Diploma Overview

This two-year programme provides students with strong theoretical grounding as well as the necessary practical and professional skills to pursue a vocation in either one of three specialisation streams, namely:

  • Counselling, or
  • Coaching

The first year of the programme provides the student with an excellent foundation in Psychology as a human science, its social context and the application of counselling and communication methodologies and skills. The second year builds on this foundation with a particular focus on application in either the counselling or coaching field.

In addition to the modules specific to the students chosen specialisation stream, the programme also includes two elective modules allowing students to deepen their knowledge and skills in particular aspects of their chosen specialisation. Some of the elective modules include Addiction Counselling, Counselling in Loss, and Somatic Counselling. For more information on the elective modules available, please click here.

The Diploma includes 200 hours of Fieldwork that offers students a practical placement within an organisational setting specifically related to their vocational focus.

Those completing the programme will graduate with a 240-credit NQF6 Diploma in Counselling and Communication. The Diploma is accredited with the CHE (Council on Higher Education).

Admission Requirements

  • National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in English. This is coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) in four designated subjects (excluding Life Orientation), or
  • A Senior Certificate with higher and/or standard grade subjects or an equivalent school leaving certificate, or
  • 24 years or older, with no school qualification, and at least three (3) years’ work experience and proven ability relating to the proposed programme.

Programme Structure

  • 2 year programme (full-time), 3 years (part-time)
  • Online Research and Study Skills module
  • 18 modules including Fieldwork
  • Full-time study = 3 modules per term
  • Part-time study = 2 modules per term
  • 3 trimesters per year