Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory

If you have a bachelors degree in education, counselling, nursing or social work and at least three years' practical experience, this programme can broaden and advance your career. You will gain comprehensive knowledge of the theory and research that underpin counselling practice, and develop the skills necessary for effective counselling with diverse clients. You will undertake supervised practical counselling work in community settings. This programme can provide the foundation to pursue further study at masters level. If you complete the PGDipCounsTh with a GPA of 5 or higher in the most advanced courses taken, you can apply to enter into the second year of the Master of Counselling to complete the masters qualification. To do this, you must include a research methods course in your PGDipCounsTh study.

The PGDipCounsTh is equivalent to the first year of the Master of Counselling (MCouns).

If you complete the PGDipCounsTh with a GPA of 5 or higher in the most advanced courses taken, you can apply to enter into the second year of the MCouns to complete the masters qualification.

To do this, you must include a research methods course in your PGDipCounsTh study.

120-point taught postgraduate diploma

Requirement:

• 90 points: Core courses in Professional Counselling:
  • Counselling Laboratory (PROFCOUN 701)
  • The Counselling Process (PROFCOUN 705)
  • Cultural Issues in Counselling (PROFCOUN 706)
  • Professional Issues in Counselling (PROFCOUN 708)
  • Counselling Practicum (PROFCOUN 711)

• 30 points: Research courses from:
  • Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700)
  • Maori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787)

It is a programme requirement that students undertake a minimum of 10 hours of regular professional supervision that accompanies 100 hours of supervised professional counselling practice in one or more placement settings. The cost of this supervision is not part of the course fees and is the responsibility of the student.

Please note that this is a limited entry programme and selection criteria apply. An interview supported by referees' statements and evidence of practical experience is required.

Interviews are conducted from October to December with the aim of informing applicants by the end of the year. Applicants may also be placed on waiting list and offered a place as spaces become available up until February the following year. In individual circumstances where applicants need to know the outcome of their application sooner (e.g. for international visa requirements, scholarships etc.), an earlier interview can be arranged.