Top Tips For What To Look For In An Education Establishment
By Lucy Down, Student Recruitment Officer
Choosing the right counselling or psychotherapy training course is an important decision and a significant investment in yourself and your future. Your choice of college is therefore extremely important.
Having spoken to hundreds of students over the years I have a few tips to help your decision making. The most important piece of advice is to take time to do your research and ensure it is the correct path to give you the qualifications you need to support your pathway.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a course.
1. What personal or career outcomes do you want from the course? Choose a course that will help you achieve your goals be that a new career, professional development or pursuing a personal interest.
2. Research the course content. Review the syllabus to make sure the topics align with your interests. The course should give you a robust understanding of theory but you’ll need to practise what you’re learning – so ensure skills work is a core part of the curriculum. Is the course quality checked or accredited by a recognised organisation such as BACP, NCPS or UKCP.
3. Consider the learning format. If you’re considering a career change then you’re most likely to be in employment already, or juggling family commitments. It's important to be comfortable that you can manage the course schedule and workload alongside other commitments. This may influence your choice of full-time, part-time, in-person, online or hybrid courses.
4. Look at the finances. Consider the costs, including any add ons such as personal therapy and travel costs. You may have funding options such as bespoke payments or student loans, depending on the course.
5. Check out the education provider
- Attend an open day or online course presentation and take time to speak with someone if you have any questions.
- Look at online reviews and testimonials from former students. This will give you a sense of the overall student experience, including teaching quality, campus life, and support services.
- Investigate the qualifications and experience of the tutors or lecturers who will be teaching the courses. Faculty with strong academic and professional backgrounds can make a big difference in the quality of your education.
- Check out the class sizes. Smaller class sizes often mean more personalised attention from tutors, which can be beneficial for your learning.
- Check what student support services are available (e.g., counselling, academic support, career advice).
Choosing where to study is a significant step, and taking the time to research your options can make all the difference. By considering accreditation, student experiences, tutor expertise, and available support, you can ensure your chosen path aligns with both your values and future goals, and never be afraid to call and speak to someone. Good Luck!
Written by Lucy Down
Student Recruitment Officer
Written March 2025
