Course Entry

National College training is considered to be at a post graduate level. However, it is recognised that many people without a formal first degree make excellent therapists. The College, therefore, operates a system of Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), where relevant life experience and transferable skills are taken into consideration.

All applicants seeking enrolment in the National College are required to satisfy at least one of the following criteria:-

    A university degree or equivalent

    A professional qualification (e.g., SRN, CQSW)

    GCE (or equivalent) "A" level in at least two subjects or GCSE (or equivalent) in at least five s
         subjects, or some combination thereof, or other evidence of study. Such applicants, especially 
         those without formal qualifications, or work experience outside the home, must be able to 
         demonstrate interest, enthusiasm and life experience appropriate to helping others by means of 
         therapy and show aptitude and potential for study in both a tutorial and home situation

N.B. Applicants wishing to qualify for UKCP registration should note the first point "post-graduate level of competence at outset of training" in the Seven Steps to UKCP Registration in our current Prospectus.

The National College is jealous of its reputation and so seeks to ensure a high calibre student body. All applicants are required to nominate referees who can vouch for the academic ability and personal character of the individual concerned. In addition, all applicants are required to sign a declaration, on the Student Application Form, that they have not committed any criminal offence at any time, and that they understand their rights and obligations as students of the National College, if accepted, as outlined in our Prospectus.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

If you have prior training and experience in either hypnotherapy or psychotherapy you may be entitled to APL. This is considered on an individual basis and is dependent on the current rules of the Hypno-psychotherapy section of UKCP. If you think you may qualify please email us to discuss.

Personal interviews

If thought necessary, applicants may be required to submit further details in support of their applications and may be called for personal interview. However, the National College questions the usefulness of brief, prior interviews and, instead, regards one aspect of Stage One training (particularly the first weekend) as a "Country House" style interview, where students are observed in their interactions with Tutors and other students. In the event that any application is declined on the basis of an applicant's not seeming to have the appropriate educational background to facilitate the College training, recommendations are made about suitable additional education. Upon completion of any such further course, the applicant may reapply.

An invitation

Prior to, or in the process of, applying, applicants may visit our offices to discuss the course and related issues. This opportunity remains open for the duration of training, and the College offices are staffed during normal office hours, other than Public Holidays, throughout the year to deal with telephone enquiries.

Minimum age

In a profession where life experience is considered a definite asset, and few, if any, clients are prepared to consult a practitioner whom they consider to be too young all applicants would normally be expected to have reached the age of 25 years prior to the commencement of the course.

This regulation may be relaxed in exceptional circumstances, notably in the case of a psychology graduate whose application is supported by his/her psychology tutor, where the student will have attained the age of 25 before the end of the course or those who can give good reason for wanting to start the training.

This restriction is applied to protect the student, however, all applications will be considered on an individual basis.

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For full details of the National College download Prospectus.pdf
Download Application Form HERE Download Enrolment Form HERE