Supervision in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Helping Relationships
Part-time
Distance Learning
One year
September 2025
In a nutshell
International applicants: please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
This distance learning course is an in-depth clinical supervision training. The skills-based focus of the course will enable you to train as a clinical supervisor; applying what you learn in complex professional contexts.
The course further develops your critical understanding of the theoretical knowledge which underpins supervision and enhances your ability to critically appraise the associated research and clinical evidence.
Please note: Only fully qualified, professionals who are members of a recognised professional body and who have been in practice for at least a year can apply for this course.
You will:
- Enhance your employment and earning prospects as a supervisor within a range of helping professions.
- Promote the efficiency of your professional field.
- Benefit from up-to-date thinking from experts in supervision theory, practice, and research.
students accepted
This is for you if...
You are a fully qualified professional.
You are a member of a recognised professional body.
You have been in practice for at least a year.
All about the course
The course comprises a 60-credit clinical supervision training module, 'Supervision in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Helping Relationships'. You will study over two semesters of ten weeks each.
This online module can also be taken as part of the MSc Advanced Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies (Supervision)
One 60-credit module:
This module offers a unique opportunity for you to further your personal and professional development and obtain a supervision qualification. It is a double module, spanning semesters one and two. Based on Hawkins and Shohet’s seven-eyed supervision model, it is open not only to counsellors and psychotherapists with a minimum of one year post-qualification supervised practice experience but also to the wider community of helping professionals as a stand-alone module.
The training consists of lectures, experiential exercises, and skills practice that aim to enable you to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to become safe and effective supervision practitioners. You are expected to have access to potential supervisees in order to complete the twenty-hour external supervisory practice requirement.
Assessment is based on a methodology and philosophy of supervision essay, as well as a live skills assessment and a final thirty-minute transcribed recording accompanied by a process commentary and practice evaluation embedded in a portfolio evidencing practice hours, knowledge, and reflectivity.
Supervision in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Helping Relationships
This module offers a unique opportunity for you to further your personal and professional development and obtain a supervision qualification. Based on Hawkin and Shohet’s seven eyed supervision model, it is open, not only to counsellors and psychotherapists with a minimum of one-year post-qualification supervised practice experience but also to the wider community of helping professionals as a stand-alone module. Spanning twenty weeks over two semesters, the training consists of lectures, experiential exercises and skills practice that aim to enable participants to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to become safe and effective supervision practitioners. You are expected to have access to potential supervisees in order to complete the twenty-hour external supervisory practice requirement. Assessment is based on a methodology and philosophy of supervision essay, as well as a live skills assessment and a final thirty minute transcribed recording accompanied by a process commentary and practice evaluation embedded in a portfolio evidencing practice hours, knowledge and reflectivity.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.
In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.
Counselling suite
We have recently developed a special Counselling Centre which is used for training students to become professional counsellors and psychotherapists and as a hub for clinical counselling and psychotherapy research.
The suite, featuring therapeutic areas where one-to-one, family and group interactions can occur, is available for members of the local community and the University is working with local organisations to deliver a range of counselling services.
There is exciting potential for students on PgCert Supervision in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Helping Relationships to become involved in the research opportunities offered by the Counselling Suite.
What about after uni?
This post-qualifying course will equip you with clinical supervision skills that can significantly enhance your career prospects and, through working as a clinical supervisor, can be an additional source of income.
Following successful completion of the course, you may also consider studying for an MSc: the credits from this course can be carried into our MSc Advanced Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies (Supervision) programme.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
Only fully qualified, professionals who are members of a recognised professional body and who have been in practice for at least a year can apply for this course.
This course is open to anyone working in a helping professional who is also a member of a recognised, relevant professional body.
In order to engage with the course, you will need to have experience working in a person-centred way and have familiarity with the theories and practice of person-centred counselling. You will be motivated to train to be a clinical supervisor and to deepen your knowledge, practice and critical thinking skills. You may have aspirations to influence policy-making, commissioning and service delivery as well as to strengthen your own practice.
You will be a qualified member of a helping profession, with professional membership and at least a year of post-qualification practice. You will be motivated to train to be a clinical supervisor and to deepen your knowledge, practice and critical thinking skills. You may have aspirations to influence policy-making, commissioning and service delivery as well as to strengthen your own practice.
If you have any queries about your suitability for the course, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Tutors for the course: pg-counselling-admissions@salford.ac.uk
Undergraduate degree
All applications must meet the following criteria for the application to be considered:
- Evidence of Professional qualification in a helping profession.
- Evidence of membership of a relevant professional body for at least one year.
- Evidence of at least one year of post-qualification practice.
- Evidence of a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling or other professional person-centred skills equivalent.
- Normally evidence of a 2.2. degree or equivalent.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | Part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis |
| Distance learning | 2025/26 | £3,083 (Home) |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's Apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545