Program Overview

Overview

The Certificate in Counselling Skills is a free-standing course that serves as an ideal first step for individuals looking to become professional counsellors. This Level 4 course is designed to help students develop their counselling skills and understanding, with the opportunity to progress to the BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling upon completion.

The Course

The Certificate in Counselling Skills consists of two modules, Phase 1 and Phase 2, with a total of 20 sessions. The course combines humanistic theory, values, and ethical practice to counselling skills used in one-to-one, face-to-face situations and wider social contexts at work and in the community.

Indicative Course Content Phase 1:

• Philosophy of Humanistic Practice
• Carl Rogers Core Conditions
• Acceptance
• Empathy
• Genuineness
• Presence
• Effective Listening
• Non-verbal and Para-verbal Communication
• Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
• Introduction to Transactional Analysis
• Introduction to Transference
• Loss and Change
• Perceptions and Attitudes towards Diverse Cultural Forms

Indicative Course Content Phase 2:

• Exercises to Continue Self Awareness
• Resistance and Reluctance
• Immediacy
• Defences
• Challenges (Self and Others)
• Johari Window
• Appreciation of Difference
• Hierarchy of Human Need
• Group Process and Dynamics
• Practice in Small Groups
• Peer Assessment of Taped Interaction
• Core Conditions of Humanistic Practice Accentuated
• Transactional Analysis
• Transference
• Feedback

Teaching and Assessment

The course is delivered on weekday evenings and Saturdays to provide flexibility around students' current commitments. The teaching approach combines theory and practice, with an emphasis on developing students' counselling skills through interactive sessions and feedback.

Facilities

Students have access to a range of facilities, including:

• The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) containing the library, a cafÚ, IT/teaching rooms, and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ)
• The library, which holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks
• Industry-standard equipment and software throughout their studies

Careers

Upon completing the Certificate in Counselling Skills, students can apply for progression onto the BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling. This provides a direct route to becoming a fully qualified counsellor. The course also offers excellent development for students already holding a Diploma in Counselling. Additionally, students have access to opportunities such as study abroad, Erasmus, internships, placements, and voluntary research assistance.

Course Costs

The course fee for the 2026/27 academic year is ú1,440 per 15 credit module. Since the course consists of two modules, the total cost would be ú2,880.

Entry Requirements

This course is open to students by application and reference, with no specific entry requirements mentioned.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling: A British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited course that prepares students to become qualified counsellors.
• BSc (Hons) Counselling Psychology: A BPS accredited course that prepares students to become counselling psychologists and support people with a range of mental health issues.