SACAP : Higher Certificate in Counselling & Communication Skills

SACAP : Higher Certificate in Counselling & Communication Skills

SACAP’s Higher Certificate is an excellent point of entry into the field of psychology, human behaviour and mental health.

It’s a short, 1-year, vocational qualification that has been specifically designed to equip you with introductory knowledge and basic counselling and communication skills. Not only does the Higher Certificate offer “work-ready” practical training, it’s also a springboard into higher education in this exciting field.

At a Glance

Is this course for me?

If you say yes to any of the following points, then the Higher Certificate could just be the perfect fit for you.
Do you?

• Want an NQF accredited qualification that is nationally benchmarked and internationally comparable.
• Have an interest in psychology, understanding human behaviour and mental health.
• Already work in a counselling setting but lack formal training.
• Want to work in a counselling environment, but feel the need to develop key skills first so that you can provide basic support and guidance.
• Work in a related field (e.g. human resources) and want to broaden your understanding of psychology, human behaviour and mental health as well as develop basic counselling and communication skills.
• Think this is the field you’re interested in and want a short introductory qualification to get you started.

What will I learn?

Throughout the Higher Certificate, you’ll get an introductory understanding of:

• Psychology, human behaviour and mental health.
• Psychological challenges and models for understanding behaviour and intervention.
• Diversity and cross-cultural dynamics in the South African context.

You will also develop:

• Basic counselling and interpersonal communication skills including referral strategies.
• Basic research and study skills.

What can I do with this qualification?

You will be able to work as a Support Worker. This means that, working under direct supervision, you’ll be able to provide basic support and guidance to clients as well as identify any clients who may need more specialised help and refer them to the relevant professionals. If you already work in a related field such as human resources, teaching, career counselling or correctional services, the qualification will allow you to broaden and deepen your counselling and communication skills within this environment.

What further study pathways are open to me?

Once you have successfully finished the Higher Certificate, you’ll be eligible for admission into:

• SACAP’s Advanced Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills.
• SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BAppSocSci) undergraduate degree with credit transfer for the same modules already completed, provided that you meet the admission requirements for that programme.

Admission requirements

• A National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 45% in English, OR
• A Senior Certificate with higher and/ or standard grade subjects with a minimum of 45% in English, or equivalent qualification, OR
• Mature students 23 years of age and older who do not meet the above requirements should provide a portfolio of evidence to support admission on the basis of SACAP’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.