How to Apply

Entry requirements

Each course lists each own individual entry requirements.  However, if you do not have all the entry requirements for a particular course but feel that you have relevant experience or other qualifications, the following methods can be considered when assessing your application.

Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Experiential Learning (APEL)

APL involves assessing any prior skills input that a candidate might have as the result of a previous professional training eg a counselling module as part of a teacher training with emphasis on pastoral care, prior training in Gestalt and some trainings in psychiatric nursing or specialist social work.

APEL involves assessing the abilities of a person and looking at their portfolio of experience in the cases of people working in professions using practice skills and knowledge eg child guidance.

Application Procedure

1. Fill out the application form online or by downloading the paper application indicating which course you are interested in.  If you are unsure which course is best suited to your needs, please enter the ones you are interested in and you will be interviewed by a tutor who can help you decide on the best route. We do not have closing dates for courses as such, but you can appreciate that applying at least 2-3 weeks before a course commences helps the administrative and interviewing process.
2. Your references need to be from one professional and one personal referee. The professional reference can be from a previous course tutor, line manager, supervisor or professional acquaintance if you are self-employed or have been out of work. Please get the referees to complete the form and enclose both references with your application. Alternatively,you can send the forms to your referees who can then return them direct to us.
3. In addition to the above forms, we also need a copy of your CV and a personal letter of application. The letter is important for the tutor to get more of an idea of you personally before interview. This letter can include your reasons for embarking on such a course.
4. On receipt of your application, you will be contacted by a member of staff to acknowledge that we have received it. A tutor or one of the office staff will then contact you shortly after to arrange a mutually convenient time for an interview.

Interview

Criteria for applicants:

1. Self awareness, maturity and stability
2. The ability to make use of and reflect upon life experiences
3. The capacity to cope with the emotional demands of the course
4. The ability to cope with intellectual and academic requirements of the course
5. The ability to form a helping relationship
6. The ability to be self critical and use feedback
7. An awareness of prejudice and oppression of some minority groups

Interview process

The interview will last between 30 – 60 minutes depending on the course. You will be interviewed by a tutor who teaches on the training you are applying for. We have been holding group interviews recently so it is likely you will be offered one of these. 

Following a successful interview, you will be offered a place on the course subject to receipt of two satisfactory references. The deadline for accepting your place is normally two weeks from your interview date. When accepting your place, a deposit will be required in order to secure it.

Any further information will be sent (if required) before commencing your course