Postgraduate Diploma in Contemplative Counselling

Postgraduate Diploma in Contemplative Counselling (PgDCC)

Programme Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Contemplative Counselling (PgDCC) is a one-year, full-time programme designed to prepare competent, compassionate, and ethical counselling professionals capable of addressing the evolving mental health and psychosocial needs of individuals, schools, and communities.

The programme integrates contemporary counselling theories, evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, and contemplative practices, particularly mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion. It emphasises experiential learning, personal transformation, and professional competence to develop counsellors who can provide preventive, developmental, and responsive counselling services within the Bhutanese sociocultural context.

Programme Information

Title of Award                : Postgraduate Diploma in Contemplative Counselling (PgDCC)

Awarding Body               : Royal University of Bhutan (RUB)

Home Base College        : Samtse College of Education (SCE)

Duration & Mode              : 12 Months (Full-Time)

Programme Aims

The Postgraduate Diploma in Contemplative Counselling programme aims to prepare competent and committed graduates who are capable of providing guidance, counselling, and mental health support services that are responsive to the changing needs of schools and the wider society. Consistent with the emerging challenges of Bhutanese society and the University’s vision to provide relevant and quality education, this programme is designed keeping in mind the context of Guidance, Counselling, and mental health practice in Bhutan, while also ensuring globally recognised standards. It will focus on guidance, counselling, and mental health strategies that are preventive, developmental, and remedial in nature. The programme will prepare counselling personnel who, through their own self-exploration and growth, can help their students/clients achieve optimal personal growth, emotional well-being, ability to self-reflect, acquire positive social skills and values, realise their full academic potentials, and make important life decisions. Contemplative practices such as mindfulness awareness will be an integral part of the programme to develop both insight and wisdom into one’s own psychological and mental health experiences and those of others, thus cultivating the capacity to be present, compassionate, and resilient.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

• articulate the principles of contemplative counselling techniques and their impact on client well-being
• apply counselling skills effectively in various contexts, including individual and group settings
• evaluate counselling theories for practical implications
• implement strategies for addressing mental health issues within diverse populations.
• conduct group counselling sessions using established procedures and techniques.
• apply career development theories to support students in exploring and planning their career paths
• design early-intervention strategies to address addiction among students
• analyse the psychological theories of human development and their relevance in counselling practices.
• apply counselling knowledge and skills effectively during supervised field placements
• demonstrate professional conduct and adherence to ethical standards in all counselling practice setting

Programme Structure (12 months)

The programme comprises eight modules delivered over two semesters, combining theoretical foundations, counselling skills development, contemplative practices, and supervised professional experience.

Semester I

COS501 Introduction to Contemplative Counselling

COS502 Counselling Process and Skills

COT502 Counselling Theories

COS503 Group Practices in Counselling

Semester II

FPT501 Field Placement (9 weeks)

PSY504 Psychology of Human Development

COT504 Mental Health and Addiction Counselling

The Field Placement carries 30 credits, equivalent to two standard modules.

Learning and Teaching Approaches

The programme adopts learner-centred, experiential, and reflective approaches, including interactive lectures, counselling demonstrations, role plays, case studies, group discussions, mindfulness practices, contemplative retreats, independent study, and supervised field experiences. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating theoretical understanding with practical counselling competencies and personal development.

Field Placement

Students undertake a nine-week supervised field placement in schools and relevant organisations, providing opportunities to translate classroom learning into professional practice. The placement includes counsellor observation, supervised counselling activities, practical application of counselling skills, reflective learning, and regular professional supervision. College supervising lecturers also conduct field visits to monitor progress and support professional development.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue counselling and related professional roles in schools, colleges, rehabilitation centres, community organisations, and other government and non-governmental agencies providing psychosocial and mental health support services.

The programme also provides an academic foundation for further studies, including the Master of Arts in Contemplative Counselling and related disciplines.

Admission & Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the PgDCC programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualification: Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any subject with a minimum aggregate score of 50% from a university or institute recognized by the BQPCA.
• Personal Aptitude: Demonstrate a genuine passion and motivation for counselling and mental health service.
• Contemplative Readiness: Show readiness to engage in mindfulness practice, self-exploration, and personal reflection.

Selection Process

Government scholarship candidates must fulfil the relevant Royal Civil Service Commission requirements. Self-financed applicants are shortlisted based on their academic qualifications and assessed through a written examination and viva-voce.

Selection Weighting Criteria:

Written Test: 40%

Viva-Voce Interview: 30%

Bachelor’s Degree Aggregate: 30%

Why Choose PgDCC at Samtse College of Education?

The programme offers a distinctive integration of modern counselling knowledge and contemplative wisdom, supported by experienced faculty, experiential learning opportunities, mindfulness retreats, and supervised professional practice.

Grounded in Bhutan’s educational and sociocultural context, it prepares graduates to promote compassionate, ethical, and holistic mental health support in schools and communities.

How to Apply

• Application Dates & Announcements: Check the official Samtse College of Education website for intake announcements.
• Required Documents: Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree), degree certificate, citizenship identity card, and motivation statement.
• Website: www.sce.edu.bt