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Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychology (PGDCP)

Study load:

Full- time

Duration:

1 Year (2 Semesters)

Mode:

Online

Credit:

Minimum of 30 Credits

SLQF:

08

Intakes:

Feb, Jun, Oct
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OVERVIEW

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology is a professionally focused academic qualification designed to provide graduates and working professionals with a rigorous foundation in psychological theory and contemporary counselling frameworks. The programme addresses the increasing need for individuals who possess a sound understanding of human behaviour, emotional processes, and psychological wellbeing across personal, educational, and organisational contexts.

This programme explores core concepts in counselling psychology, including major psychological theories, counselling models, mental health perspectives, and ethical principles guiding professional conduct. Learners are encouraged to develop critical insight into psychological phenomena, self-awareness, and reflective understanding, enabling them to engage thoughtfully with complex human experiences. The curriculum emphasises analytical thinking and theoretical integration, supporting learners in evaluating psychological knowledge within real-world and academic contexts.

A strong emphasis is placed on ethics, professional responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and psychological literacy. Students gain an informed understanding of counselling psychology as a discipline, including its scope, limitations, and interdisciplinary relevance. The programme supports intellectual growth and ethical awareness, preparing learners to apply psychological understanding responsibly within their professional roles.

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology are well positioned to strengthen their professional profile, contribute meaningfully to education, community engagement, human services, and organisational environments, and progress to advanced academic studies in psychology, counselling, or related disciplines.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key psychological theories and counselling frameworks, and critically evaluate their relevance to contemporary issues in mental health, wellbeing, and human behaviour.
  • Analyse psychological and emotional processes across diverse individual and social contexts, applying theoretical knowledge to interpret behaviour, cognition, and interpersonal dynamics in an ethical and informed manner.
  • Critically examine ethical principles, professional responsibilities, and cultural considerations underpinning counselling psychology, and articulate appropriate responses to ethical dilemmas within academic and professional environments.
  • Integrate psychological knowledge with reflective and analytical thinking to support evidence-informed decision-making, academic inquiry, and professional development in counselling-related or allied fields.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology can pursue a range of professional and academic pathways where psychological knowledge, emotional intelligence, and ethical awareness are highly valued. The programme supports career development across education, community services, organisational settings, and further academic study.

Graduates may apply their psychological knowledge in roles such as:

  • Counselling Assistant / Psychological Support Officer (non-clinical, supervised or support roles)
  • Student Support or Academic Counselling Officer in educational institutions
  • Wellbeing, Mental Health, or Pastoral Care Officer in schools, colleges, or community organisations
  • Human Resources and Employee Wellbeing Executive, supporting organisational wellbeing initiatives
  • Community Development or Social Support Officer within NGOs or welfare-focused organisations
  • Youth Development or Rehabilitation Support Officer in community or outreach programmes
  • Case Support or Client Liaison Officer in health, social service, or allied professional settings

(Note: Roles are dependent on organisational requirements and regulatory frameworks and do not constitute independent clinical practice.)

Academic Pathways

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology can pursue a range of professional and academic pathways where psychological knowledge, emotional intelligence, and ethical awareness are highly valued. The programme supports career development across education, community services, organisational settings, and further academic study.

Graduates may apply their psychological knowledge in roles such as:

  • Counselling Assistant / Psychological Support Officer (non-clinical, supervised or support roles)
  • Student Support or Academic Counselling Officer in educational institutions
  • Wellbeing, Mental Health, or Pastoral Care Officer in schools, colleges, or community organisations
  • Human Resources and Employee Wellbeing Executive, supporting organisational wellbeing initiatives
  • Community Development or Social Support Officer within NGOs or welfare-focused organisations
  • Youth Development or Rehabilitation Support Officer in community or outreach programmes
  • Case Support or Client Liaison Officer in health, social service, or allied professional settings

(Note: Roles are dependent on organisational requirements and regulatory frameworks and do not constitute independent clinical practice.)

PROGRAM

Modules are subject to change in line with academic and industry requirements.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology programme offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Eurasian Campus, must satisfy one of the following entry criteria:

  • A recognised Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from an accredited higher education institution; or
  • A Higher Diploma in a relevant field, with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience in the public or private sector; or
  • Final admission is subject to the approval of the Academic Board and the Senate of the University, in accordance with the regulations of the Sri Lankan higher education system.

INVESTMENT

Fee Structure

Instalment Plan (Flexible Payment Option)

Registration Fee: LKR 5,000
• First Instalment: LKR 25,000 (payable three weeks after registration)
• Monthly Instalments: LKR 10,000 × 10 months

Total Programme Investment: LKR 130,000

International Student Registration

All registered students will receive International Student Registration, which includes:

Official Student ID Card

Student Registration Letter

These documents are issued through Nile University of Science and Technology, a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Fees once paid are non-refundable and non-transferable, in accordance with institutional financial policies and regulations.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

Required Documents

  1. Your application must include certified copies of the following documents:
  2. Scanned copy of National Identity Card (NIC) or Passport
  3. Scanned copies of previous academic qualifications and transcripts
  4. Proof of payment

Application Steps

  1. Choose your preferred programme.
  2. Review the entry requirements and confirm your eligibility.
  3. Prepare the required supporting documents.
  4. Submit your application online, or contact our admissions team for guidance.

Admissions Support

  • (+94) 11 262 0444
  • (+94) 11 366 6044
  • (+94) 70 464 1555
  • (+94) 75 352 7527