If you are interested in signing up for this course, we recommend that you attend one of our Taster Days.
Applicants for this course must already hold:
If you are applying with a certificate in counselling from an alternative training venue, you will need to provide clear evidence that your certificate has been achieved within the last 5 years, and of the number of training hours undertaken. Older certificates will be accepted at the discretion of the Programmes Lead where there is also evidence of further relevant work, or study (workshops, online courses, conferences etc) taken since completion of the certificate.
If you are applying because your professional training included counselling training you will need to provide clear evidence that the counselling training aspect was undertaken within the last 5 years. Older training will be accepted at the discretion of the Programmes Lead where there is also evidence of further relevant work, or study (workshops, online courses, conferences etc) taken since completion of the training. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of the number of hours spent in counselling skills training.
Distance learning will not meet our entry requirements, as there are limited, if any, formal contacts between the tutor and student and with other students. However, we recognise that during the current pandemic many courses previously taught ‘face to face’ are now being taught via live online classrooms. If this is the case, please let us know and we will be able to advise you further on your eligibility.
It is not possible to undertake our Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling at the same time as our Certificate in Counselling. You may, however, apply for the Advanced Diploma while undertaking the Certificate course, if it is due to be completed before the Diploma intake you are applying for begins. In those circumstances, any offer of a place on the Diploma would be subject to successful completion of the Certificate course.
How to apply:
You can apply by submitting the following documents and items:
Application documents can be submitted by email to admissions@ironmill.co.uk.
Please note: we are only accepting correspondence by email or phone throughout the coronavirus situation.
Final application date
The deadline for applications is 6 weeks before the start of the course. A decision will be made on whether the course will run, based on confirmed and accepted places, 4 weeks before the start date of the course. Any applications received after the 6 week deadline will only be processed at the discretion of the Programmes Lead.
Selection for interview:
Selection is on the basis of information provided in your application (as above). The following criteria is also taken into account:
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Formal qualifications and experience
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Evidence of written English
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Commitment and enthusiasm for counselling
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Maturity and stability
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Resilience
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Self-awareness
In preparation for interview you are advised to look at the BACP website and the BACP Ethical Framework, which lists the values and personal qualities expected of counsellors
At interview:
Core teaching staff are involved in both the interviews and the selection process of applicants.
You will need to allow up to 3 hours for your interview and this will take the form of a group interview, followed by individual interviews. You will need to demonstrate to us your interpersonal skills and your relational capacity to effectively participate with others, with an awareness of difference and equality within the group environment.
Throughout the interview you will be invited to reflect upon your prior life experiences by using your self-awareness, your skills in self-reflection and maturity, using personal examples of how you have integrated your responses to those experiences. You will need to evidence your ability to engage with the academic requirements of the programme. Your application will necessitate you to be at the right time in your life, so you are able to engage fully with the training.
We will be looking for the following qualities (as identified in the BACP Gold Book 2009):
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Self-awareness, maturity and stability
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Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience
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Capacity to cope with the emotional demands of the course
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Ability to cope with the intellectual and academic requirements
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Ability to form a helping relationship
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Ability to be self critical and use both positive and negative feedback
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Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression
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Awareness of issues of difference and equality
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Ability to recognise the need for personal and professional support
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Competence in, or the aptitude to develop generic professional skills, including: literacy, numeracy, information technology, administrative skills, self management skills, communication and interpersonal skills.
We thank you for attending the interview and will write to you outlining the outcome of your interview.
The academic requirements of the Advanced Diploma require you to have sufficient IT skills to complete the course.
We ask you to note on your application any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, so that we can provide you with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter.
Please note:
Our agreement with you covers the period of your training however progression through the Advanced Diploma is not automatic and is subject to the satisfactory completion of the course requirements, including minimum attendance, personal development, assessments and meeting the criteria for placement. We reserve the right to defer a student or terminate their training based upon our professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning (APL):
To ensure that all students meet the criteria for BACP registration, RPL is not permitted. Students need to complete the course in its entirety.
Content:
Teaching schedule Year 1:
- Teaching schedule Year 1 (Schedules are open to change of order):
- Introduction Weekend
- The Theory of Attachment
- Person Centred Philosophy
- Introduction to Skills Work/Supervision
- Professional Development
- Preparing for Placement
- Introduction to Ego states
- Introduction Seven Level Model/ Feast and Festivities
- Diversity and Multiculturalism
- Transference and Countertransference
- Heron’s Six Categories of Intervention
- BACP Introduction to Counselling Young People (11-18 years)
- Theories of Personality
- Transactional Analysis Developing a Therapeutic Model
- Gestalt
- Triad work
- 1st Year Assessments
- 1st Year Presentations
Teaching schedule Year 2:
- Heron: Degenerate Interventions
- Humanism and Existentialism
- Transpersonal Myths and Archetypes
- CBT /Mindfulness
- BACP Supervision
- Research
- Systems Theory
- Trauma
- Neurobiology
- Mental Health
- Medication
- Viva Preparation
- Case Study presentation
- Theory to Practice: this allows time for students to ask for revision on modules they have already been taught and use the modules to practice related theory.
The Advanced Diploma is accredited by the BACP. It includes the opportunity to achieve the Iron Mill College (IMC) Introduction to Counselling Young People (CYP) Award at no additional cost, as part of your schedule above. This separate award is a BACP requirement for students on accredited courses, to allow their progression onto placement with young people (11-18 years) once a substantial number of hours have been completed with adult clients. The IMC Introduction to Counselling Young People Award addresses the Stage 1 Learning Outcomes within the BACP Counselling Young People (11–18 years) Training Curriculum.
Learning and assessment:
The Advanced Diploma is delivered via lectures, debates, presentations, audio-visual materials, group exercises, skills practices, process groups, reflective practice, and presentations. As well as attending timetabled teaching days at the college students spend time attending placement, supervision (typically around 1 day per week in total), undertaking personal therapy (approximately 1 hour per week) as well as independent guided study and preparation for assignments.
Assessment:
The criteria assessed for the Advanced Diploma is continuous, throughout the training, and formally assessed with you at the following points including elements of self, peer and tutor-assessment.
Formative and summative assessments are integrated throughout the programme. Formative assessments such as journal writing, feedback from skills practice and participation in experiential work are not formally marked. Summative assessments such as essay writing, the competency to practice interview and end of year assessments are formally marked.
Details of timetables, assessment requirements and criteria as well as deadline hand in dates for assignments can be found in the teaching schedule and handbook which is given to students at the start of the introductory weekend.
Year 1:
(Students must successfully meet the requirements of the following to progress onto year 2).
- End of year assessment.
- Competence to Practice assessment (the criteria indicating competence for clinical practice).
Assignments:
1. Summative assignments
You will need to achieve a pass mark of 50% for each of the following:
Year 1 Assignments:
- IMC-31 Book review (3000 words)
- IMC-32 Essay: Diversity and Multiculturalism in practice (3000 words)
- IMC-33 Essay: Preliminary Thoughts on Counselling (3000 words)
- Patchwork Assignment: BACP Introduction to Counselling Young People
- Presentations (20 minutes) accompanied by a 3000-word hand-out
All essays completed (including all rewrites) and feedback for each piece of work indicating the assignments have ‘passed’.
Year 2 Assignments:
- IMC-34 Essay: Compare and Contrast two approaches to counselling (3000
- IMC-35 Essay: My Philosophy of Counselling (3000 words)
- IMC-36 Case Study demonstrating Philosophy and use of Supervision (3000 words)
- Case presentations (20 minutes), with tutor and peer group feedback
All essays/ completed (including all rewrites) and feedback for each piece of work indicating the assignments have ‘passed’.
End of year assessment.
Year 3 & 4 Viva Examination:
- Successful Pre-viva assessment of your professional portfolio (as itemised in the pre-viva handbook assessment check list).
- A 15-minute record of client work discussed with your supervisor.
- Viva Examination.
Attendance Requirement
The expectation is that students will attend 100% of the 400 hours taught programme. Student absence from the course may not exceed four days a year without incurring the need to attend relevant CPD/workshop courses or re-attendance of specific modules.
Award (subject to successful completion of a Viva Examination):
BACP Accredited Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling. This award qualifies you to practice as a professional counsellor, and meets the application requirements for full membership of the BACP (MBACP status).
Course fees and payment options:
Courses commencing on or after 1st Jan'22 - 31st Dec'22:
Option 1 Early Bird Offer (Total Payable £6,690.00):
- An Enrolment Deposit of £1,000.00 followed by:
- ONE instalment of £5,690.00 payable on or before 15th March (for Spring intakes) or on or before 30th July (for Autumn intakes). Please see our Early Bird Offer page for full details, terms and conditions.
Option 2 (Total Payable £7,370.00):
- An Enrolment Deposit of £1,000.00 followed by:
- ONE instalment of £2,685.00 in Year 1 AND
- ONE instalment of £3,685.00 in Year 2.
Option 3 (Total Payable £7,685.00):
- An Enrolment Deposit of £1,000.00 followed by:
- TWENTY TWO monthly instalments of £300.00 (payable by direct debit) AND ONE FINAL instalment of £85.00 (payable by direct debit).
Bespoke Payment Plans (Total Payable £7,685.00):
In order to facilitate students, Iron Mill College has introduced Bespoke Payment Plans which can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Please contact us at 01392 219200 / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk for further information.
Further information on fees:
Fees listed include VAT.
Tuition Fee Increases:
Tuition fees are reviewed in Autumn each year and are usually increased in line with CPI each January.
Application Process:
Applicants are invited to apply by submitting an Advanced Courses Application Form (available to download from 'Download' section of this web page).
Application documents can be submitted by email to enquiries@ironmill.co.uk, or by post to Iron Mill College, 7 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1QT.
Following an interview process for suitable applicants, applicants who are offered a place will be required to confirm acceptance in writing accompanied by an Enrolment Deposit of £1000.00.
On the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling only, if the Student withdraws more than 14-days prior to the start of the first Introductory Day, all course fees paid will be refunded in full, including the deposit. If the Student notifies the College within 14-days of the end of the final Introductory Day that they do not wish to continue with the course, or the tutor decides within 14-days of the end of the aforementioned Introductory Day that they do not feel the Student can continue with the course, the Student will receive a full refund of all fees paid after the deposit plus 50% of the deposit.
If the student notifies the College later than 14-days from the end of the final Introductory Day of their intention to leave, no refund is available and they will remain liable for full course fees
All applicants should ensure they read and understand the Terms and Conditions of the Student Agreement and the Finance Agreement before applying.
How to pay:
You can pay all fees by credit / debit card, either in person at Iron Mill College in Exeter, or over the phone by calling 01392 219200. Please note that we are unable to accept payments via American Express or Diners Club cards.
We also accept cash paid in person at Iron Mill College in Exeter, as well as cheques, which should be made out to 'Iron Mill College' and dropped in or sent to 'Iron Mill College, 7 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1QT'. We can also accept payments by bank transfer and direct debit - please get in touch with us at 01392 219200 / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk for our bank details or a direct debit form. Please use your name as the reference when making such payments.
Additional course costs:
Course fees do not cover costs associated with Additional Course Requirements; Personal Therapy & Supervision.
Fees for Supervision and Personal Therapy are decided by negotiation between you and your Supervisor and Therapist.
On completion of the taught part of your training you have up to two years to take your viva exam. The current viva exam fee is £160.00
*Please note this course does not qualify for the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.
Course commencement:
Please note: Iron Mill College makes every effort to avoid altering course times, course commencement and conclusion dates. However, should any changes be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest opportunity. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort, based on the enrolment of a minimum number of successful applicants.
A full refund of course fees paid, including any deposit, will be given to all applicants in the event that a course does not proceed and at least 14 days’ notice (prior to the advertised course start date) will be given to applicants, in the event of a course cancellation or postponement. The college cannot be held liable for any remedy, damages or compensation beyond this.
All Iron Mill College Lecturers are highly qualified, experienced individuals who hold a minimum of an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and are practising Counsellors accredited with the BACP. Many hold MSc's in specialist fields.
Since our foundation we have taken the steps necessary to ensure the delivery of a quality service in an environment that is characterised by an attitude to adult learners that is supportive and encouraging. We aim to provide an experience of learning that will develop in students a hunger for reflective and critical analysis.
Our learning programmes are designed to be participative, experiential and to draw whenever possible on prior lived experience. The academic value of programmes is enhanced by a learning environment that is warm, transparent, and genuine. Learners and staff interact in a mutual effort to engage in and promote the concept of lifelong learning.
Students will be taught by one or more members of the Advanced Diploma teaching team, and the tutoring arrangements may occasionally change prior to or during the course.
Counselling is a fulfilling career and can change your life as well as others. People who become counsellors are genuinely interested in human behaviour and have a strong desire to help others improve their mental well-being. They are also skilled at interacting with people on a personal level, while maintaining a professional relationship.
Upon completion of the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling, students can apply for our Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Adolescents course.
Today more than ever there is a massive need for trained counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. Indeed there is increased acknowledgement of the growing need for Counsellors within the HSE, Community Primary Care Groups, Schools and the Private Sector. Our Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling ensures that you have equipped yourself with the necessary qualification and training to be recognised and effective. Once you have completed your professional training, there are many routes open to you; You may wish to set up a Private Practice, join an agency or work for an organisation such as the HSE, a School, a Charity or a State-Body.
How much time should I allow for Studying?
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attendance of timetabled teaching days
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1 day per week attending placement, and supervision
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6 hours per week for reading, research and preparation for course work
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personal therapy at 1 hour per week (40 hours minimum over two years, starting in year 1)
What is the attendance requirement?
The expectation is that students will attend 100% of the 400 hours taught programme. Student absence from the course may not exceed four days a year without incurring the need to attend relevant CPD/workshop courses or re-attendance of specific modules.
Are there extra-curricular requirements?
This paragraph contains a description of the additional time and expense requirements that will need to be undertaken by you in addition to the course contact time. The Iron Mill is unable to contribute to any additional costs.
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Travel and Boarding costs
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Purchase of books
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Membership of the BACP
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Supervision that meets BACP requirements
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Minimum 150 hours of Placement contact time
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Minimum of 40 hours of Personal Therapy
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Personal liability insurance
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3rd and 4th year tutorial and essay marking
- Your viva exam (Current fee: £160)
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Workshops/CPD programmes to complete any missed training hours (if not accounted for in mitigating circumstances)
Any figures quoted on this website are subject to change.
How long do I have to complete my placement hours once the two year taught component is finished?
Students must take their Viva within two years of completing the taught element of the course. Exceptional circumstances can be applied for viva outside of the two years but not later than three years: Contact with Iron Mill College and 3rd & 4th Year Tutor must be made during this time.
In the unlikely event that a students financial commitment has not been fulfilled within the timeframe of the financial agreement or previously agreed by the finance manager then students will not be able to attend their Viva Exam.
How do I get a placement?
Once you have passed your ‘competence to practice’ assessment, you will need to start looking for a suitable counselling placement of your choice. Iron Mill College will provide you with access to our placement database, guidance and support with applications and references, access to lists of approved supervisors and therapists, and a Placement Coordinator to support you. We have many years of experience in building relationships with placement providers and Iron Mill students have a great success rate of gaining placements during their training. However, Iron Mill College cannot guarantee that students will be able to gain a placement and to gain maximum opportunity students will need to be positive, confident, pro-active, flexible about the distance they are prepared to travel, and flexible with the times of the week they are available for placement work.
The following two websites will provide you with information on the average costs of supervision and therapy:
http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/therapists/
Does Iron Mill College have an English language requirement?
Iron Mill College does not require you to have a qualification in English language or to take a specific test before you can register for a course. However, you do need to have a reasonable standard of English to study with us successfully. A poor understanding of English language makes study much more difficult and you will need to allow extra time for study.
If you are concerned about your level of understanding, there are a number of organisations which will enable you to improve your English skills. You may find the following organisations helpful to you:
a) The LearnDirect site (or phone 0800 100 900) provides information on local courses in basic English for UK residents. These are up to Level 2 (roughly equivalent to GCSE A*-C), and the fees are partly subsidised through Skills for Life funding. There can be long waiting lists to start a course.
http://www.learndirect.co.uk/
b) English UK lets you search for English language courses at associated language schools and centres, which usually offer assessment tools to help you to diagnose your needs and offer tuition to suit your ability. They include Level 2 (GCSE A*-C) and beyond. The courses are usually studied full time for 5–10 weeks, and courses and examinations must be paid for. They are accredited by the British Council.
http://www.englishuk.com/en/english-uk
How many students are in a class?
We aim to keep class proportions to a minimum and work within the BACP recommended student/staff ratio.
Group numbers will fluctuate as students from other cohorts retake modules missed through illness, for example.
Open or closed groups?
For the majority of the Advanced Diploma courses, group members will remain together for the complete duration of the period of study. However, we are committed to supporting students to complete their training, and recognise that at times due to extenuating circumstances some students will need to transfer to another Advanced Diploma course to complete their training or join a different group to attend modules missed.
Does the course have an External Quality Assurance process?
The External Quality Assurance examiner is an independent academic from another college, and the aim of the Quality Assurance is to arrange visits to the ADC groups to carry out a “quality” assessment of the student experience in terms of learning and overall satisfaction with the Iron Mill education process. The emphasis is firmly placed on the student learning experience, examining creativity, teaching methods of tutors, academic challenge and support.
What is the difference between the various start dates of the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling course?
All of our Advanced Diploma intakes have a taught programme of two years and have exactly the same content. The start dates vary dependant on which format you wish to attend (Weekly / Monthly).
Are there any bursaries available for this course?
Iron Mill College students have access to a limited number of bursaries provided by the Tricia Williams Scholarship. Find out more on our Funding page by clicking here.
Can I apply for the Advanced Diploma via APL after the start of the course?
The Iron Mill does not admit students after the start of the course via APL.
What job opportunities are there for counsellors/psychotherapists?
The field of counselling & psychotherapy is very broad. Some graduates are working part-time in private practice, some are working full time in eg HSE or schools or addiction centres or charities etc, and some have pursued their own area of interest by providing a new service in their community. From surveys of graduates, most are working at least part-time in counselling & psychotherapy but some are simply continuing with their original career e.g. teachers, civil servants etc.
Role of 3rd and 4th year tutor
The role of the 3rd and 4th year tutor is to offer practical help and support to students in preparation for their Viva. The journey to becoming a professional counsellor is different for every student and the time needed to complete all the criteria also varies. Part of the tutor role therefore is to help ‘bridge the gap’ from student to practitioner by offering individual tutoring and coaching to ensure readiness for the Viva and ongoing professional competency.
One of the main tutor roles involves marking and feedback for any outstanding essays and case studies. This is an individual contractual arrangement based on student needs and is negotiated between the student and the tutor. This will include agreeing a time frame for feedback and marking, questions or clarification around feedback and tutor fees. Typically fees are around £40 per essay which would increase to a maximum of £100 depending on how much time/work was involved in getting your work to a passable standard. There is also the option of a pre-viva tutorial if required, at £40 for an hourly session.
Our intention is to support students in feeling confident for their Viva and in their development as competent practitioners. We can support students by offering individual Viva tutorials in person, by email or over the phone.
Robin Collins
I am a counsellor working in private practice in central Exeter. I originally studied Philosophy and Psychology at my home town University of Liverpool. Before becoming a counsellor I worked for many years in community media production and broadcast and also taught photography in adult education and video production for people with special needs. I was a volunteer for the Samaritans for a number of years, which eventually lead to seeking professional qualification in counselling at the Iron Mill College.
My contact email is Robin.Collins@ironmill.co.uk
Course Re-Accreditation:
The Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Integrative) at Iron Mill College was first accredited by BACP in 1998 and we remain extremely proud of our continuing association with the BACP as an accredited course.
Under the Accreditation of Training Courses 2013 criteria, Iron Mill College is obliged to inform existing and potential students of the renewal date for the accreditation awarded to our different venues. Iron Mill College will therefore apply for re-accreditation when appropriate and will strive to meet the criteria to ensure our continued, accredited status.
Exeter
The Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Integrative) at Iron Mill College Exeter (weekday/weekend delivery) has its accreditation renewed by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) until 16th June 2023.
Poole
The Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Integrative) at Iron Mill College, Poole (weekday & weekend delivery) has its accreditation renewed by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) until 16th June 2022.
Advanced Diploma in Integrative 
