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.
| Study Mode
2017 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 1 Years | September | Newport City | C |
| Study Mode
2018 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 1 Years | 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 choose whether to follow either the Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy OR Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy study option.
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 19th September to Tuesday 12th December 2017. You will begin again on Tuesday, 9th January to Tuesday 24th April 2018.
You are expected to attend all teaching sessions and there is an 80% minimum attendance requirement.
You will be assessed through skills assessments and written assignments. Those selecting the CBT study option will be assessed by a case study and 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.
Closing date for applications is 9am on the 8th September 2017. Applicants are strongly advised to apply early as places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The course may be full before the closing date, in which case we will process your application for entry in 2018. Any applications received after 8 September will be processed for 2018 entry.
Interviews are held on:
Tuesday 23 May
Tuesday 27 June
Tuesday 5 September
Tuesday 25 July
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.
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.
