Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master’s program in Personal Construct Psychology and Counselling is a short specialization program that trains professionals to be experts in the theory and methodology of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP). This approach is interested in how people give meaning to their experiences and is mainly applied in clinical, educational, developmental, and organizational fields.

Educational Content

The program provides advanced competencies and tools in the areas of assessment, counselling, professional-user communication, interpersonal relationships, and group dynamics. Classes will be held online, taking place monthly on Saturdays and/or Sundays, with each session consisting of 7 academic hours. In addition, seven full-day workshops will be conducted in person during two residential stays, one in Italy and one in England. To obtain the final qualification, a minimum attendance of 70% of the total class hours is required.

Target and Career Opportunities

The minimum entry requirement for the program is a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the field of Humanities, Education, Medicine, or another health or social care profession. The program will provide attendees with advanced competencies and tools in the theory and methodology of Personal Construct Psychology. With the acquired competencies, students will be able to offer psychological assessment, counselling, and intervention in the clinical, educational, developmental, and organizational fields.

Programme

The program includes the following teaching modules:

• PCP AS A THEORY OF PRACTICE: Theoretical assumptions and practical developments based on Personal Construct Theory for the understanding of interpersonal relationships and the improvement of skills for counselling and psychological support.
• TOOLS AND METHODOLOGY: Main methods for psychological assessment and research.
• PCP IN PRACTICE: Study of some of the main areas in which constructivist theory is applied.
• OTHER PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACHES: Theoretical assumptions and intervention models of the main psychotherapeutic approaches.
• GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY AND APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY: Basic psychological knowledge in perception, memory, emotion, cognition, and action and their application in clinical settings.
• SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: Main theories and models investigating the relationship between the individual, society, and culture and how they influence each other.
• DEVELOPMENTAL AND FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY: Theoretical and methodological assumptions of developmental psychology.
• MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHIATRY: Principles of psychiatry and psychopathology.
• PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH: Main models of research in psychotherapy.
• ETHICS: Theoretical and normative knowledge for a critical and conscious understanding of codes of ethics for psychological intervention and research.

Traineeship

The curriculum includes a traineeship of 300 hours, which will be carried out in the country of residence of the student and will consist of practical activities at private or public services or professionals in the clinical, educational, developmental, and organizational fields.

Final Dissertation

To conclude the program, students will submit a final dissertation demonstrating their acquisition of the knowledge and competencies needed to develop a helping relationship grounded in Personal Construct Psychology. The final examination will consist of an oral interview to assess student’s progress throughout the course.

Partnership

This short specialization program is proposed in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Sport, and Geography of the University of Hertfordshire (UK), with which the Department of General Psychology of the University of Padua has an agreement.

General Information

• Thematic area: Mind and psycho-physical well-being
• End of classes: 30/06/2027
• Mandatory attendance: 70%
• Minimum available spots: 11
• Maximum available spots: 40
• First instalment: € 2,022.50
• Second instalment: € 1,206.50

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the lessons organized?

Classes are online, once a month, on Saturdays or Sundays. Each class lasts 7 academic hours and the whole master consists of 231 hours. The seven one-day workshops are held in person, within the context of two stays of 3-4 days each, one in Italy and one in England. To obtain the final qualification, a minimum attendance of 70% of the classes is required.

Is a traineeship planned?

Yes, the curriculum includes a traineeship of 300 hours. The traineeship will be carried out in the country of residence of the student and will consist of practical activities at private or public services or professionals in the clinical, educational, developmental, and organizational fields.

Are there any forms of facilitation?

No scholarships are provided. However, for students with disabilities recognized by the National Health Service Commissions ranging from 66% to 100% or with a disability recognized under Article 3, paragraph 1, of Law no. 104 of February 5, 1992, a full exemption from the enrollment fee is reserved. They are still required to pay the pre-enrollment fee, insurance, and stamp duty. Additionally, there is a reduction in enrollment costs for employees of the University of Padua and students from developing countries.

What professional outlets does the course offer?

The course trains professionals in the areas of health, well-being, social care, and education, as well as those who work in public administrations, agencies, and companies that provide services to the person, NGOs, and non-profit organizations, in national and international contexts. On successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate in personal construct psychology and counselling, which will provide a foundation for more advanced training in applications of personal construct psychology.