Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
Psychology
A course by
UC Online
A one-year, part-time postgraduate certificate for those seeking to develop foundational counselling knowledge and skills, delivered mainly online with some onsite intensives in Christchurch. Ideal for people working with clients, students or colleagues or considering further study to become a registered counsellor.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
UC Online and Ōtautahi Christchurch (onsite intensives), Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 18 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Understand and evaluate solution-focused therapy
Evaluate and appraise the underpinning philosophy, assumptions, principles and techniques of solution-focused therapy.
Reflect on solution-focused counselling interactions
Explore and reflect on the nature of solution-focused counselling interactions in relation to diverse participants, their needs, and expectations.
Apply solution-focused counselling skills
What You're Signing Up For
The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies equips learners with advanced knowledge in counselling theory, solution-focused skills, and reflective therapeutic approaches to work in a range of professional contexts. Delivered through a blend of online study and up to eight days of intensive on-campus workshops, this programme enables graduates to enhance their ability to support others across education, health, and NGO sectors, and provides a direct pathway to further qualifications such as the Master of Counselling. The curriculum emphasises solution-focused brief therapy, multicultural and social justice awareness, and the development of intentional interviewing skills.
Course Content
- Solution-focused theory and skills (COUN681)
- Social constructionism and its impact on counselling
- Working with individuals and groups
- Principles of social justice in counselling
- Bicultural and multicultural counselling approaches
- Counselling and psychological theories (COUN671)
- Intentional interviewing model
- Therapeutic interviewing skills
- Impact of values, beliefs, and culture on therapy
- Developing critical reflection on counselling practice
What you need to know first
A bachelor's degree from a New Zealand university or equivalent, with an average grade of B or higher in 300-level (or equivalent) courses.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Education
NGO/Community Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Enhanced skills for roles in education, health, or NGOs
Foundation for further study to become a registered counsellor
Broader roles in mental health, community or youth support settings