Certificate in Counselling (Credit Rated)

Hi

The course you suggest would be a good place to start but you will need to be prepared to do further study and certainly practice placements which we cannot arrange for you either here or in your own country.

The cost of this course gains you membership of the IoC

Hope this helps

Simon

there are 200 student learning hours in this course

No - although you would be working to the same academic level level (see the accreditation tab for more details of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework - SCQF) the HND would represent two years work and be worth 240 level 7/8 SCQF points. The UW200 course is worth 20 level 8 points (200 hours of study)

No there is no designation with this course although it will enable you to join the National Counselling Society at Associate Member Level.

The GCU1 is written and assessed at SCQF level 9 (third year degree) with the course accredited through Glasgow Caledonian University.

Course UW200 is accredited through the University of the West of Scotland at SCQF level 8 (second year degree)

The difference therefore is in the degree of academic difficulty (Click our Accreditation Tab at the top of our Website home page www.instituteofcounselling.org.uk/accreditation 
to get more information on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

Both cover very similar foundation counselling topics - all of which would help you build the necessary knowledge and understanding. It is also advisable at this point to consider voluntary work which will offer a practice element to your learning.    
 

This course contains 200 hours of study/assessment. The time to complete is very much dependent on the time the student has available. With 7/8 hours per week it can be completed in 6 months.

Please remember however that it is not worthwhile without pausing to reflect on the learning taking place. Should you rush the learning it will not be as enjoyable nor will the principles embed themselves as they should. 

 I would suggest that there is a lot more you may like to consider before considering practising as a counsellor. Please look at our Diplomas in Counselling Skills (Course 4000 and 5000N) which offer a more comprehensive coverage of the skills and knowledge required in counselling. Additionally whilst studying you would be recommended to work towards building supervised practice hours with a reputable helping organisation. Ultimately you would want to consider membership of a professional organisation such as the National Counselling Society or BACP - please take time to view their websites. Completion of course UW200 would allow you to apply for Associate membership of the National Counselling Society.

The normal timescale is six months which can be extended if necessary to cover "life's problems." Our Tutors are given guidelines as to the return of assignments to ensure the student can move along at a steady pace.

The course offers a "double logo" certificate (University of the West of Scotland and the Institute) as well as a certificate for your CPD portfolio. 

As long as there is an accepted method of payment e.g. credit card there should be no problem in paying in instalments.

There is 200 hours of work/study in this certificate course. Normaly we look at completion in 6 months although we allow 1 year. To complete the course in 3 months would require around 16-17 hours of commitment each week. It can be done but care has to be taken to allow yourself time to think through what you are learning and relate in to your experience of life.

University accredited courses will offer you academic points at a particular level (our accredited courses are at level 8 or 9 - second or third year degree level) These points can be used towards gaining a degree in related subjects thus offering the student wider options for further study.

With course 121 although you are correct in saying it is "neither BACP or University accredited" it is an excellent course for offering a foundation in counselling history, different models e.g. person centred, and personal skills/attributes needed to be successful - ideal for you if you are undecided about counselling as a career. Additionally this course is approved by the Counselling Society (www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org ) at 20 points towards membership - allows you to join at associate level. 

Course UW200 is not recognised by BACP who tend to focus more on courses offered by themselves. 

Both courses 121 and UW200 can be built upon not only as part of the Institutes accredited and non-accredited Diplomas but also for some with an additional 30 points (50 in all) towards full membership of the National Counselling Society e.g. course 4000 Diploma in Counselling, UF 1000 Diploma in Counselling and Spiritual Care, UT1000 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

There are other options for you. Please call one of our Student Advisors on 0141 204 2230

Both courses are similar in content and offer a good introduction to Counselling. The main difference is that Course UW200 is accredited at 20 level 8 (second year degree)academic points and is subject to a more rigourous academic assessment, taking 200 hours to complete against the 150 hours of Course 121.

Both courses are approved by the National Counselling Society and offer 20 points towards Membership with entry at Associate level.  

You have various options in the courses we offer. There is UW200 (accredited at level 8 (20 points)by the University of Paisley), Course GCU1 - Foundation Counselling Skills (accredited at level 9 (30 points) by Glasgow Caledonian University and Course 121 which is professionally accredited by the National Counselling Society.

My advice would be to discuss the course options with your chosen University to see which one they favour most.

The online certificate in Counselling  (course reference UW200) is six months to complete the course.  You do not need any formal  qualifications to do that course and anyone can do  the course.  You can use the 20 university credits towards  a degree in full counselling practice at your local university.

You can study our courses anywhere in the world.   They are studied by distance learning/online learning.   You do not attend any classes but are supported by your tutor via e-mail and telephone.   The courses can be started at anytime and you can enrol via our webpage.   The knowledge and skills gained from our courses support your practice in your workplace.