PGCertHE (Teaching and Learning in Counselling and Psychotherapy) (Taught)

The PGCertHE in Teaching and Learning in Counselling and Psychotherapy is the UK’s first dedicated qualification designed specifically for educators within the psychological therapies.

This Level 7, one-year postgraduate programme equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to teach effectively in higher education and professional training contexts.

Combining workshops, group discussions, and online resources with work-based learning, the course helps participants design, deliver, and evaluate learning in counselling and psychotherapy. It fosters both professional competence and creative confidence as an academic practitioner. By graduation, participants will have developed as reflective, evidence-informed educators, ready to contribute meaningfully within higher education and professional development settings.

Course philosophy
This programme is grounded in a collaborative and developmental approach to teaching. It values reflective practice, peer learning, and evidence-based pedagogy, empowering participants to grow as adaptable, compassionate, and critically reflective educators within the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

Teaching and learning
The course is delivered through blended learning, combining in-person workshops with group discussions and online resources. As a work-based qualification, participants’ own teaching practice - comprising at least 120 hours of teaching-related activity at HE Levels 4–8 - forms an essential part of both learning and assessment. This integrated structure enables participants to apply theory directly to their professional context.

Assessment
Assessment is structured around reflective engagement with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). Students complete an initial audit after induction, followed by interim mapping templates at the end of Modules 1 and 2, culminating in a final UKPSF Mapping Document at the conclusion of Module 3.

This process supports participants to:

• Identify existing evidence of teaching competence against the UKPSF

• Recognise areas for development during the programme

• Compile a final portfolio evidencing professional growth and alignment with the UKPSF

Career pathways
Graduates are equipped to pursue or advance careers as lecturers, programme leaders, or academic tutors in counselling and psychotherapy education. Completion of the programme also supports Fellowship recognition with the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and progression into academic development or educational leadership roles.

Programme delivery
The PGCertHE is delivered part-time over one academic year and comprises three 20-credit modules (totalling 60 credits and 600 study hours). The blended format ensures flexibility, allowing participants to balance study alongside their existing professional commitments.