Level 4Counselling Studies CertificateValidated by Ulster University
Qualifications
Certificate In Counselling Studies (Ulster University)
Day of week: Tuesday
Times: 12:00 - 17:00
Overview
Website course info subject to approval by awarding body
This part-time course is awarded by Ulster University. It will introduce students to counselling theory and skills which are useful for those who wish to work effectively in a helping role with people, in a range of professional and personal contexts.
Over one year of study, students undertake three core modules, each reflecting 20 credits of study at Level 4.
Modules are:
- The Helping Relationship
- Personal Development and Interpersonal Communication
- Practical Application of the Helping Relationship.
Teaching and learning is achieved by a blend of face-to-face lectures and seminars, group and individual activities as well as digital and online technology. Students will learn basic psychological and communication theory and develop a range of reflective, interpersonal, communication and counselling skills, to support them in a helping role across settings. Students draw on personal and professional experience and there is an emphasis on practical role play and triad skills work with peers. Activities to promote self-awareness and impact on others are central and personal development is a key aspect of all three modules of the course Please note: Triad work is an essential part of this programme in terms of skills practice, personal reflection, and assessment.
Successful completion of this course does not confer fitness to practice counselling, but graduates who meet the entrance requirements may apply to progress to the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice which does.
This part-time course is delivered 1 day per week over two terms between September and June. Attendance is mandatory and should not be less than 90% of the course.
Teaching and Learning is achieved through a blended approach which combines face to face lectures and seminars, individual and peer group work and seminars, digital and online resources.
All applications must satisfy Ulster University general entrance requirements for Certificate and Diploma courses. The standard offer for this course is 5 GCSEs (Grade A, B or C) or above*. Competence in written and spoken English is required and certificated evidence of GCSE English Language or accepted equivalent is required. Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable.
Candidates who do not meet the general entrance requirements may apply for APEL (accreditation of experiential prior learning) to evidence their ability to undertake the course - please contact the Certificate in Counselling Studies Course Coordinator (mmcfadden@belfastmet.ac.uk) as soon as possible for advice. Candidates should note that APEL may not be used to evidence the English Language requirement (GCSE or equivalent).
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide certificated evidence of entry qualifications. These will need to be uploaded as part of the enrolment process and if are not available to hand, can be accessed through candidates’ schools or awarding organisation, such as CCEA. Successful completion of all components of the admission procedures contribute to the overall admission decision.
Early application is advisable.
*Please note - qualifications must be academic and not vocational.*
Students must be 18 years of age
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
HE Tuition Fee = £550.00
Examination / Registration Fee = £195.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
Visit our Student Funding page here to find out how to fund your studies
Please contact our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.
Assessment is 100% coursework. Students complete a range of assignments which draw on the authentic experience of students to increase their personal and professional development and reflective ability, self-awareness, and practical communication skills for helping. Assignments may include personal learning records, case study and a practical skills evaluations. Students have opportunities for formative feedback throughout the course.
Careers
Graduates from the Certificate, who are interested in practicing counselling as a professional, may apply to progress to the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice, which is awarded by Ulster University and accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and National Counselling Society. See course details for full entry requirements.
In considering progression to the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice only, for those students without the necessary 48 UCAS points achieved through A ‘Level, (which are required for entrance to the Foundation Degree), the L4 Ulster University Certificate in Counselling Studies is accepted as an alternative route for progression, since Ulster University recognise the important personal development, competencies and skills achieved on the Certificate programme.
Please note that progression to the Foundation Degree also requires applicants to hold a qualification in Mathematics, Essential Skills Level 2 Use of Number is accepted as a minimum. Contact the Course Director mmcguigan@belfastmet.ac.uk for information on this option.
Please note that successful completion of the Ulster University Certificate in Counselling studies is a desirable criterion for application to the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice and will be used for selection purposes where courses are over-subscribed.
For more information about the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice
Interests
- People
- Counselling
- Therapy
- Skills
- Helping
Contact us
School Administrator, Tel: 028 9026 5332 or email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
Useful Links
- Study at the Met
- Search for Courses
- Full Time
- Part Time
- Apprenticeships
- Leisure Courses
- Creative Connections
