the Notes for Applicants.  We suggest you contact your preferred clinical placement before you apply, so that you have an idea if you will be able to gain a placement.  If you are unable to find a placement, you will be unable to start the course.

11) What is the interview process?

You will find the information you need in the Notes for Applicants.

12) When should I apply for this course?

Please note that the website indicates closing dates for the courses, so you need to allow plenty of time for your application to reach us before the deadline.

13) Where do the courses take place?

The courses take place in a number of venues, please refer to the course page on the website. Courses in High Melton (Doncaster) usually run at weekends and on weekdays in other venues.

14) How long are the study days?

They start at 9.30 and end at 17.00.

15) How much does the courses cost?

This depends on course, location and prior qualification. Please visit the courses page for more information.

Please note that all courses delivered in venues other than High Melton are subject to a charge of £310.00 per annum.

16) I am thinking of applying to the MA in Relationship Therapy. I meet the entry requirements but I have no couple work experience. What do I need to do?

There is a dedicated block of training with an emphasis in couple skills practice at an extra cost of £150 within the first module of training.

17) Is there a difference in cost between studying at High Melton and other venues?

Yes. If you attend a venue other than High Melton there will be an additional £300 fee per annum.

18) I might need help with fees. Can you help?

The Relate Institute does not offer bursaries but here are some useful links.

19) I have a disability. What should I do?

The Relate Institute and University Centre Doncaster are committed to Equal Opportunities. When we receive your application we will note that you have ticked the box and will advise the relevant staff of this.