Programme details

Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling course delivers comprehensive knowledge and hands-on practice to advance your professional helping competencies with a variety of clients, students, or colleagues.

Course description

Individuals seeking to incorporate counselling theory and skills into their health or education careers will find the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies to be a valuable program. It offers the essential knowledge and practical experience necessary to improve professional helping skills when working with various clients, students, or colleagues. The PGCertCounSt also serves as an excellent foundation for those interested in pursuing a Master of Counselling, a qualification that allows graduates to achieve provisional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).

This course qualifies for 3 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

This Certificate not only equips individuals with essential knowledge and skills for a career in counselling but also proves beneficial for graduates pursuing roles as nurse aides and in various sectors such as community mental health services, educational institutions, residential care facilities, and organizations supporting individuals with special needs.

Furthermore, counselling skills are applicable in other fields, including education, healthcare, and public service.

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for admission to the PGCertCounSt program, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from Aotearoa New Zealand, achieving a B Grade Point Average or above in their 300-level courses, or an equivalent qualification, and must receive approval for enrollment.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements. University recognises the following English Language tests and courses:

International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) – including online and One Skill Retake
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) – including Home Edition and Paper Edition #
CCEL English for Academic Purposes Level 2 (EAP Level 2) – including online
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE) – including online
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
FluentIQ (*FluentIQ should be used where IELTS Indicator or TOEFL cannot be used)
LanguageCert
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Duolingo English Test (DET)