Level 5 DipHE in Person-Centred Counselling

Course Overview

Course Type:

Higher Education

Available at:

Southampton

Course Area:

Health & Science incl Sport

Course Duration:

2 Years

Available at:

Southampton

The Course in Detail

This Level 5 Diploma in Higher Education qualification provides theoretical foundation and practitioner training in the Person-Centred Approach, which qualifies you to practice as a counsellor. It will give you an opportunity to work with both traditional and contemporary person-centred counselling theorists, equipping you with a wide theoretical knowledge from which to practice safely and ethically. Year 1 – The first year of this course will provide you with the theoretical foundational base in person-centred counselling and how this can be applied in different counselling contexts, for example bereavement or abuse.

Person-centred theory
Research: Counselling Contexts
Culture and Diversity
Clinical Practice/Supervision

Year 2 – The second year will build on the theoretical knowledge learnt in year 1 and explores more creative expressive mediums such as play therapy, art, sand-tray and music and movement. There is also a focus on developing your skills and knowledge to allow you to enter the counselling profession.

Person-Centred Theory (Module 2)
Research: Expressive P-C Practice
Professional Development
Clinical Practice/Supervision

The course includes a clinical placement that lasts for the two years of the course and you will need to achieve 50 client hours per year in your placement. You will be expected to source this placement yourself, although we have a list of providers to help you with your search.

You will be required to attend Southampton College one day per week and to attend an annual 3 day encounter group. External commitments include: A clinical placement (50 hours per year), supervision (in line with BACP guidelines), peer discussion (40 hours per year on e-forum), and independent reading and a minimum of 40 hours peer study time.

This is a two-year full-time course. Although this degree carries part-time college attendance, it holds full-time Higher Education status because of the added external commitments. It has the option of an extra one-year top-up course, a BA (Hons) Degree in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy, after successfully completing the Diploma.

Awarding Body

This qualification is quality assured and awarded by Middlesex University. Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4BT. Telephone 020 8411 5000 Read Middlesex University Regulations (new window)

Financial Assistance Did you know you can take out a Higher Education Loan to pay for this course? The Student Loans Company provides loans and grants to students at college studying Higher Education and you don’t start repaying until you earn over a certain amount. Policies For our HE Fees, Admissions and Student Protection Policies, please visit our Policies page.

Entry Requirements & Progression

What You'll Need

You must have a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent and be able to work at GCSE English grade 4/C or above. You will need to be in touch with a suitable clinical placement – not usually your current place of work – and be willing to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) police check by your placement. You must have time to study a full-time programme i.e. not be in full-time employment and you’ll be required to attend a college interview prior to enrolling.

Although our library is expansively stocked, as with all university-level courses you will need a book budget of around £100-150.

Before your college interview you will need to submit 4 small essays as follows:

500 words on – My understanding of the key concepts of person-centred counselling/psychotherapy
500 words on – My understanding of discrimination and oppression in a counselling context
500 words on – Why I wish to undertake the degree at this time
500 words on – How I plan to self-manage my studies, emotions and external commitments whilst studying

You will also need to provide two references (one from a past counselling tutor and the other from a professional who has known you for two or more years).

This Could Lead to

Upon successful completion of the Level 5 DipHE you will be able to top-up your qualification to a Level 6 BA (Hons) Degree in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Alternatively, you will be able to apply for and work in different areas of the profession such as private practice, NHS, schools, and related sectors.

Want to Find Out more?

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Availability & Enrolment

*Please Note: Start dates given for our HE courses are indicative only. Courses will be begin in the week indicated below but the specific days of the week that a course will be delivered are dependent on resource and staff availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed until final timetables are completed.

College Life & Student Support Services

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.