Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies enhances your career prospects in a variety of fields that use listening skills and is an excellent foundation for further specialist therapeutic training in the UK or abroad.
| Name | Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies |
| Start Date | September |
| Mode of Study | 1 year part-time |
| Programme Director | Sharan Collins |
Please check the postgraduate Degree Finder to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies is an introduction to the theories, skills, attitudes and values required to be an effective listener. This part-time programme combines theoretical insights from both the psychodynamic and person-centred perspectives and involves a respectful dialogue between the two. It offers an entry point for professional training and education to become a counsellor or psychotherapist but the skills gained through this course can also be used in a range of other contexts (e.g. teaching, social work, nursing, management, voluntary sector mental health work).
You will participate in a variety of learning contexts during the programme, including personal reflection, discussion in pairs and small groups, a large community group, and individual reading. Assessment is conducted through three written assignments accompanying each course, along with an evaluation of students' listening skills during practice sessions. Upon successful completion, students will also attain a COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate.
Why choose this programme?
Our programme offers an entry point for professional training and education to become a counsellor or psychotherapist but you can also take this qualification if you would like to develop your listening skills for use in a range of other contexts (for example: teaching, social work, nursing, management, voluntary sector mental health work).
I didn’t expect to be so personally challenged by the group work and theory. But I am completely hooked and finding it rewarding.
Studying at a world-class institution, you will benefit from outstanding resources to support your learning. Throughout the programme, students will develop their listening skills in small practice groups of three or four, and will receive ongoing feedback on their development from tutors and peers. In addition students will attend two personal tutorials with one of the core tutors.
No, a Certificate is not considered sufficient training to become a counsellor. It is generally accepted that practitioners should hold a Diploma in Counselling in order to practice as counsellors or psychotherapists in the UK.
If you are interested in obtaining a further professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy, please see our other professionally accredited programmes:
Beyond the programme
Many employers recognise the value of listening skills in the workplace. As a stand-alone qualification the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies enable people working in a range of disciplines (e.g. teaching, social work, management, mental health and nursing) to improve their listening skills and increase their employability.
Further Study Opportunities
The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies can serve as the beginning of your studies in counselling. There are a few options to progress upon completion of this programme. Many students continue on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, which is a recognised qualification to practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist in the UK.
You can exit after the Diploma or choose to take a further year of study in order to exit with a Master of Counselling degree or transfer into the Professional Doctor of Psychotherapy and Counselling. Alternatively, you can transfer into a relevant research degree, such as the MSc in Counselling Studies, enabling you to develop conceptual, analytical and research skills which can be used in a wide range of settings.
Find out more about our postgraduate Counselling and Psychotherapy options