Intercultural Counselling Practice and Processes (Distance Learning)
Counselling and Wellbeing
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Counselling and Wellbeing
START DATE
June 2026
ATTENDANCE
Part-time
LEARNING MODE
Distance Learning
Course summary
The Distance Learning Intercultural Counselling Practice and Processes course will offer you training on understanding different cultures, psychosocial contexts and their impact on counselling practices. It will enable you to develop a variety of counselling skills which can be applied in a range of interpersonal, intercultural, helping, and consultative roles. It will also expand your critical understanding of the underpinning theory and research evidence relating to what works in counselling. There will be a specific focus on professional areas of application related to healthcare and humanitarian sectors. This comprehensive intercultural counselling programme addresses the growing need for culturally competent mental health professionals in today's diverse society.
The intercultural counselling 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.
This course supports the priorities set out in the new WHO 2025 Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans, which emphasise the need to:
- Train practitioners to deliver inclusive, person-centred care for diverse populations
- Provide community-based support that addresses social and structural determinants
- Promote dignity, autonomy, and recovery-oriented approaches
For the schedule for June 2026: 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 Intercultural Counselling Practice and Processes course is an accredited Level 7 (Postgraduate) short course with 30 credits. You can study it flexibly as a stand-alone short course without credit (without assignment), with credit, or use it as a building block for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Humanitarian Intervention course. Our intercultural counselling curriculum is designed by leading experts in cross-cultural psychology and therapeutic practice.
The intercultural counselling course will cover the following topics:
- Key Concepts in Intercultural Counselling: Cultural Humility, Cultural Competence, and Cross-Cultural Empathy
- Psychosocial counselling theories and practices
- Research evidence - effectiveness in therapy and the 'common factors' research
- Understanding culture and diversity
i. Developing a collaborative alliance
ii. Relationship qualities - empathy, acceptance and genuineness
5. Culturally Responsive Practices
i. Attending
ii. Listening
iii. Empathy
iv. Probing and challenging
6. Humanistic and Existential counselling and practices;
7. Working creatively using art and cultural resources (poems, music, body work)
8. Moving Forward - Developing goals, plans and interventions
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 and a half hours each) and live skills practice sessions (1 and a half hours 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. This intercultural counselling training emphasises practical application through supervised practice sessions and real-world case studies.
You will engage in experiential activities and skills practice with your peers. At the end of the course, you will submit:
- one skills practice session of 15 minutes in the role of listener; and
- written essay (2000 words) on a critical reflective analysis.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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, chartered psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor.
Prior basic training in counselling or counselling skills is required.
At the time
FEES AND FUNDING
- Non credited: £1,317
- Credited £2,170 (home)
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
This course will enable you to integrate intercultural competences and intercultural counselling skills and qualities in your existing professional role, enhancing communication and relational competences.
Graduates with intercultural counselling expertise are increasingly sought after in international organisations, refugee services, and multicultural healthcare settings.
It can also be used if you are interested in progressing your studies and career in international humanitarian psychosocial intervention.
Course FAQs
Is the Intercultural Counselling course fully online?
Yes. This course is delivered through distance learning, with a combination of pre-recorded lectures and live online sessions, allowing you to study from anywhere.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
You will usually need a minimum 2:2 degree in any subject or a relevant professional qualification, such as in healthcare or social care.
Do I need counselling experience to study this course?
No. You do not need prior counselling experience. The course is suitable for both new learners and professionals looking to develop intercultural counselling skills.
What qualification do I get after completing this course?
This is a credit-bearing postgraduate short course. It can contribute towards a Postgraduate Certificate if combined with other relevant courses.
What can I do after completing this course?
You can use the skills you develop to support work in areas such as healthcare, social services, education, or community and intercultural settings.