PGCertHE in Teaching and Learning in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Programme Level: Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7)

Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution: Middlesex University

Taught Hours: 120 hours (Level 7)

Accrediting Body: Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Duration: 1 year

Start Date: –

Location: Blended learning – in person at Metanoia’s campus in West London, and online

Course Overview:
The PGCertHE in Teaching and Learning in Counselling and Psychotherapy is the UK’s first dedicated qualification for educators in the psychological therapies. This one-year, Level 7 programme equips participants with practical and reflective teaching skills, blending workshops, group discussions, and online resources with work-based learning. Students enhance their ability to design, deliver, and evaluate learning in counselling and psychotherapy while developing confidence and creativity as academic practitioners. By graduation, participants will have advanced their skills as reflective, evidence-based educators, ready to contribute effectively in higher education settings.

Course Philosophy:
This programme is centred on a collaborative and developmental approach to teaching. It recognises the importance of reflective practice, peer learning, and evidence-based methods, empowering participants to grow as confident, adaptable, and supportive educators within the counselling and psychotherapy field.

Modules (Year by Year):

• Module 1: Promoting Learning in Higher Education (20 credits / Level 7)

• Module 2: Promoting Learning in Counselling and Psychotherapy (20 credits / Level 7)

• Module 3: Counselling and Psychotherapy Programme Design and Development (20 credits / Level 7)

Teaching Methods:
Delivered through a blend of in-person workshops, group discussions, online learning resources, and reflective activities. The course integrates theory and practice, supporting individual and peer-based learning within higher education contexts.

Assessment Methods:
Students complete an initial audit after induction, followed by engagement with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) throughout the course.
At the end of Modules 1 and 2, students complete initial and interim UKPSF engagement templates, culminating in a final UKPSF mapping document at the end of Module 3.

This process allows students to:

1. Identify elements of the UKPSF they have already evidenced.

2. Recognise gaps that need addressing during the programme.

3. Build evidence toward a final mapping document, submitted after the final module.

Clinical/Placement Information:
Students must be in a counselling teaching role, providing at least 120 hours of teaching-related activity at HE Levels 4–8.

Training Options:
The PGCertHE is a part-time programme delivered over one academic year. It consists of three 20-credit modules (totalling 60 credits / 600 study hours) with workshops, large and small group discussions, and online resources. As a work-based course, it integrates at least 120 hours of teaching-related activity at HE Levels 4–8, forming a key component of both learning and assessment. This structure allows students to apply theory directly to classroom practice while maintaining their professional roles. Intakes run annually in September.

Head of Programme Contact Info: Amanda Stewart-Harries – amanda.stewart-harries@metanoia.ac.uk

Academic Coordinator Contact Info: pgcerthe-admin@metanoia.ac.uk