Counselling is a vital profession that supports individuals in overcoming personal, emotional, and psychological challenges, fostering mental well-being and resilience. The University of South Africa (Unisa), a global leader in distance education, offers a variety of counselling-related courses designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this rewarding field. From short learning programmes to advanced degrees, Unisa’s flexible, accredited programs cater to beginners, professionals, and those aiming for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This article provides a comprehensive guide to Unisa’s counselling courses, detailing their structure, admission requirements, application process, and career opportunities. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your skills or pursue a professional counselling career, Unisa’s offerings provide a solid foundation for success in 2025 and beyond.
Overview of Counselling Courses at Unisa
Unisa’s counselling courses span short learning programmes (SLPs), undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate qualifications, offered through various departments, including Psychology, Social Work, and the Centre for Lifelong Learning. These programs are tailored to meet diverse career goals, from community support to clinical psychology. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key counselling-related courses, based on Unisa’s official resources and aligned with industry standards.
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
Unisa’s SLPs are ideal for professionals seeking to enhance counselling skills or individuals entering the field without committing to a full degree. These courses are non-credit-bearing but provide practical, industry-relevant training.
Course in Basic Counselling (70262)
- Duration: 6–12 months (part-time, distance learning)
- Cost: Approximately R6,500 (full payment required upon registration; confirm on Unisa’s website)
- Overview: This course equips students with foundational counselling skills, focusing on person-centred communication, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices. It includes a compulsory two-day workshop in Pretoria for experiential learning.
- Content:
- Psychological theories (e.g., Rogers, Erikson, Maslow)
- Characteristics and ethics of counselling
- Human development and communication skills
- Conflict management and therapeutic techniques
- Practical counselling with role players
- Admission Requirements:
- Senior Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
- Open to professionals (e.g., teachers, nurses, social workers) and community volunteers
- Basic English proficiency and internet access
- Assessment: Assignments, a practical therapeutic interview, and a portfolio of evidence.
- Career Prospects: Enhances skills for roles in community support, education, or healthcare. Suitable for NGOs, youth workers, or personal enrichment.
- Contact: Lynette Ramango, Centre for Continuing Education and Training, 012 481 2731, ramanml@unisa.ac.za
Short Course in the Orientation and Background to HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling (76968)
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Cost: Approximately R3,000 (confirm on Unisa’s website)
- Overview: This course focuses on counselling in the context of HIV/AIDS, covering care, support, and ethical considerations. It’s designed for healthcare workers, community volunteers, and those supporting affected individuals.
- Content:
- HIV/AIDS epidemiology and impact
- Counselling principles for HIV/AIDS care
- Psychosocial support and stigma reduction
- Ethical and legal issues
- Admission Requirements: Open access with basic English proficiency and internet access.
- Assessment: Assignments and a final portfolio.
- Career Prospects: Prepares students for roles in healthcare, community health programs, or NGOs focused on HIV/AIDS support.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Unisa’s undergraduate programs provide a strong foundation for counselling careers, often integrating psychology or social work modules relevant to counselling.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (99313 – PSY)
- NQF Level: 7
- Credits: 360
- Duration: 3 years (minimum, full-time equivalent; longer for part-time)
- Overview: This degree focuses on psychological principles, including counselling-related modules, preparing students for further studies or entry-level roles in mental health support.
- Module Structure:
- NQF Level 5: PYC1501 (Basic Psychology), PYC1502 (Psychology in Society)
- NQF Level 6: PYC2601 (Personality Theories), PYC2602 (Child and Adolescent Development), PYC2603 (Adulthood and Maturity), PYC2604 (Psychological Research)
- NQF Level 7: PYC3701 (Social Psychology), PYC3702 (Abnormal Behaviour), PYC3703 (Cognition), PYC3704 (Psychological Research), and electives like PYC3705 (Transformative Counselling)
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement, minimum 50% in English
- Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption or equivalent
- Minimum APS score of 21
- Foreign qualifications require SAQA evaluation
- Career Prospects: Graduates can work as psychometrists (with further training), HR consultants, or community support workers. This degree is a prerequisite for honours and master’s programs leading to HPCSA registration.
Bachelor of Social Work (90088)
- NQF Level: 8
- Credits: 552
- Duration: 4 years (minimum)
- Overview: This professional degree includes counselling modules, preparing students for social work practice, including therapeutic interventions. It’s accredited by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
- Module Structure:
- NQF Level 5: BSW1501 (Introduction to Social Work), BSW1502 (Social Work Practice), BSW1503 (Community Development)
- NQF Level 6: BSW2601 (Counselling Skills), BSW2602 (Group Work), BSW2604 (Marriage Guidance and Counselling)
- NQF Level 7: BSW3701 (Social Case Work), BSW3703 (Social Policy)
- NQF Level 8: BSW4801 (Advanced Social Work Practice), BSW4803 (Counselling in Communities)
- Admission Requirements:
- NSC with degree endorsement, minimum 60% in English
- APS score of 21 or higher
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Career Prospects: Graduates can register as social workers with SACSSP, working in counselling, community development, or child welfare.
Honours Qualifications
Honours programs deepen counselling knowledge, serving as a bridge to professional master’s degrees.
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology (99414)
- NQF Level: 8
- Credits: 120
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Overview: This program advances psychological and counselling knowledge, focusing on research and practical applications. It’s a prerequisite for master’s degrees leading to HPCSA registration.
- Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with Psychology as a major (NQF 7), minimum 60% average
- Research methodology module at NQF 7
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Selection Process: Competitive, based on academic performance and a motivation statement.
- Career Prospects: Prepares students for roles in psychometry, research, or further studies toward clinical or counselling psychology registration.
Postgraduate Qualifications
Unisa’s postgraduate programs are designed for professional registration or advanced research in counselling-related fields.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (90119)
- NQF Level: 9
- Credits: 180
- Duration: 2–3 years
- Overview: This professional degree leads to HPCSA registration as a clinical psychologist, with a strong counselling component. It includes coursework, a dissertation, and a 12-month internship.
- Admission Requirements:
- Honours degree in Psychology or accredited BPsych degree (NQF 8), minimum 60% average
- Research methodology module (e.g., HMPYC80) at NQF 8
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Departmental questionnaire and research outline
- Selection Process: Highly competitive, with limited spaces. Evaluated on academic record and research potential.
- Curriculum:
- Advanced counselling and psychotherapy
- Psychopathology and diagnostics
- Research proposal and mini-dissertation
- Practical internship
- Career Prospects: Graduates can register as clinical psychologists, working in private practice, hospitals, or mental health organizations.
Master of Social Work (Full Dissertation) (98595)
- NQF Level: 9
- Credits: 180
- Duration: 2–3 years
- Overview: This research-focused degree allows specialization in counselling within social work, ideal for academic or policy roles.
- Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent (NQF 8)
- Research proposal aligned with departmental focus
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Career Prospects: Suitable for academic positions, research, or senior roles in social service organizations.
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (90042 – PSY)
- NQF Level: 10
- Credits: 360
- Duration: 2–6 years
- Overview: This research-intensive program allows students to contribute original research in counselling psychology.
- Admission Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Psychology or related field
- Detailed research proposal
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Career Prospects: Academic roles, senior research positions, or high-level consulting in mental health.
Admission Requirements for Counselling Courses
Admission requirements vary by program level, ensuring students are prepared for their chosen course. Below is a summary:
- Short Learning Programmes:
- Senior Certificate or NQF Level 4 equivalent
- No formal qualifications for some courses (e.g., HIV/AIDS Counselling)
- Basic English proficiency and internet access
- Undergraduate Degrees:
- NSC with degree endorsement, minimum 50–60% in English
- APS score of 21 or higher
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Honours Programs:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) with 60% average in Psychology or Social Work
- Research methodology module
- Postgraduate Degrees:
- Honours degree or equivalent (NQF 8), minimum 60% average
- Research proposal and departmental questionnaire (for master’s and doctoral programs)
- SAQA evaluation for international qualifications
Note: International students must meet English language requirements and obtain a valid study visa.
Application and Registration Process
Applying to Unisa’s counselling courses follows a structured process, particularly for competitive programs. Here’s how to apply for 2025:
- Choose Your Qualification: Review Unisa’s website (www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications) for program details and requirements.
- Apply Online:
- SLPs: Apply via www.unisa.ac.za/applyslp (open throughout the year, subject to availability).
- Degrees: Apply via www.unisa.ac.za/apply (undergraduate applications open August–September; postgraduate deadlines vary, e.g., October for master’s programs).
- Submit Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications
- Research outline and questionnaire (for postgraduate programs)
- Application fee (approximately R135, non-refundable)
- Await Outcome: Selection degrees (e.g., MA Clinical Psychology) involve competitive evaluation. Successful applicants receive an offer.
- Register Online: Register during January–February via myUnisa, ensuring fees are paid and no library blocks exist.
- Activate myLife Email: Use for official communications.
Contact Information:
- General Enquiries: 0800 00 1870, unisa@thehotline.co.za
- SLP Enquiries: UCL@unisa.ac.za, 012 352 4288
- Postgraduate Enquiries: psychology@unisa.ac.za
Tips:
- Apply early for selection degrees due to limited spaces.
- Use Unisa’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you lack formal qualifications.
Why Choose Unisa for Counselling Courses?
Unisa’s counselling programs offer unique advantages, making them a top choice for students worldwide:
- Flexible Distance Learning: Study at your own pace, ideal for working professionals. Access materials via myUnisa.
- Accreditation: Programs align with HPCSA and SACSSP standards, ensuring professional recognition.
- Affordability: Competitive fees (e.g., R3,000–R6,500 for SLPs) with payment plans. Check www.unisa.ac.za/fees.
- Global Reach: Supports students internationally, provided they meet visa and qualification requirements.
- Support Services: Unisa’s Directorate: Counselling and Career Development offers academic and personal guidance.
Career Opportunities in Counselling
Unisa’s counselling courses prepare graduates for diverse roles in mental health, social services, and community support. Career paths include:
- SLP Graduates: Community counsellors, HIV/AIDS support workers, or volunteers in NGOs.
- Undergraduate Graduates: Psychometrists, HR consultants, or social workers (with BSW).
- Honours Graduates: Research assistants or psychometry roles (with further training).
- Master’s Graduates: Registered clinical psychologists or social workers, working in private practice, hospitals, or schools.
- Doctoral Graduates: Academics, researchers, or senior consultants in mental health policy.
The demand for counsellors is rising in South Africa, driven by increased mental health awareness. HPCSA-registered psychologists and SACSSP-registered social workers are particularly sought after in public and private sectors.
Tips for Success in Unisa’s Counselling Courses
To excel in Unisa’s distance learning environment, consider these strategies:
- Time Management: Create a study schedule to balance coursework with other commitments.
- Engage with Resources: Use myUnisa for materials, forums, and library access.
- Develop Skills: Practice empathy, active listening, and ethical judgment, as emphasized in courses.
- Network: Join professional bodies like the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) for opportunities.
- Stay Updated: Monitor Unisa’s website and myLife email for program changes or deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I become a registered counsellor with Unisa’s courses?
A: The MA in Clinical Psychology (90119) leads to HPCSA registration as a clinical psychologist. The BSW (90088) enables SACSSP registration as a social worker with counselling skills. SLPs enhance skills but don’t lead to registration.
Q: Are Unisa’s counselling courses recognized internationally?
A: Unisa’s qualifications are CHE-accredited and globally recognized, but professional registration is South Africa-specific. Verify requirements in your country.
Q: What is the cost of Unisa’s counselling courses?
A: SLPs cost R3,000–R6,500; degree fees vary by module. Check www.unisa.ac.za/fees for details.
Q: Can I study counselling without a matric?
A: SLPs like Basic Counselling (70262) accept equivalent NQF Level 4 qualifications or RPL. Degrees require an NSC.
Conclusion
Unisa’s counselling courses offer a flexible, accredited pathway to a fulfilling career in mental health and social support. From short courses like Basic Counselling to professional degrees like the MA in Clinical Psychology, Unisa caters to diverse learners aiming to make a difference. With its distance learning model, affordable fees, and alignment with HPCSA and SACSSP standards, Unisa is an ideal choice for 2025.