Humanistic Counselling PGDip

York St John University

This Postgraduate Diploma provides professional counselling training. Once you have completed the 2 year part time PG Dip, you can study towards the MA. The PG Dip is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Humanistic is an umbrella term for a range of approaches to counselling. These share a philosophical stance that every person is unique and capable of taking appropriate responsibility for managing their lives to their satisfaction. Humanistic counselling emphasises the client’s active role in the counselling process. It pays particular attention to the here-and-now experience, the counselling relationship and the broader context of the client’s life.

Your first 2 years of study will cover humanistic counselling theory, counselling skills and reflective practice, and personal and professional development. You will complete a total of 150 contracted counselling hours over the course of the PG Dip. Should you choose to study for the MA, the 2 year PG Dip will be followed by a year of specialised research on a topic of your choice.

Studying at a university means that you will be taught by experts with a wide range of professional and academic experience. You will have 24 hour access to our extensive library resources, including online journals such as the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling and the Journal of Humanistic Psychology. You can also access support with improving your writing skills so you can approach your assessments with confidence. As a postgraduate student at York St John University you will be part of an exciting and welcoming academic community.

Professional accreditation

The Postgraduate Diploma is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). On successful completion of the PG Dip, you will be eligible to apply for membership of the BACP Register (register of psychological therapists accredited under the Professional Standards Authority accredited register programme). We will encourage you to seek student membership of BACP.