Why Study / Key Benefits

• The qualification is designed for people who want to add counselling theory, knowledge and practical counselling skills to an existing health or education profession.
• It develops helping skills that can be applied when working with clients, students, colleagues and other groups.
• Students study counselling and psychology theories as well as solution-focused counselling approaches.
• It can provide a pathway towards UC's Master of Counselling, although admission to the Master's is subject to the Master's own entry requirements.
• The Master of Counselling can enable graduates to seek provisional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). The PGCertCounSt itself does not provide that membership.
• The programme is particularly relevant for professionals in health, education and related helping professions who want additional counselling capability without initially committing to a full master's degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification consists of two compulsory 30-point courses:

1. COUN671 – Counselling and Psychology: Theories and Skills
   • 30 points.
   • Covers counselling and psychology theories and skills.
   • 2026 delivery is available through Campus and UC Online, subject to the applicable course offering.
2. COUN681 – Solution-focused Theory and Skills with Individuals and Groups
   • 30 points.
   • Focuses on solution-focused counselling theory and skills for work with individuals and groups.
   • 2026 delivery is available through Campus and UC Online.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• There are no majors.
• There are no minors.
• There are no formal endorsements or specialisations within the PGCertCounSt.
• The academic focus is counselling studies, with emphasis on counselling theory, psychology, counselling skills and solution-focused approaches.

Programme Highlights

• 60-point postgraduate qualification.
• Two compulsory 30-point courses.
• Available through both campus-based and UC Online study.
• Online courses provide February and July start options.
• On-campus study uses block teaching rather than requiring students to attend traditional classes every week.
• Online study combines self-directed modules, lecturer support, Zoom sessions and on-campus block teaching.
• Provides counselling theory and practical skills relevant to health and education professionals.
• Can be used as a potential pathway towards the Master of Counselling.
• The PGCertCounSt itself does not confer provisional NZAC membership.

Career Outcomes

UC states that the certificate can provide foundational counselling knowledge and skills relevant to counselling-related work and to existing professional roles.

Potential areas include:

• Counselling-related roles, subject to the professional registration/membership requirements applicable to the role.
• Community mental health providers.
• Schools and education settings.
• Rest homes.
• Services supporting people with special needs.
• Health professions.
• Education professions.
• Civil service and other helping professions.
• Nurse aide-related settings.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current UC page continues to offer both campus and UC Online study.
• The online version has different teaching dates and a more prescribed course structure.
• Online courses include some compulsory on-campus block teaching days, so students should check whether they can meet those attendance requirements.
• The qualification has a 24-month maximum completion period.
• Honours, Merit or Distinction are not awarded for this qualification.
• Students must report to the Executive Dean of Health or delegate within three working days if charged with or convicted of an offence, or if another incident/matter occurs that could compromise fitness to practise.
• Students who complete the certificate may apply for admission to the Master of Counselling and have the certificate credits transferred/subsumed, but admission to the Master's is based on meeting the Master's own requirements.
• The Master's has a separate limited-entry selection process involving applications, academic records, referee reports and interviews. This should not be confused with the entry requirements for the PGCertCounSt.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student intending to undertake the programme in New Zealand, the principal visa route is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.
• Any required medical, police or other supporting documents.