Paraklesis Counselling

How much work & time will it take?

Short Answer

Not less than 10 hours per week per course for 12 weeks

All counseling courses conform to bachelors’ degree standards on
SAQA levels 5, 6, 7 & 8 requiring 120 hours of study per course

For the average student it should require approximately 10 hours per week per course for 12 weeks:

• 30 – 40 hours "Virtual" Class Time:
  Number of hours spent in virtual-class (instead of actual class). Ca 5-8 hours per Module: reviewing study guidelines, reading, and listening to slide shows while taking notes, participating in the discussion forums, and doing the Module Quiz.
• 30 - 40 hours of Required Reading:
  Reading the required segments of the prescribed textbooks and additional selected chapters/articles in the Readers and online in EbscoHost (approximately 250 - 300 pages per 12 credit-course assuming that students will read at a speed of ca 20 pages per hour).
  Level-8 courses will require independent research,
• 20 - 30 hours for the Course Assignment(s)
  Assuming that students will spend two hours per written page (200-250 words), including research, writing, and editing. An 8 to 10-page paper (ca 1500 to 2500 words) should require ca 20 hours of work. Assignment workload for practicums will be given separately in the syllabi for the practicum courses. 
• 20 – 30 hours for the Course Exam
  Preparation should include reviewing and studying the lectures and the notes taken, reviewing the required readings, and reading the relevant forum posts, before taking the exam.  

Counselling Training is Unique

Counsellor training can be intensely personal and always requires personalization.  It necessitates assimilation of a vast amount of knowledge over time, while acquiring a wide range of counselling microskills. Al the while   reflected on the process as personal, spiritual, and professional growth takes place. This requires consistent work in a diverse selection of courses. Remember, you are being trained to register as a Christian counsellor and it is our responsibility as counsellor educators to ensure that you meet the professional requirements and standards, and that you are equipped to be an effective and competent counsellor.

Depending on the student’s aptitude, computer expertise, language proficiency, ability to selectively read applicable material, self-discipline, etc., an average student should spend ca 10 hours per week for 12 weeks on the course. Plan and set priority time aside for your coursework in advance, so that you do not get overwhelmed by due dates and cut-off dates. Be time-efficient and self-disciplined – work smarter not more!

Workload Discrepancies

Students must take note that there might be a discrepancy between the counselling courses workload, and some other courses – one difference might be the requirement to complete the Module coursework in the allocated two-week period and write a required Module-test. Another difference might be the numerous required and graded discussion forums for each Module.

The B.Th. students in the program with a Counselling Focus might notice a small difference, compared to their other courses. Noticeable in the teaching mode used (more lectures to listen to and intensive practicums), required counselling textbooks, slightly different course procedures, bigger workload, APA academic writing requirements, and assessments adapted for counsellor training. You are welcome to contact the lecturer or counselling program director if you have any questions.    

 If there is a discrepancy between the Lectures and the Study Guides, always follow the Study Guidelines instructions.

Time to Plan!

The recommended ‘minimum’ that SATS requires of you is to complete four courses (48 credit hours - 480 actual hours) of study every 12 months (commencing with date of enrolment). This equates to one course per term and approximately 9 to 10 study-hours per week per course.

Your time is precious and limited – please plan to set enough time apart each week for your studies.
If you only use the time “left-over” at the end of your busy day, you will not pass the course. Prioritize your studies and allocate ten hours of study time per week per course first, and then fit social time into the rest of the schedule. You probably will have to cut down on volunteer work in your church and community.

Planning starts by not overburdening yourself with too many courses per term. It is recommended that part-time students do not take more than two courses per term.

Proceed to Textbooks Required   >>>