Foundation Counselling Skills (Distance Learning)
Counselling and Wellbeing
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Counselling and Wellbeing
START DATE
January 2024
ATTENDANCE
Part-time
LEARNING MODE
Distance Learning
Course summary
The Distance Learning Foundation Counselling Skills course will offer you training in core counselling skills which can be applied in a range of interpersonal 'helping' and consultative roles. In particular, there will be a specific focus on professional areas of application related to healthcare and humanitarian sectors. The course will also help you develop a critical understanding of the underpinning theory and research evidence relating to what works in counselling.
The course gives you the chance to practice your counselling skills weekly during experiential sessions online (that can be video-recorded) with your classmates and to receive feedback live or via email from lecturers and other peers.
For the schedule for January 2024, please contact Dr Lucia Berdondini, Course Leader.
PG Cert Counselling Skills for a Multicultural World
The PG Cert will be a combination of the short course Foundation Counselling Skills (credit bearing) and Intercultural Counselling Practice and Processes (credit bearing).
If you choose to take both short courses with credits you will be able to receive the PG Cert Counselling Skills for a Multicultural World.
What You'll Learn
The Foundation Counselling Skills course is an accredited Level 7 (Postgraduate) short course with 30 credits. You can study it flexibly as stand-alone short course without credit, with credit, or use it as a building block for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Humanitarian Intervention course.
The course will cover the following topics:
- Range of counselling theories and integration
- Research evidence - effectiveness in therapy and the ‘common factors’ research
- Helping relationships
a. Developing a collaborative alliance
b. Relationship qualities - empathy, acceptance and genuineness
4. Core counselling skills
a. Attending
b. Listening
c. Empathy
d. Probing and challenging
5. Moving Forward - Developing goals and plans
You will develop and expand your self-awareness, self-reflection and counselling skills during skills practice where you will receive and give constructive feedback and observations.
HOW You'll Learn
Every week you will attend pre-recorded lectures (1 hour and half each) and live skills practice sessions (1 hour and a half each) for a total period of 12 weeks. The course is Distance Learning only and it is led by highly experienced lecturers with professional qualifications and expertise in either Psychotherapy or Counselling Psychology.
You will engage in experiential activities and skills practice with your peers. At the end of the course, you will submit two videos:
- one skills practice session of 15 minutes in the role of listener; and
- one 15 minute video where you will critically reflect on your development.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
Accepted Qualifications
To be eligible for this course, you will need a degree (Minimum 2:2 Honours) in any discipline. You can also apply to this course if you have a professional qualification as either a social worker, registered nurse, medical doctor or chartered psychologist.
At the time of the application please also provide a personal statement where
International Qualifications
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit our International page
English Language requirements
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and Speaking; minimum 6.0 in Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English course. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 10-week pre-sessional course.
Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications
As an inclusive university, we recognise those who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course. We will assess this from the information provided in your application or may request additional information such as a CV or attendance at an interview. Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined.
Admissions policy / Terms of Admittance
We are committed to fair admissions and access by recruiting students regardless of their social, cultural or economic background. Our admissions policy
Further advice and guidance
You can speak to a member of our Applicant Enquiries team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can visit our Information, Advice and Guidance centre.
Fees and Funding
- Non credited: £697 (2022/23 fees)
- Credited: £1900 (home) (2022/23 fees)
Your Future Career
This course will enable you to integrate counselling skills and qualities in your existing professional role, enhancing communication and relational competences.
It will introduce you to the field of counselling and will equip you with the basic theoretical and practical foundations, if you decide to progress your studies in this area.
The course can also be used if you are interested in progressing your studies and career in the humanitarian field and psychosocial intervention.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.