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Social Sciences Psychology & Counselling

Advanced Certificate in Counselling
輔導高等證書

CEF Reimbursable Course

CEF Reimbursable Course

Course Code
CS029A
Application Code
2445-CS029A

Credit
60
Study mode
Part-time
Start Date
16 Sep 2026 (Wed)
Next intake(s)
03-2027
Duration
1 year
Language
English
Course Fee
HK$23900 per programme
Deadline on 01 Sep 2026 (Tue)
Enquiries
2975 5655
2571 0630
Apply Now

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Highlights

Are you looking to enhance your career with valuable counselling skills? Do you want to gain deeper insights into yourself and others? Our Advanced Certificate in Counselling program offers you the perfect opportunity to achieve these goals.

This comprehensive course provides a solid foundation in counselling theories and techniques, preparing you for both personal growth and professional advancement. Many of our graduates have successfully pursued master's degrees in counselling and psychology, both in Hong Kong and internationally.

Key topics covered include:

  1. Introduction to Counselling
  2. Non-verbal and Verbal Communication Skills in Counselling
  3. Various Approaches to Counselling

These modules will equip you with a broad understanding of the discipline, setting the stage for advanced studies in counselling and related fields.

Our program is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds, including:

  • Social services
  • Human resources
  • Education
  • Community services
  • Business
  • Religious organisations
  • Healthcare

Whether you're aiming to start a counselling career or enhance your current role with counselling skills, this versatile course opens doors to numerous opportunities.

Upon completion, and based on your personal merits and academic background (including your bachelor's degree), you'll be eligible to apply for the Master of Social Sciences in Counselling at universities in Hong Kong or overseas institutions.

Programme Details

This Advanced Certificate programme is a part-time programme primarily designed for those who are interested to acquire general knowledge in some of the key areas in Counselling. The programme is also suitable for practitioners in fields such as education, business, human resources, nursing, and public services etc. who are seeking to enhance personal or professional development. For degree holders (in a discipline other than counselling) who are considering further studies in the area of counselling, the Advanced Certificate programme will provide them with a good understanding of the discipline.

Assessment

In general, assessment will be by coursework and written examination. The minimum attendance requirement is 75% for each module.

Programme Duration

The Advanced Certificate programme can be completed in two semesters on a part-time basis. The maximum registration period is three years. There are two intake per year: April and October. 

Medium of Instruction

Applicants should be able to read and write in both English and Chinese. All assignments and examinations must be written in English.

Tentative venue

  • HKU SPACE Island East Campus; 
  • HKU SPACE Fortress Tower Learning Centre;
  • HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College (HPSHCC) Campus;
  • HKU SPACE Kowloon East Campus

Days / Time

Classes will be held on evenings during weekdays (normally 7:00pm - 10:00pm) and Saturday afternoons (normally 2:00pm - 6:00pm), with every two or three lessons per week. 

Application Code 2445-CS029A Apply Online Now
Apply Online Now

Duration
  • 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum

Modules

Participants can complete the Programme within 1 - 3 years from the date of registration at HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education.
 

There are 6 modules in the Programme (total 198 hours):

  1. Introduction to Psychology (48 hours)
  2. Introduction to Counselling (30 hours)
  3. Developmental Psychology (30 hours)
  4. Alternative Approaches to Counselling  (30 hours)
  5. Micro-skills in Counselling (30 hours)
  6. Self-understanding and Communication Skills (30 hours)

 

Modules focuses on theoretical training in Counselling and Psychology

Module 1: Introduction to Psychology (48 hours)

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to general and experimental psychology, covering key areas of the field:

  1. Foundations: Explore the history and nature of psychology
  2. Biological Basis: Understand the neurobiological underpinnings of psychological processes
  3. Human Development: Study psychological growth across the lifespan
  4. Cognitive Processes: Examine sensation, perception, learning, memory, language, and thought
  5. Emotional Aspects: Investigate motivation, emotion, conflict, and stress
  6. Social Dimension: Analyse human social behaviour and interactions

 

Module 2: Introduction to Counselling (30 hours)

This module explores key aspects of counselling:

  1. Major theoretical perspectives and their core assumptions
  2. Therapeutic processes and counselling skills
  3. Ethical considerations in practice
  4. Contemporary issues and trends in the field

 

Module 3: Developmental Psychology (30 hours)

This module examines:

  1. Human development from infancy to late adulthood
  2. Physical, cognitive, and social aspects of each life stage
  3. Major developmental theories and concepts
  4. Socio-cultural and environmental influences on growth

 

Modules focuses on Practicum Supervision

Module 4: Alternative Approaches to Counselling (30 hours)

  1. Theories and practices of art therapy, play therapy, and other alternative counselling methods
  2. Complementary techniques to traditional "talking" therapy
  3. Expansion of students' counselling skills
  4. Experiential learning opportunities with various therapeutic approaches

 

Module 5: Micro-skills in Counselling (30 hours)

  1. Analyse the impact of various microskills on client interactions
  2. Identify core communication strategies and their purposes
  3. Learn to select and apply appropriate techniques throughout the counselling process
  4. Engage in hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and role-play scenarios
  5. Practice in small groups to enhance skill acquisition

 

Module 6: Self-understanding and Communication Skills (30 hours)

  1. Developing self-awareness and value clarification
  2. Exploring human communication processes and patterns
  3. Improving interpersonal communication skills

Progression Path

Teacher Information

Miss Losana Chan

Master of Sacred Theology in Spirituality and Counseling (HK) Master of Art in Counseling (USA) Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care (USA) Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology (USA)

Background

Executive Director of Shalom Holistic Care Centre
Experienced counsellor / psychotherapist

Experienced in providing psychotherapy
Former senior university lecturer of psychology and counselling department
Adjunct lecturer of School of continuing and professional studies of psychology and counselling courses
Professional clinical supervisor

Ms. Irene Tsang

Master of Counselling, University of South Australia | Senior Psychological Training Consultant | Child Play Design Consultant

Background

Ms. Irene Tsang has nearly 20 years of experience in psychological counselling, specialising in supporting students with special educational needs (SEN) and their families. She brings extensive expertise in working with autism, dyslexia, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her work spans individual and group interventions, as well as career guidance, across secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens, and special schools.

In addition, Ms. Tsang has delivered training for parents and educators through various educational institutions and NGOs, sharing practical approaches to child psychology and educational support.

In recent years, she has focused on the application of biometrics in psychological counselling and has served as a consultant in the design of educational play for children. She is currently an instructor for programmes at HKU SPACE and has also taught at several higher education institutions and organisations in Hong Kong, demonstrating her extensive teaching experience.

Qualifications and Professional Credentials:

  • Master of Counselling, University of South Australia
  • Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
  • Certified Timeline Therapy Practitioner
  • Certified Hypnotherapist
  • Brain Gym® Basic Certificate (Educational Kinesiology)
  • Administrator of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (China)
  • Instructor for the Brain Function Assessment Certification Course, Tailor-Made Education International Research Association (Hong Kong)
  • Certified Instructor in Toe Reading (Biometric Analysis)

Ms. Berenice Lee

Background

Ms. Berenice Lee is a senior professional counsellor with over 12 years of experience, having supported more than 400 clients. She brings a strong international perspective, having lived and practised in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and has developed extensive cross-cultural counselling expertise.

Her approach is grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory, focusing on helping clients deepen their self-understanding and improve emotional dynamics within their families. Her areas of expertise include family and marital relationships, workplace stress management, and personal emotional wellbeing.

Drawing on her professional knowledge and experience, Ms. Lee is dedicated to providing personalised counselling services that support clients in overcoming life challenges, fostering personal growth, and strengthening interpersonal relationships.

Ms. Jennifer Wong

Background

Ms. Jennifer Wong is a part-time Lecturer in the Master of Counselling programme at The University of Hong Kong, and an Executive Committee Member and volunteer counsellor at Greenery Counselling Studio. She has also served on the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Sandplay Therapy Association since 2020.

Previously a professional accountant in accounting and investment banking for twenty years, Ms Wong shifted to psychology and counselling in 2006. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and a Certificate in Play Therapy in 2009, followed by master’s degrees in Counselling (2011) and Behavioural Health (2014) at The University of Hong Kong, and is a certified counsellor of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association.


Since being introduced to Jungian sandplay therapy in 2010, Ms. Wong has pursued ongoing advanced training, including programmes in Switzerland, at the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich, and International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST) events in Malta and Berlin.

Mrs. Winnie Lee

Mrs. Winnie Lee

Background

Mrs. Winnie Lee is a Registered Counselling and Educational Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in Australia and Hong Kong. She lectures part-time at the University of Hong Kong's MSocSc (Counselling) Course and supervises practicum students. Mrs. Lee specialises in various mindfulness approaches including MBCT, MBSR, and Mindful Parenting. She works with diverse groups, from helping professionals to individuals with mental health concerns. Mrs. Lee is part of the OMC Teacher Partnership Programme and follows MBI-TAC good practice guides in her mindfulness teaching. Her extensive experience in psychology and mindfulness makes her an expert in the fields of counselling and personal development.

Fee

Application Fee

HK$150 non-refundable

Course Fee
  • Course Fee : HK$23900 per programme (to be paid in 1 instalment)

Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to be holders of:

  1. a recognized bachelor’s degree in any discipline; or
  2. an Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma or an Advanced Diploma in any discipline awarded by a recognized institution; or
  3. an equivalent qualification.

CEF

  • The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
CEF Courses
Advanced Certificate in Counselling
輔導高等證書
COURSE CODE 44K10608A FEES $23,900 ENQUIRY 2975-5655
Continuing Education Fund Continuing Education Fund
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

Advanced Certificate in Counselling

  • This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [4])

Apply

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method
Payment Method
1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque Or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:

  • bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
  • or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

4. Online Payment

Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment  for details.

Notes

  • If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.

  • Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment. 

  • In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
  • Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
  • HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
  • For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.