3 things our tutors are looking for in a counselling student
Choosing to study counselling is a powerful and meaningful decision. It shows a desire to understand people, support others, and make a positive difference in the world. At UC Sheffield, our counselling courses are designed to help students grow both professionally and personally, but a strong application starts with the right mindset.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you apply. What matters most is self-awareness, readiness to learn, and an understanding of the realities of counselling training.
Here are three key ways to strengthen your application and show you’re ready to study counselling at UC Sheffield.
1. Show a high level of self-awareness
Self-awareness is one of the most important qualities for anyone entering the counselling profession. Our tutors want to see that you’ve reflected on both your expectations of the course and your own personal readiness for it.
You can demonstrate this by:
- Showing an understanding of what counselling training involves
- Reflecting on why you want to become a counsellor
- Acknowledging the emotional demands of the course
- Recognising your strengths, limits and areas for growth
- Being realistic about balancing study, placement and personal life
Being honest and reflective rather than “perfect”. This shows maturity and emotional insight, which are essential qualities for counsellors in training.
2. Highlight transferable skills
You don’t need to have worked as a counsellor already, but experience in roles that involve listening, empathy and supporting others is highly valuable.
This could include:
- Paid or voluntary work in a listening or caring role
- Support work, mentoring or youth work
- Helpline volunteering
- Healthcare, social care or education roles
- Community or charity-based work
When describing your experience, focus on the skills you’ve developed such as active listening, empathy, confidentiality, boundaries and communication, rather than just the role itself. These transferable skills demonstrate your readiness to develop counselling practice further.
3. Show you've thought about your placement already
Counselling training includes a placement component, and showing that you’ve already begun researching or applying for placements demonstrates commitment, initiative and realistic preparation.
You might mention:
- Researching local counselling agencies or services
- Making enquiries about placement opportunities
- Understanding placement requirements and time commitments
- Being aware of ethical considerations and supervision
Even if you haven’t secured a placement yet, showing that you’re actively exploring your options reassures admissions tutors that you understand the practical side of the course and are preparing for it responsibly.
A strong application to study counselling isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about showing reflection, readiness and commitment. If you demonstrate self-awareness, transferable listening skills and an understanding of the placement process, you’ll show that you’re taking this journey seriously.
Counselling training is challenging, rewarding and transformative. If you’re prepared to grow, learn and reflect, UC Sheffield could be the right place to take your next step.