Start your journey into the world of counselling and psychology with Pearson HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology taught at Kings Cornerstone. Designed in the UK in 2023, this qualification is regulated by OFQUAL and awarded by Pearson, ensuring top-notch standards. With 240 credits, it’s your pathway to either stepping straight into a meaningful career or directly enter the final year of a bachelor degree.
You’ll get the chance to specialise in major areas like Integrative, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural, and Humanistic counselling approaches. Our course is developed in collaboration with respected organisations and universities, including the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Bromley Community Counselling Service, Learning & Wellbeing Psychology, and academic institutions such as Southampton Solent University, University of Central Lancashire, Nottingham Trent University, University of Roehampton, and Lancaster University. This ensures you’re learning the latest practices and theories.
HND includes a strong practical element, with a minimum of 105 hours of work placement in your first year and 70 hours in your second year. You’ll counsel real clients in professional settings, which gives you essential hands-on experience and prepares you for a future career. This practical training aligns with BACP Column A therapist standards in the SCoPEd framework, adding real value to your skills.
When you finish, you’ll be ready to step into roles like Counsellor or Psychological Well-being Practitioner. Plus, this qualification could be your first step towards membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), enhancing your professional standing and opportunities.
Personal and Professional Development Through
Developing Empathic Communication for Effective
Preparing for Research (Pearson-set)
Ethical Frameworks in Counselling
Self-awareness and Reflective Practice in Counselling
Theoretical Perspectives in Counselling
Digital Approaches in Caring Professions
Counselling Skills Development and Practice
Working with Diverse Clients in Therapeutic Counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Counselling
Risk and Assessment (Pearson-set)
Pluralistic Approaches to Counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Counselling
Mental health distress and disorder
Entry Criteria Requirements:
CBSE 12th: 65% in Maths and 70% in English
State Board 12th: 75% in Maths and 80% in English
We accept qualifications from all government-recognised boards.
Relevant Work Experience:
Applicants with prior work experience in fields related to psychology or mental health services will be given special consideration. Documented experience in counselling, social work, or mental health support may strengthen your application.
Transfer from Other Colleges:
Students currently enrolled in B.Sc or equivalent degree programs in their 1st or 2nd year may be eligible for credit transfer to the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Psychology or for advanced entry into Bachelor’s degree programs in the UK or Australia.
To apply, you will need to submit a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application. This should include your semester-wise mark sheets and the syllabus, which can usually be obtained from your library or college/university website.
Tuition fees are determined based on the total number of credits undertaken. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits per semester, with each credit priced at ₹2,500 plus taxes. Additional credits may be opted for to fulfil requirements for major or minor specialisations, aligned with the career and academic plan and the transfer requirements of the destination university.
The HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology provides a dual benefit, facilitating both advanced education opportunities and career prospects. A significant advantage for students pursuing this diploma is their ability to obtain part-time employment related to their field of study while studying abroad. This practical experience enables them to utilize their skills in authentic environments, setting them apart from many peers who may find themselves in unrelated roles after completing secondary education.
Students in the HND program distinguish themselves by demonstrating their specialized skills to potential employers, increasing their chances of securing relevant part-time positions throughout their studies. Furthermore, gaining membership with the esteemed British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) enhances their professional credibility, offering a competitive advantage in the fields of counselling and mental health. This blend of practical experience and professional connections paves the way for numerous career opportunities, both during and after their academic journey.
KCIC has guaranteed international transfer arrangements with Elmhurst University in the USA, offering 2 years further study at the USA campus to obtain full BS in Psychology award.
To convert your Higher National Diploma (HND) in Counselling to a Bachelor’s degree, you can opt for a top-up programme using Advanced Prior Learning (APL) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). These pathways acknowledge your previous education, allowing direct entry into the final year of a BSc in Counselling. You’ll typically need to complete additional modules over one year to achieve a full honours degree.
Several UK universities offer these top-up degrees:
University of East London: BSc (Hons) Counselling
University of Greenwich: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
Leeds Beckett University: BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Counselling
University of Sunderland: BA (Hons) Counselling
Anglia Ruskin University: BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy
University Centre Peterborough: BA (Hons) Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy
To apply, submit your HND qualifications, and you may need to attend an interview or assessment. Completing a top-up degree enhances your career prospects in counselling and related fields.
Completing a Level 5 HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology in the UK can open up a range of career opportunities in mental health and social care. Here are some potential job roles along with typical salary expectations:
Counsellor: As a counsellor, you’ll support people dealing with emotional and psychological difficulties. Salaries usually range from £28,000 to £50,000 per year, depending on your experience and location.
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP): PWPs help individuals with common mental health issues, mainly using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. Salaries typically fall between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
Mental Health Support Worker: In this role, you’ll work in various settings, like residential facilities or community centres, assisting people with mental health needs. Salaries generally range from £18,000 to £25,000 per year.
Substance Misuse Worker: Specialising in helping individuals with drug or alcohol issues, substance misuse workers can expect salaries between £22,000 and £30,000 annually.
Youth Counsellor: Supporting the mental health and well-being of young people, youth counsellors earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year.
School Counsellor: Working in schools to support students’ mental health, school counsellors can earn between £24,000 and £40,000 annually.
Residential Counsellor: Providing ongoing support in residential facilities, residential counsellors have an average salary of around £23,630 per year.
Please note, these figures are approximate and may vary based on factors like location, employer, and your level of experience. Some positions might also require additional qualifications or training beyond the HND