Postgraduate Certificate in Helping Skills in Psycho-Social Settings

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

2 Semesters

30 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening

This course is designed to equip you with essential helping skills to effectively support individuals in psycho-social settings. Exposure to transformative competencies will introduce you to practical tools to engage with clients, assess their needs, and apply evidence-based strategies. The course emphasises core helping skills, namely active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, to address competencies to support others through challenges, manage difficult conversations, and provide constructive feedback in various contexts. This 30 ECTS credits Postgraduate Certificate bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, giving you the confidence to make meaningful impacts in your workplace. Ready to improve your professional toolkit and make a difference? Apply now and take the next step in your career development.

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Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

A Bachelor鈥檚 degree from this University, or another higher education institution recognized by Senate, in an area deemed relevant by the Board and working in a psycho-social setting.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the .

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

COU5101	Helping Skills - From Theory to Practice	10 ECTS
COU5118	Using Helping Skills in Transcultural Contexts and with Multicultural Populations	10 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

COU5102	Development Across the Lifespan	5 ECTS
COU5117	Using Helping Skills in Group Contexts	5 ECTS

Requirement for award of Postgraduate Certificate in Helping Skills in Psycho-Social Settings: 30 ECTS credits

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Helping Skills in Psycho-Social Settings - P.G.Cert. - under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

Critique and apply communication, listening, and helping skills theories and techniques.
Explain ethical guidelines, professional boundaries, and legal considerations while navigating ethical dilemmas and making appropriate referrals.
Demonstrate cultural competence and adapting approaches to meet clients鈥� needs from various backgrounds.
Develop analytical skills to assess situations, identify patterns, make informed decisions, and apply theoretical concepts to real-life challenges in collaboration with clients.
Demonstrate key transferable skills such as empathy, problem-solving, conflict resolution, resilience, time management, and stress management.
Work effectively with others, maintain positive relationships, convey ideas clearly, and provide constructive feedback.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fee: Eur 6,700

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

This course is for you if you want to strengthen communication skills, deepen client relationships, refine approaches to supporting others, develop your emotional literacy, or empower yourself to become a more effective and compassionate helper.