EastleighEastleigh
Counselling is a career choice that is continuously evolving. Our Level 5 Diploma in HE Gestalt Counselling qualification is ideal if you’re looking to take your first step towards this fulfilling, impactful career path. Curated in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, this course teaches you how to use this form of counselling to empower change processes when working with individuals, couples, groups, teams and organisations.
You will learn how to use gestalt counselling as a highly effective way of treating a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, addiction, tension and depression. You’ll learn how to help people reflect on their current thoughts, feelings and behaviours so they can better understand their current situation. This can help them deal with relationship problems and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and stress. This course shares the same first year modules as our DipHE Humanistic Counselling and DipHE Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. As such, you will have the option to switch pathways at the end of year one, if you wish.
The two-year university-level course begins with an introduction to the many different forms and layers of counselling. You will be taught about the varied approaches available to a practitioner so that you can decide which modality is best suited to your skills and personality.
Year 1 (Level 4) – you will develop foundational counselling skills and explore all the counselling approaches available to practitioners, including humanistic counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You will become confident in:
Year 2 (Level 5) – you will gain a deeper, more detailed awareness of gestalt counselling, including:
During the year you will take part in 100 hours of supervised therapy work placement as an opportunity to put your newly acquired knowledge into practice. You’ll also complete a module in research methods and ethics in counselling and psychotherapy; this is preparation for any students hoping to move onto the corresponding BSc (Hons) top-up qualification.The programme has been designed to suit a range of entrants; you will be taught using a mixture of didactic and facilitative methods with an emphasis on experiential and student-centred learning. Throughout the course, you will be engaged in both individual and group activities as well as small research and discussion groups. You will be required to take part in personal therapy throughout the course, as well as register for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) membership; both come at an additional cost, with therapy costing anywhere between £30-£70 per hour and BACP membership at £82 per year. Both will enormously benefit and enrich your learning experience, giving you first-hand experience of the world of gestalt counselling.
Awarding Body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Portsmouth.
Course Fees
The course fees are set by the University of Portsmouth and may be subject to change – please see their website for the latest fees and details. Instalment plans and loans may be available to assist with this.
Policies
For our HE Fees, Admissions and Student Protection Policies, please visit our Policies page.
You will require a Level 3 Counselling skills qualification plus GCSE English at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent. We welcome applications from A Level students with A Levels in Psychology, Psychotherapy or Sociology (112 UCAS points) and will consider on an individual basis subject to a successful interview and interpersonal skills role-play.
A Levels – BBC
International Baccalaureate – 25
You must also pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting the course.
You will need to apply for the course through the University of Portsmouth website – the below APPLY button link will take you directly there. Whilst you are based in Eastleigh College, you would also be a University of Portsmouth student and will therefore be able to access their facilities and support.
Upon successful completion of this Level 5 DipHE, you will have the option to top-up your diploma to a Bachelor’s degree with our one-year Level 6 BSc (Hons) Gestalt Counselling course, also awarded by the University of Portsmouth.
College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.
Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.
