Counselling theory and skills can benefit professionals working across a range of industries, particularly education, health and NGOs.
This postgraduate certificate enables learners to develop their competencies in intentional interviewing and solution-focussed skills, which can be used to support clients, students and colleagues in a range of settings.
Take the next step towards a meaningful, people-oriented career with our Tuihono UC | UC Online Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies.
Graduates can go onto apply for our fully on-campus Master of Counselling (which enables people to apply for provisional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors - NZAC) or another fully on-campus health qualification, such as our Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences, choosing from a range of endorsements. Please note: the Master of Counselling is a limited-entry programme, with a specific application process.
To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, you must have completed an Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with a grade average of B or higher in your 300-level (or equivalent) courses.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies or use the admission requirements checker.
Unsure about your suitability?
As part of our application process, your eligibility will be assessed by our counselling academic team to make sure that your academic and/or professional background meets the entry criteria. Unfortunately our Tuihono UC | UC Online team cannot confirm your eligibility before your application is submitted, beyond referring you to the requirements above. We are happy to help answer any general questions you have about the programme or online learning, however. You can get in touch with us here.
Course requirements
The postgraduate certificate is made up of two papers (COUN681 and COUN671), comprising of both online and in-person learning. Learners must attend up to eight days of in-person intensives at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (up to four days per course). Learners do not need to be already working in counselling practice, with all counselling skills work and assignments able to be completed with classmates.
If you’re keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open or ask a question, please sign up for updates below.
Please note: Tuihono UC | UC Online has a minimum enrolment threshold that must be met to enable opportunities for interaction, discussion, and feedback. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course is not met, enrolled learners will be given the option to defer their enrolment to the next course date, or receive a refund.