Advanced Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills

Course Details
next intake
Term 1Applications Open
1 July 2020Applications Close
28 February 2021duration
12 – 18 months full-time, 2 years part-timeaccreditation
NQF 6, CHEKeep safe. Stay home. Start Term 1 Online
Given the rise in Covid-19 infections, SACAP will start Term 1 via our well-established Online campus in the Online Live study option. Once it’s safe to do so, you will be switched back to the campus you registered at.
Why take this course
SACAP’s Advanced Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills builds on an existing foundation of learning. It is a short, 12-18 month, vocational course that’s specifically designed to grow your knowledge and insight in counselling, communication, psychology, human behaviour and community-based mental health.
Not only does the Advanced Certificate provide a strong focus on applied counselling and communication skills for application in a variety of environments, but also develops deeper knowledge in specific areas of your choice.
This accredited qualification is nationally benchmarked and internationally comparable, which means that as a graduate, you’ll be eligible for admission into SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree with the potential for credit transfer for the same modules already completed, provided that you meet the admission requirements for that programme.
The plan in place should the course start before lock-down ends
Unusual times call for agile thinking. SACAP has an existing Online campus, so if the lock-down is still in effect come June, this course will start on our digital platform and then continue on the campus you registered for when it’s responsible to do so.
Our virtual classroom runs pretty much the same as it would on campus: same class times, same classmates and the same educator. So when you do meet in person on campus – you’ll feel like you’re reuniting with old friends.
To make things even easier, SACAP will supply you with a portable router if you need one, plus 10G of data to help you with online learning data costs (this does not apply to students registered to study Coaching or to the Online campus). You also get ongoing support from your campus-specific face-to-face student administration and student services teams so you will never feel lost or alone.
What you can expect
- Counselling and interpersonal communication skills, including referral and management strategies, for application in the key areas of crisis and trauma counselling, self-esteem and motivation, family and relationship work.
- Skills in specific counselling areas through your choice of elective modules, such as: addictions; grief and loss; working with children; conflict management; working with adolescents; and/or HIV and human sexuality.
- Practical work integrated learning experience.
You’ll also develop:
- Psychology, human behaviour and mental health with a strong focus on practical application
- Ethics in psychology.

Course highlights
Builds on the skills gained in your undergraduate degree.
Develops your skills to become a leading human resource practitioner.
A blend of academic integrity and impactful application into workplace contexts.
Who is this course for?
- Already have SACAP’s Higher Certificate in Counselling and want a qualification that focuses on counselling, communication, psychology, human behaviour and community-based mental health with a strong focus on practical application.
- Want to develop deeper knowledge and skills in specific areas, through the selection of elective modules such as: addiction counselling, counselling in loss, working with children and adolescents,, sports psychology, family work and relationships, and/or gender, sexuality and HIV counselling.
- Want to gain practical work integrated learning experience as part of your studies to boost your skills and confidence.
Career Opportunities
You’ll be eligible for admission into SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree with the potential for credit transfer for the same modules already completed, provided that you meet the admission requirements for that programme.
Advanced Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills modules
Core modules
- Fundamentals of a Helping Relationship (NQF 5, 14 credits)
- Developmental Psychology B (NQF 6, 14 credits)
- Counselling Skills and Process Development (NQF 6, 14 credits)
- Ethics in Counselling (NQF 6, 14 credits)
- Self-Esteem and Motivation (NQF 6, 14 credits)
- Crisis and Trauma Counselling (NQF 6, 14 credits)
- Community Psychology (NQF 6, 14 credits)
- Work Integrated Learning (Part 1 and 2) (NQF 6, 20 credits)
Download the module descriptors here
Elective Modules
- Addiction Counselling (NQF 6, 15 credits)
- Counselling in Loss (NQF 6, 15 credits)
- Family Work and Relationships (NQF 6, 15 credits)
- Gender, Sexuality and HIV Counselling (NQF 6, 15 credits)
- Sports Psychology (NQF 6, 15 credits)
- Working with Children and Adolescents (NQF 6, 15 credits)
Download the module descriptors here

Additional information
Admission requirements
- An NQF Level 5 qualification in an appropriate field of study, or equivalent qualification, OR
- Students 23 years of age and older who do not meet the above requirements for entrance into the programme, should provide a portfolio of evidence to support admission on the basis of SACAP’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
How can I apply?
It’s easy, you can apply online. You will also need these docs
1. Application form
2. Certified copy of your ID
3. A Certified copy of your highest qualification
4. Character reference letter
5. Proof of application fee of R300.00
Apply here
Course details
- Study options: on campus (Cape Town & Johannesburg)
- Duration: 12 – 18 months full-time, 2 years part-time
- Modules: 9
- Accreditation: NQF 6, CHE accredited
SACAP Fee Structure
Click here for 2021 fees