PGDip Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy at University of Brighton

Programme overview

Developed in reaction to the dominance of behaviourism and psychoanalysis, the humanistic paradigm emphasises the human capacity for self-determination. It holds that we have the freedom to shape and give meaning to our own lives and helps clients regain their independence. The humanistic paradigm draws on concepts and ideas from phenomenology and existentialism and is a philosophy of mind.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Social Science | Department: Counselling and Psychotherapy | Duration: part-time: 2 years | Study mode: part-time | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The course consists of seven modules taught over a period of two years. Study involves one day per week at the university, eight non-residential weekends, two two-day blocks in September of the second year and one further study day. In addition to academic study, you need to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling practice in an approved clinical practice area. You are required to find your own clinical practice area and this will be discussed with you at interview. Modules include Humanistic Counselling Theory and Human Growth and Development, Themes in Professional Practice, Humanistic Counselling Practice and Personal Development, Non-credit rated module; Portfolio of Evidence Humanistic Counselling, Applied Humanistic Counselling Practice 1, Reflexivity and Research Methods in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Applied Humanistic Counselling Practice 2, Critical Perspectives in Humanistic Counselling, Lab facilities, Life lab.

Career pathways

The postgraduate diploma has an excellent reputation in the locality and our students have gone on to hold counselling posts across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Others have progressed to further training or used their counselling skills in their existing professions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree and experience. You should hold a degree or professional qualification, for example nursing or teaching. You need to have either successfully completed our short course, Developing a Therapeutic Relationship and Counselling Skills, or an accredited, externally assessed counselling skills course that: is at least level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills which ordinarily involves at least 30 hours of face-to-face tuition at level 2 or level 3 (online courses are not acceptable). Please note L2 Award, Helping Skills and Introductory courses are not accepted. includes both theory and practice. was gained within the last six years. You must have experience of working with people in a helping capacity and access to clients throughout the course. Ideally, you will have gained some counselling experience through full or part-time employment or through voluntary or pastoral work. Face-to-face therapy must be undertaken throughout the diploma with a UKCP-registered therapist who meets the course criteria. English language requirements. If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Application process. We expect to offer 22–25 places for this course and hold a reserve list of four. Submit your completed application by 28 February, this includes completed references.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,616 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, part-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 5,616 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, part-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Duration: part-time: 2 years

Apply through the official page: https://evsipr.brighton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app_crs

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