The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills at the University of South Wales offers a stimulating introduction to the skills, theory and self-awareness needed to be an effective listener and communicator. Successful completion of this counselling course provides a stepping stone onto MA/PG Dip Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and MSc/PG Dip Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy at USW where you can qualify as a counsellor or psychotherapist. This counselling qualification can also help people in related professions such as social work, nursing or teaching to develop their listening and communication skills.
100% of our Postgraduate Certificate Counselling Skills graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduating Graduate Destination Survey 2016
| Study Mode
2018 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 1 Year | September | Newport City | C |
| Study Mode
2019 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 1 Year | September | Newport City | C |
During the Counselling Skills course you will:
You will study the Level 6 module Foundation Counselling Skills and Awareness which builds a critical understanding of counselling theory alongside the development of foundation skills in counselling and a focus on building appropriate self-awareness.
You will then follow either the Integrative or CBT option which you will have chosen at enrolment.
This counselling skills qualification is 60 credits at Level 6/7.
You will learn through experiential exercises, skills practice, personal development work and formal teaching. You will work in pairs, small groups and larger groups. Applicants are advised this is not a person-centred course.
The course runs from Tuesday, 18th September to Tuesday, 11th December 2018. You will begin again on Tuesday, 8th January to Tuesday, 30th April 2019.
You are expected to attend all teaching sessions and there is an 80% minimum attendance requirement
On the integrative route you will have two skills and two written assessments. On the CBT route you will have two skills assessments, one case study and one online assessment.
There is no requirement for a student placement, personal therapy or a residential weekend on this course.
You will be taught in modern facilities with dedicated classrooms, using digital recording equipment.
Claire Dowd – course leader
For progression onto the Masters Programme:*
For completion as a standalone qualification:
* Progression onto the Masters Programme without an undergraduate degree may be possible if your performance on the Postgraduate Certificate is exemplary.
** The references must be on letter headed paper or the referee can send them direct from a professional/work email address to admissions@southwales.ac.uk
Detailed application guidance is on the information for counselling applicant’s webpage.
You are advised to apply early. It is unlikely that applications received after 12 noon, Friday 31st August 2018 will be able to complete our interview process before the start of the academic year. In this case, your application will be considered for entry the following year.
Interviews are held on:
Tuesday 15th May
Tuesday 26th June
Tuesday 24th July
Tuesday 28th August
Tuesday 4th September
We want to give you the opportunity to ask us questions that are important to you and we need to explore your motivation and suitability for the type of training we offer on this programme.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees in full or by payment plan.
This course is eligible under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme for Ex-Armed Forces personnel.
International Scholarships are available for self-funding international students.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Other: 20 hour placement agency costs * | For those students taking the CBT elective modules only. Costs vary. |
Apply directly to the University if you are applying for a part-time, professional or postgraduate course, an Erasmus/Exchange programme, the Legal Practice (part-time) course, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution.
The course will improve your employability by enhancing your listening skills and development through practice.
Once you have successfully completed the course you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills (60 credits). You may choose to exit here or apply for either the MA/PG Dip Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy or MSc/PG Dip Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy which are recognised qualifications to practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist in the UK.
Previous students have qualified as counsellors and psychotherapists or have enhanced their existing work skills. Graduates have found work in the NHS, private health facilities and private practice. Some have gone on to teach, to develop their research careers and to supervise.
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
Our Newport Campus is right at the heart of the city, overlooking the River Usk. This is one of the University's most iconic buildings.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
