MA, PG Dip Humanistic Counselling

University. We are experienced practitioners, trainers and active researchers. We actively adopt an anti-racist, anti-homophobic, anti-sexist approach in all of our teaching.

Humanistic is an umbrella term for a range of approaches to counselling. These share a philosophical stance that every person is unique and capable of taking appropriate responsibility for managing their lives to their satisfaction. Humanistic counselling emphasises the client’s active role in the counselling process. It pays particular attention to the here-and-now experience, the counselling relationship and the broader context of the client’s life.

The first 2 years of study cover humanistic counselling theory, counselling skills and reflective practice, and personal and professional development. You will complete a total of 150 contracted counselling hours over the course of the PG Dip. Should you choose to study for the MA, the 2 year PG Dip will be followed by a year of specialised research on a topic of your choice.

Professional accreditation

The Postgraduate Diploma is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). On successful completion of the PG Dip, you will be eligible to apply for membership of the BACP Register (register of psychological therapists accredited under the Professional Standards Authority accredited register programme).

We will encourage you to seek student membership of BACP. If you do not have the traditional qualifications for postgraduate study, but have the relevant professional experience, you can undertake the Access to Postgraduate Study module (COU6006M) as part of your entry process.

Qualifications

You must have a degree or other recognised professional qualification. You must have satisfactorily completed, or be currently in the process of completing, a Certificate in Counselling Skills, or equivalent.

If you do not have the traditional academic qualifications for postgraduate study, but satisfy the criteria around professional experience, you can undertake the Access to Postgraduate Study module (COU6006M), as part of the entry process.

Access to Postgraduate Study

10 credits | Optional

This module provides an entry route for you if you would like to join the course but do not have a first degree. It is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of key academic study skills, including comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, reflection and evaluation. This will help prepare you for postgraduate level study. Material relevant to counselling professions will be used and evaluated. You will be encouraged to extend your learning by sharing knowledge and resources within the group.

Work Experience

You must have experience of the use of counselling skills at work, in education, helping professions or in voluntary agencies.

Progression onto the MA is achieved through successful completion of the Counselling PG Diploma.

Interview

If your application meets the entry criteria you will be offered an interview.

International Students

International students can apply for this course but must meet the entry criteria. In particular, the Certificate in Counselling Skills and counselling experience must have been gained in the UK and cannot be transferred from overseas.

On successful completion of the PG Dip, you will be eligible to apply for membership of the BACP Register (register of psychological therapists accredited under the Professional Standards Authority accredited register programme).