Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies

Description
This course provides the opportunity to study counselling and psychological theories and their implications for practice, along with practice in the skills of an intentional interviewing model of therapy.

Learning outcomes 
On successful completion of this course, it is expected that learners will be able to:

1. Understand and articulate key issues relevant to the practice of counselling and psychology.

2. Use basic counselling skills to conduct an effective therapeutic interview in the context of their developing understanding of theory.

3. Develop and articulate an integrated understanding of several major theories of counselling and psychological interventions that are informed by their examination of their own values and beliefs.

4. Begin to understand the impact of values, beliefs and culture on the therapeutic process after acquiring a foundational knowledge of working safely and competently with cultural and bicultural awareness.

Description
Solution-focused therapy is a strengths-based model that emphasises clients' natural resources and successful experiences to help them bring about change and a shift toward their preferred future. The primary purpose of this course is to introduce you to the theory, skills and tools of solution-focused brief therapy. You will examine social constructionism, the theoretical perspective that accounts for shifts in clients' perceptions and definitions and enables them to work towards building a more favourable future. You will also have the opportunity to engage with what it is like to think and act in a solution-focused manner. The emphasis will be on providing a balance of theory and practice to assist you to gain knowledge and confidence in working with individuals, and co-leading groups integrating a solution focused approach with principles of social justice, bicultural and multicultural counselling.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, it is expected that learners will be able to:

1. Evaluate and appraise the underpinning philosophy, assumptions, principles and techniques of solution-focused therapy.
   
   

2. Explore and reflect on the nature of the solution-focused counselling interaction in terms of the diverse participants involved, their needs, meaning-making, expectations and desires.

3. Demonstrate effective use and reflective critique of solution-focused counselling practice with diverse individuals and groups.

4. Apply and reflect on principles of social justice, bicultural and multicultural counselling in solution-focused group counselling.

Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies gives you the same quality education as other university programmes with the flexibility of online learning.

This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study at your pace.

Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and Tuihono UC’s programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as other university programmes.

The programme can be completed in one year of part-time study, and must be completed within two years. 

The programme is delivered with a majority of coursework online, using a range of technologies including video conferencing, online discussion forums, and interactive learning experiences.

 There is also an element of in-person learning required at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (up to four days per course) with dates listed under the 'Structure' section above. 

While this Certificate naturally provides foundational knowledge and skills towards a career as a counsellor, graduates will also find their skills useful across many education, health, and non-government organisations, such as in community mental health, schools, rest homes, or youth work.

Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Waitaha Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.

Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team. 

The overall cost of tuition fees per 30 point course based on the 2024 fee schedule:

• for domestic learners is $2,219* incl GST
• for international learners is $10,750* plus GST if applicable.

Total programme investment for the 120 point programme based on the 2024 fee schedule: 

• for domestic learners is $4,579* incl GST
• for international learners is $21,500* plus GST if applicable.

*Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about UC's Tuition fee structure here.

Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.

The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $1.83 per academic point in 2024. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.

An on-campus version of this certificate is available through Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. You can also choose to start online and transfer on-campus for your second course, and vice versa. 

You can also learn more about further on-campus health qualifications, such as the limited-entry Master of Counselling degree.

We are also developing our online offerings - if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list. 

No, you do not already need to be in professional counselling practice to study the online postgraduate certificate. All counselling skills work and assignments can be completed with classmates.