Course Guide

Advanced Certificate in Psychology & Counselling

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Course Details

Study Load

400–500 hours total (approximately 80–100 hours per module)

Access Duration

18 months

Start Date

Anytime – flexible online enrolment

Delivery Mode

Online, self-paced

Course Overview

The Advanced Certificate in Psychology & Counselling provides an advanced, in-depth exploration of human behaviour, mental processes, and therapeutic practice. This program blends core psychological theory with practical counselling skills, ethical decision-making, and psychological assessment methods used within the mental health and human services industries. Students develop strong theoretical knowledge while gaining practical skills to support individuals experiencing emotional, behavioural, and interpersonal challenges. The program prepares learners for real-world client interaction through applied skills, reflection, and communication strategies. Ideal for those pursuing careers in counselling, mental health support, community services, or psychology-related roles, and for professionals seeking deeper understanding of human behaviour and therapeutic practice.

Module

Introduction to Psychology – BPS101

Explore the core principles of psychology and discover how biological, environmental, and social factors influence human behaviour.

Topics covered:

The Nature and Scope of Psychology
Neurological Basis of Behaviour
Environmental Effects on Behaviour
Consciousness and Perception
Personality
Psychological Development
Needs, Drives, and Motivation

Psychology and Counselling – BPS102

Gain an understanding of mental health, abnormal behaviour, and effective counselling approaches. Learn how to manage stress, build resilience, and communicate with empathy.

Topics covered:

Stress
Abnormal Behaviour
Individual Behaviour
Group Behaviour
Methods of Dealing with Abnormalities
Conflict Resolution
Interpersonal Communication Skills

Counselling Skills I – BPS109

Develop practical micro-skills for building rapport, active listening, and guiding clients through meaningful change.

Topics covered:

Learning Specific Skills – methods of learning, learning micro-skills
Listening & Bonding – meeting and greeting, helping the client relax, listening with intent
Reflection – paraphrasing, reflection of feeling, client responses to reflection
Questioning – open & closed questions, goals of questioning
Interview Techniques – summarising, confrontation, reframing
Changing Beliefs and Normalising – addressing irrational beliefs and self-destructive thoughts
Finding Solutions – facilitating actions and overcoming psychological blocks
Ending the Counselling – closure, further meetings, dependency

Professional Practice in Counselling – BPS207

Understand the professional, ethical, and reflective aspects of counselling practice, including supervision and referral protocols.

Topics covered:

Understanding Counselling
Ethics and Confidentiality
Understanding the Self
Personality
Emotions and Behaviour
Supervision
Referral Practice

Psychological Assessment – BPS308

Learn how psychological testing and assessment tools are applied in clinical and counselling settings.

Topics covered:

Introduction
Context of Clinical Assessment
The Assessment Interview
Behavioural Assessment
Wechsler Intelligence Scales
Wechsler Memory Scales
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

Potential Career Pathways

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

Counsellor (entry-level or support capacity)
Psychology Assistant
Mental Health Support Worker
Case Manager or Client Liaison Officer
Community or Youth Worker
Human Services Officer
Pathway to further study in Psychology, Counselling, or Social Sciences

Support

Student Support You Can Count On

When you study with us, you’re never on your own. Every learner receives:

Dedicated Student Advisors who stay with you throughout your entire study journey and are available via phone, email, or live chat whenever you need support.

Access to Experienced Professional Tutors who can answer your questions, provide guidance, and assess your assignments with meaningful, expert feedback.

Career Centre Support offering CV reviews, LinkedIn optimisation, interview preparation, and connections with recruitment partners to help you move confidently into the role you want.