DipHE Person-Centred Counselling

Welcome to Person-centred Counselling

The course will provide you with a range of opportunities to learn about yourself and develop the skills to become a fully qualified, Person-Centred Counsellor, on a BACP Accredited course . Post-qualification, you are eligible to apply for BACP registration as a full member. A strong theoretical knowledge base, together with year one skills practice will prepare you for supervised counselling hours in your second year of training. Should you consider extending your training to the BA Counselling & Psychotherapy year 3, this will encourage you to develop an area of specialism in your counselling practice and inviting you to undertake a small-scale research project. You will experience an exciting, psychologically demanding programme which will enrich your world view and develop your capacity for critical reflection.

The course includes specific training in video and telephone counselling embedding BACP Online and Telephone Therapy (OPT) core curriculum into years 1 and 2. This furnishes students with the skills and knowledge of counselling via video and telephone in addition to traditional in-person practice. The course is committed to embedding and communicating BACP equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.

Teaching staff are all qualified counsellors and mental health practitioners and practice within a range of therapeutic environments. Our graduates progress in to careers as counsellors or working in the allied professions. Some graduates move on to completing a master’s qualification.

‘The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change’.
(Carl Rogers 1961)

The course includes access to an in-house placement with the Colchester Institute Counselling Service (CICS), a well-established service with over 34 years of experience. Professional clinical supervision is also provided to support students in their client work.

Course IntroductionModulesEntry RequirementsGraduate CareersAdditional

Your profile

You are a compassionate listener, a sensitive communicator, and others value your non-judgemental approach. Your interest in psychotherapy goes beyond a passing interest and you want to make a real difference to people’s lives. Your life experience, mature approach and individuality will be positively welcomed.

Your subject

The importance of mental wellbeing is rapidly reaching the forefront of the government’s health agenda. A clear distinction between physical and mental health is giving way to a more holistic view. Consequently, talking therapies are increasing in popularity, with more trained counsellors and psychotherapists needed to meet the demands of a newly health-conscious society.

Your course

As a student, you will embark on a comprehensive study of the seminal works of internationally-renowned psychologist Professor Carl Rogers, as well as contemporary ideas and developments within the person-centred approach. You will develop a strong theoretical understanding of a range of perspectives on the human psyche and receive continuous feedback on your developing skills. When prepared, you will benefit from the unique opportunity of working with real clients through the institution’s own counselling service, for which clinical supervision is provided. Issues for clients and work in mental health settings are considered in depth, and will continue to inform your professional practice with clients. In your second year, this will include preparation for professional practice post-qualification and employment. You will work with highly-experienced, qualified professionals with extensive experience in the sector who practise from a range of approaches across different therapeutic environments.

Your future

On graduating, you will be able to explore career opportunities in a variety of organisations such as schools, college or universities, GP surgeries, hospitals or dedicated advice centres. Past graduates have found employment within the National Health Service (NHS) as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, while others have set up in private practice or work for voluntary organisations.

Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis . Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 20 or 40 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, accruing a total of 120 credits per year. 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.

Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Course Structure Course Delivery Year One (Level 4) Year Two (Level 5)

DipHE Person-Centred Counselling

48 UCAS points*
Completed a minimum level 2 or 3 course in counselling skills OR evidence previous experience in a similar role.
Relevant work experience.
Able to demonstrate a capacity for self-awareness, maturity and stability and be able to cope with the emotional demands of the programme.
Two satisfactory references required.
Attendance at an extended Interview.
Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)** enhanced check.
Access to Higher Education qualification (to include psychology or sociology and English) also accepted.

**Please note there is a charge of £44 for a DBS check.

*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2025.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Additional requirements for International Students:

You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
a face-to-face or video call interview is required before an offer is made

This qualification is useful for those who work in or wish to work in the health and social care professions or in private counselling practice. Opportunities exist for progression to the BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy. This qualification will enable professional students in counselling to provide evidence of continuing professional development, enhance existing employment or support career progression to broader managerial and/or supervisory duties.

Some graduates find employment within the NHS as part of NHS Talking Therapies programme; others set up in private practice or work for voluntary organisations. It should be borne in mind that counselling/psychotherapy is more frequently a part-time occupation and that most therapists complement this with other part-time work, often in allied sectors.

Career Opportunities

This qualification will enable professional students in counselling to provide evidence of continuing professional development and undertake broader managerial and/or supervisory duties.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Where possible we will look to schedule timetabled sessions for full-time courses over two days per week, and part-time courses over one day per week.

Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.

When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations

Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

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DipHE Person-centred Counselling - Full-time

Level	Level 5
Location	Colchester
Duration	2 Years
UCAS Code	B941
Academic Year	2025-2026
Study Mode	Full-Time
Campus / Adult Skills Centre	University Centre Colchester
Start Date	September 2025
Applications	Applications for September 2025 are open now
Fee(s)	2025-26: £8,795 per year
Additional Cost Information	Students studying on the BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Diploma of Higher Education in Person Centred Counselling courses will be required to undertake a specified level of personal therapy both prior and during the course which they will be liable to pay for themselves. The cost of Personal Therapy varies from practitioner to practitioner, however it is anticipated that Personal Therapy is estimated to cost in the region of £800. Counselling students who intend to practice will be required to have membership of BACP and professional indemnity insurance, these costs are variable; students should contact the course team for further guidance. Students studying on the BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Diploma of Higher Education in Person Centred Counselling courses are required to undertake 100 hours of client hours during their studies to apply for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) membership (Registered member) Clinical Supervision is funded by University Centre Colchester and included in your course fees to support 100 counselling hours of client work. Funding is for the normal duration of the course which includes client work (Dip. HE Person-Centred Counselling: 1 year: BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy 2 years). Please note, client work begins in year 2 of both programmes. Those students who are unable to complete their client hours and wish to continue to utilise the Colchester Institute Counselling Service (CICS) for obtaining their hours and associated supervisions beyond the length of their programme will be required to pay additional fees to access these services. The fees due are dependent on the volume of hours required and are non-refundable. The fees for 2025/26 are shown below: Client Hours Required 1 – 24 Hours – £230.00 25 – 49 Hours- £460.00 50 – 74 Hours – £690.00 75+ Hours – £920.00
Awarding/Validation Body	University of East Anglia

Course Structure

As a student, you will embark on a comprehensive study of the works of internationally-renowned psychologist Dr. Carl Rogers, as well as contemporary ideas and developments within the person-centred approach. You will develop a strong theoretical understanding of a range of perspectives on the human psyche and receive continuous feedback on your developing skills. When prepared, you will benefit from the unique opportunity of working with real clients through the institution’s own counselling service, for which clinical supervision is provided. Issues for clients and work in mental health settings are considered in depth, and will continue to inform your professional practice with clients.

The DipHE is made up of two levels over 2 years: the Certificate in Higher Education, which is studied in year one, and the Diploma which is studied in year two. College-based learning makes up much of the programme and, in addition, clinical work and supervision are arranged on an individual basis and take place on a non-college day.

The first year focuses on person-centred theory and practice in-depth with taught elements, seminars, tutorial and personal development groups. The use of role play is a significant part of the programme. By the second-year students are working with clients under supervision and deepening their grasp of theory and practice. Different therapeutic modalities are studied and commonalities as well as significant differences explicated and critiqued.

Successful completion of the Diploma programme leads to the award of a Diploma of Higher Education: Person-centred Counselling (which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and has been for over 20 years).

Delivery is through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, case-study, discussions and workshops. A variety of assessment strategies will be used including assignments, case studies, work-based projects, patchwork texts and extended research study/dissertation.

Conditions of participation for online and telephone counselling.

In year 2, you will be assessed for competency in Online & Phone Therapy (OPT) by professional practice tutors. This is prior to counselling clients via video or telephone in accordance with BACP OPT guidelines. The opportunity to work with clients online is offered, once students have experience of counselling clients in-person. Ensuring you have suitable surroundings to undertake remote working also forms part of the online assessment process. This includes, but not limited to:

Suitable computer with adequate Wi-Fi and virus protection

Telephone with headset

A private and professional working space free from distractions.

Course Delivery

The course is delivered predominantly on campus and requires you to attend two full days per week, with additional days in year two for client work and supervision.

The course has embedded the BACP Online & Phone Therapy (OPT) curriculum within the training programme. Teaching will be online when this element of the training is delivered. This will represent no more than 30% of the total learning.

You will be required to have an appropriate learning space outside the university centre, including suitable technology and a private space for learning. This will include a private space for remote client work.

Year One (Level 4)

Module Code and Title:

Introduction to Counselling Practice (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

The module will equip students with initial understanding and experience of a classical, Rogerian person-centred approach to therapeutic counselling and the potential to develop person-centred attitudes, qualities and communication skills.

What do I learn?

The module is primarily experiential, providing opportunities for students to increase their awareness of self and others through regular, small group ‘practice’ interaction and feedback processes. Students will also be introduced to the psychological and philosophical concepts underpinning the classical person-centred approach to therapy. With guidance and support form tutors and from peers, students will have opportunities to evaluate their own and others’ practical development.

What’s the assignment?

Students will complete a 15 minute presentation to peers (small group) and tutor entitled “My development as a person-centred counsellor”
Students will keep records of weekly 20 minute practice sessions with peers in triads/tetrads, a minimum of three of which must be observed and signed by tutor.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Personal and Professional Development 1 (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

The module introduces students to a range of recognised models of reflective practice which will provide a framework for personal and professional development across the course. The module will provide students with opportunities for self-exploration and insight in support of their emerging congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard (UPR) as trainees in person-centred counselling. The module will also introduce students to the BACP’s (2018) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, specifically its ethical values, principles, personal moral qualities and trainee responsibilities. These will be explored in the context of their developing person-centred practice.

What do I learn?

Students will develop and demonstrate self-awareness and understanding by reflecting on themselves and their interactions with others in a weekly personal and professional learning record.

Participation in facilitated experiential groups will support students’ developing awareness of their own personal and relational processes, including negotiating any inherent tensions with peers. Students will also undertake a minimum of 5 hours of personal therapy over the semester to further support their personal development and keep a log of these sessions signed by their personal therapist.

What’s the assignment?

Students will make a weekly learning record based on their experiences primarily of this module, as well of their whole learning experience on the course and in their personal lives, as a formative task. This will be used as a basis for the summative Personal Statement and personal development plan
Students will keep a log of their hours in personal therapy, to be signed at each attendance by their therapist.
Students will keep a log of attendance of Personal Development group, signed by their group facilitator.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Self and Social Awareness (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

The module is designed to enable learners to gain a working knowledge of Equality Law and the impact on Counselling.

What do I learn?

The module provides students with an understanding of equality law and its implications for counselling practice. Students will explore anti-discriminatory approaches, examining the challenges of working with diverse clients and how individual responses to difference can shape person-centred work. The module emphasises understanding individuals within their social context, such as family, work, and education, through social concepts like the life course. Key sociological theorists, including Durkheim, Marx, Erikson and Goffman, will give the students a lens in which to explore their own and others life courses, developing an awareness of diverse client background and how these insights inform future person-centred counselling practice.

What’s the assignment?

Students will write an auto-ethnographic account entitled ‘Who am I?’, to explore their own social identity, values, and life experiences, gaining insight into future anti-discriminatory counselling practice. Through reflecting on their life course, they will examine how social context such as family, education, work, and cultural background has shaped their psychological wellbeing and person identity.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Developing Counselling Practice (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will equip students with a further developed understanding and experience of the person-centred approach to therapeutic counselling, supporting them to begin professional practice with clients in Year 2. In addition, students will consolidate their understanding of person-centred counselling as a form of helping. This module will also provide opportunities for students to further develop their awareness of self and others through interaction and feedback process, in preparation for professional supervision in year 2.

What do I learn?

Students will consolidate understanding of the psychological ideas underpinning the person-centred approach, including consideration of equality and diversity. With guidance and support form tutors and from peer groups, learners will have further opportunities to examine self in new ways and, consequently, evaluate their own and others’ development. Learners will be introduced to case management and professional practice procedures in line with Colchester Institute Counselling Service (CICS) policies and procedures, the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, and relevant legislation. Within this module students will also work towards on-line and telephone counselling competencies in line with BACP competency guidance. When teaching online competences, teaching and learning will be supported through on-line sessions.

What’s the assignment?

Students will choose an audio-recorded session from those conducted with peers throughout the semester to submit as evidence of their competent person-centred counselling practice.
Students will write an analysis of the submitted audio session, including a personal statement of readiness to practise.
Students will keep evaluation records of weekly 30-minute practice sessions with peers in triads/tetrads, a minimum of two of which should be signed by the observing tutor.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Personal and Professional Development 2 (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

The module develops students’ consideration of a range of recognised models of reflective practice which will provide a framework for personal and professional development across the course. The module will provide students with further opportunities for self-exploration, creative expression and insight in support of their developing congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard (UPR) as trainees in person-centred counselling. There is an emphasis on ethical principles, trainee responsibilities, and culturally sensitive practice.

What do I learn?

The module will further develop students understanding of the BACP’s (2018) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, specifically its ethical values, principles, personal moral qualities and trainee responsibilities. These will be explored in the context of students’ developing person-centred practice with peers. Students will continue to develop and demonstrate self-awareness and understanding by reflecting on themselves and their interactions with others in a weekly personal and professional learning record.

What’s the assignment?

Students will make a weekly learning record based on their experiences primarily of this module, as well of their whole learning experience on the course and in their personal lives, as a formative task. This will be used as a basis for the summative Personal Statement and personal development plan.
Students will keep a log of their hours in personal therapy, to be signed at each attendance by their therapist.
Students will keep a log of attendance of Personal Development group, signed by their group facilitator.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Person-Centred Theory (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

The module is designed to provide students with an active understanding of the person-centred approach, both in terms of developmental theory and therapeutic process.

What do I learn?

Students are offered opportunities to discuss and analyse the underpinning theory for person-centred counselling practice, including more recent developments. It will form the basis of the students’ exploration of their own experiences. Comparisons with other humanistic perspectives on developmental theory are undertake Consideration of cultural variations in concepts of self and personal growth will be explored.

Students will work formatively with personal ‘timeline’ and designated case study material to support their application of theory.

What’s the assignment?

Students will write a reflective essay which forms an account of person-centred developmental theory and theory of therapy in the context of students’ own personal experiences.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Two (Level 5)

Professional Practice 1 (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will support and develop students’ entry into professional practice with diverse clients, together with their understanding and use of supervision and integration of outcome measures aligning with the person-centred approach.

What do I learn?

The module will orientate students to the use of professional supervision to support their placement work with clients and offer guidance for best use of the supervision provided, including small group and individual.

The module will provide opportunities for students to further develop the person-centred ‘core’ conditions of congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. The module will revisit and investigate in depth application of person-centred and other relevant counselling theory to client work and developing practice, including assessment and formulation. Students will develop skills in video/telephone counselling as per BACP OPT framework – competences subject areas. A formative competence test will be completed by tutors, prior to students working with clients remotely.

What’s the assignment?

Students habitually record their professional practice with clients for learning purposes; they may choose any session which they feel best evidence their competent practice. Rather than submitting a whole session and a transcript, students are invited to select excerpts ,submitting a total of 30 minutes work from a client session of 50 minutes, which must include the beginning and end of the session.
Students will be invited to a viva to discuss their professional practice and to receive feedback from a tutor. This will include a critical evaluation of their progress, defining areas for their “growing edge”

Students must undertake an assessment of competency prior to offering video and telephone therapy.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Comparative Perspectives on Counselling and Mental Health (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module consolidates students’ understanding of the person-centred counselling approach while introducing additional key counselling and psychotherapy modalities for critical consideration and comparison, including psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural approaches. The module provides students with a comprehensive introduction of mental health models, examining causes, diagnostic frameworks, treatment options, and therapeutic outcomes. Students will critically engage with evidence-based practices, exploring strengths and limitations of various approaches when applied to client experiences.

What do I learn?

Knowledge of a range of the major conceptual frameworks for counselling and psychotherapy will prepare students for work settings, enabling them to communicate effectively with other counsellors and psychotherapists who may not share the same philosophy of practice. Application and comparison of the person-centred approach, with other counselling modalities and mental health models. An emphasis is placed on creating an awareness of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice.

What’s the assignment?

Students will submit a case study demonstrating their ability to apply various counselling theories and mental health frameworks to client work.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Personal and Professional Development 3 (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

Building on previous Personal and Professional Development modules, this module enhances students’ understanding of the BACP Ethical Framework, particularly in diverse settings. Reflective activities, experiential group work, and peer collaboration will focus on cultural competence, intersectionality, and social justice in the counselling profession. Creative patches will serve as a tool for personal exploration, complementing formal academic learning.

What do I learn?

Recognised models of reflective learning and BACP’s (2018) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions will provide a context for students’ critical consideration of themselves and their relationships with others, including their person-centred work with clients, in supervision and line management. Students will undertake and evidence their practice with clients in accordance with BACP’s (2018) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, and Colchester Institute Counselling Service (CICS) placement policies and procedures.

What’s the assignment?

Students will complete a creative ‘patchwork’ (3 patches throughout the module) based on their experiences of this module, as well their whole learning experience on the course and in their personal lives, as a formative task. This will be used as a basis for the Personal Statement for semester 1 of year 2, which will function as a ‘stitching piece’ for their patchwork in progress. Patches, and the related, critically reflective work, will be included with the personal statement as appendices. The personal statement will inform the Professional Development Plan where development goals are set.

A portfolio of client hours, supervision logs, personal therapy logs are submitted.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Professional Practice 2: Client Issues and Mental Health (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will develop themes from Professional Practice 1 and continue to offer students the opportunity to develop their person-centred counselling practice in support of their professional work with clients. The module will also investigate common presenting and emerging client issues including anxiety, depression, loss and grief, aspects of trauma and neurodiversity (not exclusive).

What do I learn?

A key component is the submission of a recorded counselling session demonstrating person-centred principles and case study analysis. Students will also engage in reflective analysis of their attitudes and the dynamics of the counselling process. By the end of the module, students will articulate a clear rationale underpinning their person-centred therapeutic approach.

What’s the assignment?

Students habitually record their professional practice with clients; they may choose a session which they feel best evidences their competent practice for this summative assessment.

Students will use illustrative excerpts from their submitted recording to produce a case study of their person-centred counselling work with a selected client which analyses and evaluates their practice, allowing them to compare and contrast perspectives of mental health and to evidence their anti-discriminatory approach.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Research Appreciation (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module provides students with an appreciation of the historical and current impact of research on counselling, psychotherapy and related fields and its role in developing professional knowledge and practice. Students are introduced to a range of research concepts, methodologies, research processes and research skills. Development of a critical awareness of research findings will be fostered and will assist the student in the preparation and execution of the undergraduate research project.

What do I learn?

This module will prepare students to assess literature in the counselling and psychotherapy field, and to produce a critique of subject specific research. Students will also be encouraged to take a reflexive stance, acknowledging their own assumptions and biases in the evaluation of research. Students will search for papers on a chosen topic and agree on one in particular in conference with the module tutor. Papers will be presented informally for discussion in class to support students in the completion of their assignment.

What’s the assignment?

Students submit a critique of a self-selected research paper (single, primary study), using a recognised set of guidelines (e.g. CASP)

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Personal and Professional Development 4 (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This culminating module integrates and builds upon previous Personal and Professional Development foundations, preparing students for independent counselling practice. It focuses on integrating personal growth, professional identity, and ethical competence through experiential learning, critical reflection, and exploration of professional issues.

What do I learn?

Key areas include advanced reflective practice models, complex ethical dilemmas, professional boundaries, data protection, and nuances of independent and agency-based practice. Students engage in experiential group work, facilitated personal development, and personal therapy to support ongoing growth.

The module challenges students to critically evaluate their theoretical orientation, practice experiences, and professional aspirations, preparing them for the transition to qualified practitioner status. It addresses continuing professional development, supervision, and legal aspects of counselling practice.

What’s the assignment?

The assignment consists of four components that demonstrate students’ readiness for independent counselling practice, their ability to create professional documents, and understanding of the interplay between theory, skills, and personal attributes in counselling.

Part A:

Funding Bid (800 words)
Blog or Journal Article (800 words)

Part B:

Continued Professional Development (CPD) Log (500 words)
Reflective Analysis (900 words): Evaluation of readiness for practice

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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