The Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills serves as a gateway to higher learning, while providing a basic introduction to psychology.
You want to take your first step into the academic world, but you don’t meet the minimum requirements for a Bachelor’s degree? Don’t worry, the field of higher learning isn’t closed to you yet. The Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills serves as a gateway to higher learning, while also providing a basic introduction to the field of psychology.
So whether you’re struggling to gain admission into a university, or you’re just not ready to commit to a Bachelor’s degree, the Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills may be the right option for you.
Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills: The benefits
The Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication is a one-year, vocational qualification that aims to provide students with:
- Literacy skills for success in academia.
- An introduction to the field of psychology.
- An introduction to the main approaches used in counselling.
- Communication skills, and the skills to build healthy relationships.
- An overview of diversity in South Africa, and how it relates to the psychology practice.
Students who complete the Higher Certificate will be in a position to pursue a career in psychology, should they so choose. If the introductory material piques your interest, you will have the following options available to you:
- Study a BAppSocSci (Bachelor’s degree).
- Pursue an Advanced Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills.
- Pursue work as a Support Worker, providing basic support and guidance to clients, as well as identifying any clients who need more specialised help and referring them to the relevant professionals.
Even if you choose not to pursue further studies in psychology, the Higher Certificate provides necessary comprehension, research and study skills that will serve as a solid foundation for future progress in whatever academic field you decide to pursue.
Add to all that, the convenience of being able to study the Higher Certificate online if you prefer.
Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills: The modules
Here is a brief overview of the content of the programme:
Academic Literacy
This module develops basic academic skills such as reading and writing, while paving the way for future studies by explaining the values and ethics of academic pursuits.
Introduction to Psychology (two modules)
An introduction to the field of psychology, covering theories and methods that have governed the field over the course of a century. Topics covered include the physical elements of psychology, such as the nervous system and brain, as well as the emotional and social elements.
Interpersonal Communication Skills
This module investigates the factors that play a role in the communication process. The skills developed will have practical applications in your professional and personal life.
Counselling Modalities (two modules)
An introduction to theories, methods and practices that play a major role in the counselling field.
Fundamentals of a Helping Relationship
The module creates a framework for the counselling process using Gerard Egan’s ‘Skilled Helper’ effective counselling model. It is the first of three modules designed to prepare students for a career in the counselling field.
Developmental Psychology A
This module explores the factors that affect an individual’s psychological development throughout their life, such as experiences that occurred during childhood (the period when the most change occurs).
Abnormal Psychology
This module provides an introduction to the methods and theories used to assess and diagnose mental illness. Mental health issues specific to the South African context are emphasised, and ethical and legal issues pertaining to mental health treatment are addressed.
Diversity in the South African Context
This module seeks to provide students with a broad understanding of cultural issues in South Africa, and how they relate to the counselling profession.
Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills: The requirements
As mentioned, the programme is ideal for those who do not meet the minimum requirements for a Bachelor’s degree. The requirements for a Higher Degree in Counselling and Communication are as follows:
- A National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 45% in English.
OR - A Senior Certificate with higher and/ or standard grade subjects with a minimum of 45% in English, or equivalent qualification.
OR - Mature students 23 years of age and older who do not meet the above requirements should provide a portfolio of evidence to support admission on the basis of SACAP’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills, as well as other psychology courses on offer at SACAP (including part-time and full-time as well as online options), be sure to enquire now.
