Taught course

Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology

Institution
City, University of London · Department of Psychology
Qualifications
PGCert

Entry requirements

You are usually required to have a 2:2 honours degree or above for entry to this course. Relevant experience or a recognised professional qualification is an asset, but not a necessity.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology is for students who are planning to go on and do further graduate work, whether through a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology or a related profession.

The course is for students who have an undergraduate degree, but you do not have to have a first degree in psychology. Some students use the programme as a bridge towards further study in counselling psychology, while others apply their knowledge and skills from the course within the counselling or psychotherapy profession.

As well as fulfilling the academic side of the programme, you need to be willing to investigate yourself and be open to exploring personal and interpersonal dynamics. This is a course for those with a willingness to expose their vulnerabilities and explore their own and others’ inner worlds.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology has been designed to give you an excellent foundation for further advanced study in counselling psychology or related areas. A one-year part-time course, the programme blends theory and practice so you gain a rigorous academic base in counselling and psychology, as well as a significant and varied practical component.

Emphasising the connection between psychological theory and counselling, this programme is not just about understanding knowledge – it is about understanding how to apply what you have learned to ensure that your practice promotes psychological development.

On our Postgraduate Certificate programme, we focus on the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client and concentrate on the personal subjective experience of the whole person. This makes the emphasis of our approach holistic rather than diagnostic, in keeping with the ethos of counselling psychology.

You will investigate person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural theories and use a range of practical modes from client case studies and interviews to personal diaries and role-play exercises.

Here are some of the questions the course poses:

  • How can I connect psychological theory with practice in a way that can lead to psychological growth?
  • How can I create a meaningful connection?
  • What do I need to understand about my own psychology to be able to help others?
  • How has my experience on this course influenced my own personal and professional development?

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGCert
    part time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate Enquiries
Email
SASS-enquiries@city.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 7040 0249