Gestalt Counselling (Top-Up)

If you have a DipHE in counselling (or an equivalent Level 5 qualification), you can top it up to a Bachelor's degree on this 1-year BSc (Hons) Gestalt Counselling top-up course.

You'll build on the counselling skills and interpersonal abilities you gained in your previous studies by developing knowledge in advanced gestalt counselling skills. You'll put what you learn into practice by conducting 100 hours of supervised counselling.

You'll also complete a research project on a topic that matches your interests and ambitions.

When you complete the course, you could work as a gestalt counsellor in areas such as education, the police service, the prison service and the voluntary sector. The advanced skills and practitioner experience you gain will allow you to work with a wider variety of clients with more complex needs.

Alternative courses You can specialise in other types of counselling and therapy on our BSc (Hons) Humanistic Counselling and BSc (Hons) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy top-up degrees.

Location This course takes place at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus. While studying here, you can access the University's student support services and community including study support, the Students’ Union and our library's online resources.

What you'll experience

On this course you'll:

Learn advanced gestalt counselling skills, building on the knowledge you developed during your DipHE

Develop advanced research skills on a research project that aligns with your interests and career ambitions

Apply your knowledge and skills with at least 100 hours of supervised counselling on a placement in the community

Learn from experienced, industry-trained staff who've worked in organisations or run their own private practices

Build a foundation to help work towards a further professional accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) following completion of the course

Develop transferable skills you can apply in all aspects of your life and career in areas such as problem solving, communication, group working, planning, effective feedback and IT

Study at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus with access to University of Portsmouth support and services

Apply for membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and get access to member resources including journal subscriptions, free courses and job boards

Careers and opportunities

Events such as the coronavirus pandemic and increased awareness in society about mental health have increased the demand for counselling and therapy services. As a gestalt counsellor, you can have a significant positive impact on people's health and wellbeing, and help take the pressure off other health services such as GPs and hospitals.

Public, private and charity sector settings you could work in after the course include:

Education

Alcohol and drug services

Eating disorder services

Mental health services

GPs

Police and prison services