Q. Are there any entry requirements in order to enrol on a course?
A. Not at all. If you are interested in the field of counselling or holistic therapies and would like to enhance your knowledge of the field then that is all we ask for.
Q. How long will it take to complete a course?
A. We allow 12 months for completion of our Diploma in Counselling Skills and 6 months for all of our other courses but the time taken for completion is dependant upon your time available and commitment to your studies.
The beauty of distance learning is that you are able to put into your course the amount of time you have available without pressure. We allow plenty of time for you to complete the relevant course and many are able to complete their course before this time frame.
Q. Are there any external examinations?
A. No. You will only be required to answer the questions in the coursework booklet and will need to complete your end of course assignment in order to complete your chosen course.
Q. Will there be any extra fees to pay?
A. Not at all. All of our courses are inclusive of all fees unlike many other distance learning colleges. Our fees include tuition fees, textbooks (if required), course materials, examination and marking, postage, and the sending of your Diploma or Certificate to you upon successful completion of the course.
Q. Will I have support during my studies?
A. Absolutely! You will have a dedicated tutor on hand to give you guidance via email should you need it. Your tutor is available to answer any queries or concerns that you may have at all times. Please see our 'Tutorial Support' page for more details.
Q. How will the course further my career?
A. All NewHorizons Open College courses are intended to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the field studied. Completion of the course and gaining your Diploma or Certificate will show colleges, universities and employers that you have the dedication and knowledge to complete a self-study course, and the desire to work in the field, which is very attractive to employers and institutions. Alternatively you could use your knowledge as the first step in setting up as a therapist.
Q. Will my course be accredited?
A. Yes, all of our courses are fully accredited by a number of accreditation bodies including the IPHM, The C.T.A. and the C.H.A. assuring you and any employer of a high quality level of study. Please see our 'Accreditation' page for more details about these bodies.
Q. Will I be able to set up as a Counsellor with the Diploma in Counselling Skills?
A. The Diploma in Counselling Skills shows that you have studied the foundations in counselling and the skills required in order to counsel effectively and correctly. In the future there may be legislation which will require all counsellors to be BACP registered, which requires every counsellor to be assessed in a counselling scenario by BACP registered individuals.
A distance learning course cannot by its very nature provide a workplace assessment. Therefore if you do wish to become an independently practicing counsellor the Diploma will be an excellent foundation tool in understanding the fundamental issues in the field and will enable you to gain entry onto insitutionalised courses which will be BACP registered.
The course will be of use in many workplace settings or any scenario dealing with people and emotional situations, and will therefore be beneficial in gaining future employment, as interpersonal and mediation skills are paramount in any company to ensure a happy, balanced and efficient working atmosphere.
Q. Will I get a Certificate/Diploma?
A. Yes! You will receive a Diploma in your chosen course with a level of Pass, Merit or Distinction depending on your pass rate. If you choose a Certificate course, your Certificate will be awarded to you upon gaining a successful pass rate.
