Person-Centred Counselling

Person-Centred Counselling at the University of Suffolk offers a comprehensive and engaging pathway for individuals aspiring to become skilled and compassionate counsellors. This programme combines theoretical understanding with practical application, equipping students with the essential skills to support clients effectively through person-centred approaches. The course is designed to deepen your understanding of human psychology, therapeutic techniques, and ethical considerations, fostering a learner-centered environment that encourages personal growth alongside professional development. Throughout the programme, students will explore core concepts such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, which are fundamental to providing effective counselling services. You will engage in practical training sessions, supervision, and real-world client interactions, ensuring you develop confidence and competence in your counselling abilities. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners who are committed to supporting your growth and helping you achieve your career goals. Our facilities include dedicated counselling rooms that simulate real-world settings, enabling hands-on experience in a supervised environment. The programme also emphasizes research skills and critical analysis, empowering students to evaluate counselling approaches and stay current with advances in the field. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to work in various settings such as private practice, mental health organizations, education, and community services. Furthermore, this qualification provides a strong foundation for those wishing to progress to further postgraduate study or professional accreditation. The University of Suffolk's Person-Centred Counselling course ensures that each student receives personalized support, ample practical opportunities, and a rich academic experience. Join us to develop your counselling skills, deepen your understanding of human experience, and make a meaningful difference in people's lives through empathetic and ethical practice.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline UK or any other EU country - 15 January ; International - 30 June Tuition fee

• EUR 9550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 12530 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Fees Students starting at UCS from September 2012 will be charged £8000 for a full-time Bachelors degree or £7500 for a full-time Foundation degree. Tuition fees for full-time International Study: Classroom-based 10,500 GBP (£) Laboratory-based 12,600 GBP (£)

Start date September 2015 Duration full-time 26 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

In year one the experiential training takes place over one full day per week, plus independent study. In year 2, the training is one full day plus half a day for group supervision / personal development and work placements. After completion of the first two years students are able to practice as professional counsellors and those choosing to leave the course at this point will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling. Those who choose to stay for the third year of study will leave the course with a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling.

Students studying this course will cover units in The Person-Centred Approach; Comparative Studies; Starting Counselling Practice; Counselling Practice; Developments in the Person- Centred Approach; Self-Evaluation; Research; Group Work and a Dissertation.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

English language requirements

All students need to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Students whose first language is not English will need to take a recognised English Language test in advance of commencing a course at UCS and before the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter is issued for visa purposes.
UCS accepts a range of English qualifications, with the following standards required:
IELTS (academic version): 6.0 for all degrees, apart from Diagnostic Radiography,Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses that require 7.0. Postgraduate courses generally require between 6.5 and 7.0.
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based test; 213 on computer-based test; or 79-80 on the internet-based test for all degrees
Pearson Test of English Academic - Minimum score of 50 is required
Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
GCE O-level or GCSE English Language/Use of English: Grade C
Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) International Baccalaureate English Grade B (standard level).
Hong Kong Certificate of English Education

Typical Offer:

280 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent)

Applicants will have completed the equivalent of a two year certificate course in counselling or counselling skills, and will normally be 21 or over at the start of the course.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

National Scholarship Programme

As part of the new student finance system, students with households incomes under £25,000 per year will benefit from a new National Scholarship Programme. This new scheme is targeted towards students who most need financial help.
The National Scholarship is funded jointly by the Government and Universities. UCS has been awarded a number of National Scholarships which students can apply for Suffolk Access Champion Scheme
The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme will be open to eligible students currently studying at a Suffolk State Sixth form, College or Academy, and applying to study at UCS on a full-time undergraduate degree programme in 2012-13.
The Suffolk Access Champion will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

Scholarships for international students

UCS offers a generous scholarship scheme for all undergraduate students paying international fees.
All international students that are offered and have firmly accepted a place on a full-time undergraduate Foundation or Honours degree course at UCS by the 30 September for the year of entry, will be eligible for a scholarship of £1,000 per year for the duration of their course. This scholarship will be awarded each year once annual fees have been paid in full.
Please note that any international students accepted on a course that requires a practice placement with a Primary Care Trust, for example Nursing, Midwifery or Radiography, will incur an additional £3000 fee per each year of study (this excludes all British Islands students except the Falkland Islands).

The Person-Centred Counselling program at the University of Suffolk is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to become effective counsellors specializing in person-centred approaches. This program typically focuses on developing a deep understanding of humanistic theories and the practical application of counselling skills within diverse settings. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers core topics such as counselling theories, communication skills, ethics and professional practice, and the development of personal self-awareness vital for therapeutic effectiveness.

Throughout the course, students have opportunities to participate in supervised practicum placements, allowing them to gain firsthand experience working with clients under the guidance of experienced practitioners. This practical element is critical in preparing graduates for the professional environment and enhancing their confidence and competence in delivering person-centred therapy. The program also emphasizes the importance of reflective practice, encouraging students to critically analyze their counselling sessions, personal growth, and professional development.

The program is suitable for individuals aiming to pursue careers as professional counsellors in various sectors, including mental health services, educational institutions, healthcare, and community organizations. It often combines theoretical learning with skills training, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes empathy, ethical practice, and continuous professional development.

Graduates of the program are expected to meet national standards for counselling practitioners and acquire the necessary qualifications to register with relevant professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The course typically spans one to two years for full-time students, with part-time options available to accommodate working professionals.

Overall, the Person-Centred Counselling program at the University of Suffolk aims to foster compassionate, skilled, and reflective practitioners who are committed to supporting individuals through their personal development and psychological well-being. The university's supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and strong professional links ensure students are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rewarding career in counselling.