The importance of psychosocial counseling and mental health is constantly growing in our society today. “In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, people face a variety of challenges, including psychological and social ones. “We are therefore pleased that the University of Graz is making an important contribution and is now starting the first extraordinary bachelor’s degree in psychosocial counseling,” explains Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz on Tuesday at the presentation of this new course offering. “The University of Graz is rolling out the course in collaboration with training institutions throughout Austria,” says Riedler. The course can be completed without a high school diploma if you have relevant professional experience and will start in several stages from autumn 2024. The first planned locations are Graz, Vienna, Linz and Innsbruck.
Psychosocial counseling is a multidisciplinary field that deals with supporting people in difficult life situations. It covers areas such as mental health, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution and promoting well-being. “We see that mental health problems are increasing and social connections are often more strained. That is why psychosocial counseling is of great importance, especially for the economy. Today’s working world is often characterized by high levels of stress. “Psychosocial counselors can impart techniques for dealing with stress and increasing resilience in order to make employees more resilient to the demands of professional life,” explains Andreas Herz, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s Personal Counseling and Personal Care Association, the framework for action. Against this background, UNI for LIFE has been offering WKO-certified training in psychosocial counseling for several years and has already produced around 300 graduates. Now there are new framework conditions and new opportunities with the continuing education bachelor’s degree.
Part-time to new career opportunities
“The extraordinary bachelor’s degree is offered exclusively part-time, lasts six semesters and is aimed at people who want to professionally help others in psychologically stressful situations. We particularly want to appeal to people who are already working in the areas of health and social affairs, education, business, administration, law, justice, executive, diaconate and pastoral care,” explains the deputy academic director of studies Andreas Schnider. The curriculum is designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of psychosocial counseling. Students are introduced to the basics of psychology, communication techniques, ethics in counseling and crisis intervention. The admission requirements are relevant professional qualifications of at least two years and a personal admission interview.
“Graduates from our courses are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities. You can work as psychosocial counselors in private practices, non-profit organizations, schools, companies and other institutions. They are qualified to support people in difficult phases of life, to help them deal with crises and to promote their mental health,” explains Stephan Witzel, Managing Director of UNI for LIFE. UNI for LIFE is the continuing education institution of the University of Graz. It supports the University of Graz in its self-image as an educational partner for its graduates and all those interested in further education, regardless of their academic background. UNI for LIFE sees itself as a central contact point and communication platform for education in all phases of life.
New bachelor’s degree in “Psychosocial Counseling”: Rector Peter Riedler, UNI for LIFE managing director Stephan Witzel, Andreas Schnider, deputy academic director of studies and Andreas Herz, chairman of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, professional association for personal counseling and personal care. (from left)
Quelle “Uni Graz/Tzivanopoulos
2023-10-10 13:03:54
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