Professional Diploma Programme in General Counselling

The Professional Diploma Programme in General Counselling is designed for individuals working in helping or caring professions who may not have prior professional training in counselling. The programme aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills in becoming an effective helper.

Course Details

• Course Type: Part-time
• Start Date: 12/01/2026
• Total Hours: 202 Hours
• Language Used: Classes will be conducted in Cantonese, supplemented with English. Learning materials and assessments will be in English.
• Application Fee: $150
• Tuition Fee: $37,800
• Closing Date for Application: 07/12/2025

Admission Requirement

Applicants should have:

• Satisfactory completion of an Associate Degree / Higher Diploma / Professional Diploma (Level 4) programme; or
• Bachelor's degree holders or equivalent.

Introduction

The programme is intended for nurses, church leaders, teachers, policemen, managers, trainers in business and industry, community and youth workers, and other personnel working in a helping or caring profession.

Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Equip participants with knowledge and skills in becoming an effective helper.
2. Help participants understand significant human development, personality, and counselling theories.
3. Provide participants with substantial training and practice in applying counselling skills.

Course Contents

The programme consists of 6 modules (total 202 hours):

1. Introduction to Psychology (29 hours)
2. Human Growth and Personality Development (21 hours)
3. Understanding Abnormality (21 hours)
4. Counselling Theories and Approaches (29 hours)
5. Counselling Skills in Practice and Ethical Issues (51 hours)
6. Practicum Supervision (51 hours)

Module 1 Introduction to Psychology

Presents a comprehensive introduction to general and experimental psychology, covering:

• History and nature of psychology
• Neurobiological basis of psychology
• Psychological development
• Sensation and perception
• Motivation and emotion
• Learning and memory
• Language and thought
• Conflict and stress
• Social behavior

Module 2 Human Growth and Personality Development

Explores major theories of human growth and development in psychology, including:

• Overview of lifespan developmental psychology
• Freud’s theory of personality development
• Erikson’s approach to personality development
• Development of perception, language, and morality
• Cognitive and behavioral perspectives
• Humanistic approaches

Module 3 Understanding Abnormality

Examines major patterns of abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders, including:

• Definitions and patterns of abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders
• Emotional and behavioral disorders
• Psychotic and cognitive disorders
• Mental Retardation and Autism

Module 4 Counselling Theories and Approaches

Examines and critically explores major theories of counseling, including:

• Contemporary practice of Psychodynamic theories
• Experiential approaches
• Cognitive-behavior approaches
• Constructivist approaches

Module 5 Counselling Skills Practice and Ethical Issues

Explores and acquires fundamental skills in counselling and understands important ethical issues in the profession, covering:

• Essentials of a counselling relationship
• Micro skills in counselling
• Important values and professional ethics in counselling

Module 6 Practicum Supervision

Explores and practices basic skills of counselling, including:

• Workshops on depression, personality difficulties, marital conflicts, parenting skills, adjustment in old age, and social skills training
• Counselling practice experiences
• Self-understanding workshops

Attendance and Award of Certificate

• A minimum of 70% attendance in each module, including practicum, is required.
• Participants will be awarded the “Professional Diploma in General Counselling” upon fulfilling the attendance requirement and passing the assessment of each module.

Professional Affiliation Prospect

Graduates who are bachelor degree holders may apply for associate members of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association.

Alterations

The School reserves the right to make alterations regarding the instructor, time, place, and content of courses offered when necessary.

Continuing Education Fund

This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund, recognized under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 4). CEF Course Code: 44F, CEF Course Name: Professional Diploma in General Counselling.