Diploma Course in Counseling – Faculty of Medical Sciences

DIPLOMA COURSE IN COUNSELLING

Outline of the Course

This course aims to provide a good foundation in Counselling and knowledge on related theories in the area of mental health & abnormal psychology, sociology and psychology and their application to counselling. The practical aspect of the course includes basic counselling skills and personal development.

The course is conducted over a year during weekends at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Clinical training is provided at the University Psychiatry Unit at Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila. Students who successfully complete both practical and theory components are awarded the diploma.

Upon completion of this course you are eligible to function as an independent counsellor.

Duration

One Academic year
Lectures and practical classes are to be conducted on weekends (Lectures are mainly physical. Few of them will be held via Zoom depending on requirements)

Medium

Sinhala and English in alternative years

2025 – English Medium

Course Fee

140,000/-
This payment has to be made in full at the time of registration

Admission Requirements

Age between 22 – 55 years

Minimum Qualification

Candidate should pass G.C.E (A/L) with 3 passes in any subject stream.

Additional Qualifications

Degree from a recognized University (Recognized by the University Grant Commission)
Certificate of Nursing or Teacher Training

Objectives of the Course

General Objectives

At the end of the training programme a trainee should be able to;

Function as a competent counselor who is capable of counselling the service seeker with compassion and highest ethical standards.
Identify those with special needs and refer them to appropriate agencies.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the course a trainee should be able to;

Describe the concepts of counselling
Describe the basic concepts of sociology relevant to counselling
Describe the basic concepts of psychology relevant to counselling
Describe the concepts of health (mental, physical and social)
Describe human behavior and deviations from the norm
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills
Identify the psychological needs of service users and provide appropriate support
Identify clients with serious mental illnesses and refer to relevant mental health services
Identify existing support services in Sri Lanka and refer as needed
Identify the existing support services in Sri Lanka
Identify and refer to appropriate support services when necessary
Function with highest ethical standards

Course Structure

Consist of 19 modules, the course is delivered in a variety of modes including lectures, group discussions and practical exercises and role plays in a learning atmosphere. Students will be awarded 30 credits for successful completion of each module.

Modules
Module 01	Introduction to Psychology and Counselling
Module 02	Theories of Personality
Module 03	Treatment Methods
Module 04	Developmental Psychology and Life Cycle
Module 05	Self Development
Module 06	Elements of Anatomy, Physiology and Bio-chemistry
Module 07	Basic concepts of Sociology relevant to counselling
Module 08	Mental Health and Abnormal Psychology
Module 09	Communication and Counselling Skills Development
Module 10	Problem Solving Counselling
Module 11	Special Applications of Counselling
Module 12	Knowledge of support services in Sri Lanka to mentally ill and socially disabled
Module 13	Referral Counselling
Module 14	Ethics in Counselling
Module 15	Electives
Module 16	Clinical attachment programme
Module 17	Project work
Module 18	Social Responsibility
Module 19	Nutrition Counselling