Looking for free online counselling courses accredited by BACP in the UK? This guide explores your options, what to expect, and how to start your career in counselling without breaking the bank.
Are you interested in starting a career in counselling or enhancing your listening and communication skills? Counselling is one of the most meaningful professions in the UK, offering emotional support and mental health services to those in need. However, pursuing this path can be expensive especially for beginners.
Fortunately, there are free online counselling courses available in the UK, and some are even accredited or recognised by professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). If you’re searching for BACP-accredited or aligned courses, this article breaks down what’s available, how to enrol, and what to expect.
ALSO READ: Free Accredited Online Courses With Certificates (USA Audience) 2025
What Is BACP?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is the UK’s leading professional body for counselling and psychotherapy. BACP:
- Sets standards for ethical practice
- Accredits counselling qualifications and training providers
- Supports continued professional development (CPD)
- Provides a register of qualified and ethical practitioners
Note: To work professionally as a counsellor in the UK, being trained through a BACP-accredited pathway increases your credibility and employability.
Can You Get Free Online Counselling Courses Accredited by BACP ?
Here’s the short answer:
BACP does not currently offer completely free fully-accredited counselling courses.
However, you can start your training with free introductory or Level 1 online courses from institutions that are part of a BACP-accredited training pathway. These courses are excellent for:
- Exploring whether counselling is right for you
- Gaining foundational knowledge
- Meeting entry requirements for further accredited study
So while full accreditation requires paid, face-to-face or blended learning, there are free online options that count toward your professional journey.
Top Platforms Offering Free Counselling Courses (UK Audience)
1. OpenLearn by The Open University
- Course: Introduction to Counselling
- Duration: 8 hours
- Level: Beginner
- Cost: Free
- Certification: Yes (Statement of Participation)
- BACP Status: While not formally BACP-accredited, The Open University’s counselling pathway is BACP-recognised.
Why take it?
This course introduces key counselling concepts and helps you decide if you’re suited for the profession. It can be a stepping stone to the BACP-recognised OU Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
2. Counselling Tutor (Free CPD Library)
- Type: Free CPD (Continued Professional Development) Resources
- Topics: Ethics, listening skills, therapy models
- Cost: Free (with registration)
- BACP Alignment: Offers CPD material aligned with BACP ethics and practice standards.
Why take it?
These resources are ideal for new learners and existing practitioners wanting to stay updated with ethical practice.
3. FutureLearn: Mental Health and Wellbeing Courses
- Platform: FutureLearn (partnered with UK universities)
- Courses include:
- Understanding Mental Health
- Introduction to Psychology
- Active Listening
- Duration: 2–4 weeks
- Cost: Free for limited access (upgrade optional)
- BACP Alignment: Though not directly accredited, many partner institutions offer BACP-recognised routes.
4. Alison: Diploma in Counselling
- Level: Foundational
- Duration: 6–10 hours
- Cost: Free (certificate available for a fee)
- BACP Status: Not BACP-accredited, but provides solid groundwork.
Why take it?
Great for beginners who want to understand basic counselling skills before enrolling in an accredited course.
What Comes After Free Courses?
If you want to become a BACP-accredited counsellor, the following pathway is generally recommended:
Step 1: Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Usually part-time, 12 weeks
Cost: ~£400–£600
Step 2: Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Adds theory and practice
Cost: ~£700–£900
Step 3: Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (BACP-accredited)
2-year, in-person or blended
Cost: £2,000–£4,000
Once you complete a Level 4 diploma and required practice hours, you can register with the BACP and start working professionally.
Why Start with a Free Course?
Starting with a free course is ideal if you:
- Want to test your interest before investing money
- Are looking to build basic communication or empathy skills
- Need CPD hours for related professions (e.g., social work, nursing, HR)
- Want a career change but aren’t ready to commit fully
Free online courses also allow you to learn without deadlines, commute, or pressure.
Key Features to Look for in a Course
Not all counselling courses are created equal. Here’s what to check for:
- Accreditation Path
Ensure the free course is offered by or leads to a BACP-recognised institution.
- Certificate of Completion
Even if it’s not accredited, a certificate shows commitment and can be added to your CV or UCAS application.
- Practical Content
Look for courses that go beyond theory and teach real-world skills like active listening and ethical decision-making.
- Peer Reviews
User feedback on platforms like FutureLearn, OpenLearn, and Alison can help you choose wisely.
Tips to Maximise Your Online Counselling Learning
- Treat It Like a Paid Course: Set study goals and stay disciplined.
- Take Notes: Write down key takeaways and reflective thoughts.
- Join Forums or Study Groups: Platforms like FutureLearn and Counselling Tutor have discussion areas.
- Follow BACP Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with BACP’s Ethical Framework.
- Start Volunteering: Many charities accept volunteer listeners or helpline roles as a first step into the field.
Is Online Counselling Study Enough?
While online study is a great starting point, most BACP-accredited training requires in-person practice hours and tutor interaction. A hybrid approach beginning online, then moving to in-person diploma courses is currently the most viable and recognised path in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a qualified counsellor with free online courses?
Answer: No, but you can gain introductory knowledge and fulfil requirements to enrol in accredited programmes.
Are any BACP-accredited courses 100% online?
Answer: As of now, BACP requires face-to-face elements for full accreditation, especially at Level 4. However, many approved training providers offer blended options.
Do free courses count toward CPD?
Answer: Yes, many free courses (especially from Counselling Tutor or FutureLearn) can be logged as CPD if relevant to your practice.
Are these courses suitable for international students?
Answer: Yes, but check if the course aligns with your country’s counselling certification standards.
Conclusion
While there are currently no completely free online counselling courses directly accredited by BACP, there are excellent free resources and foundational courses that can set you on the right path toward accreditation and a career in mental health.
Taking a free online course is not just cost-effective it’s a strategic first step. You’ll gain clarity, build foundational skills, and prepare for more advanced training when you’re ready.
Want to Become a Professional Counsellor?
Start with a free introductory course and follow the accredited path toward BACP registration. You’ll not only save money but also gain the confidence to pursue one of the UK’s most rewarding and in-demand careers.
