University Certificate Counselling at University of Staffordshire

Programme overview

The University Certificate in Counselling is a one-year part-time course giving practical experience and theoretical understanding of counselling theory, ethics, counselling skills and personal development. It builds on an Introduction to Basic Skills in Counselling course and prepares students for further study to become qualified counsellors, or to improve counselling skills in other professions. Teaching is by qualified, practising counsellors in dedicated counselling facilities at the Stoke-on-Trent campus.

Duration: 1 year part-time (Wednesday mornings, 9.30-13.00) | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Stoke-on-Trent, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules are Counselling Standards and Ethical Awareness, Developing Critical Reflexivity in Counselling, and Exploring Theory and Developing Counselling Skills. Students develop skills in small groups using counselling rooms and a video observation suite.

Career pathways

Many graduates progress to qualified counsellor training (BACP-accredited Professional Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc at Staffordshire), working in NHS counselling, voluntary organisations, schools and private practice. Others use the skills in teaching, chaplaincy, nursery nursing, NHS professions, university mentoring and the voluntary sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A reference, and successful completion of a level 2 Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills course or equivalent (a 30-hour face-to-face skills course).

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,000 a year (2027/28). UK / Channel Islands part-time fee per year of study; pro rata fee for the first year; the course is usually completed over six years under the standard pattern stated on the page Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year part-time (Wednesday mornings, 9.30-13.00)

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