Participants from all over the world and speakers from Europe, Africa, Australasia and North America recently attended the University of Durham's ninth annual international counselling conference.

Delegates shared moving and informative talks about the position of counselling in their countries at the highly-successful annual conference hosted by the university''s centre for studies in counselling (CESCO).

For those interested in counselling as a profession, CESCO offers the following courses:

* Programme of professional counsellor training, accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy

* Postgraduate diploma (part-time) and an MA in counselling (part time). Entry is normally to the advanced certificate in counselling skills (year 1)

* The advanced certificate in counselling skills can also be pursued as a stand-alone course by those interested in developing counselling skills.

* MA in counselling studies (full-time). This is a course for people with a degree or degree equivalent who wish to improve their knowledge of counselling and their ability to function effectively in a counselling relationship.

Each course group usually comprises a wide range of ages and academic and professional backgrounds.

Each year the course attracts a number of students from overseas. Applications are considered from students without formal academic qualifications who possess the personal qualities and level of experience necessary to successfully complete the course.

CESCO also offers opportunities for students to pursue Ph.D. or a Masters degree by research.

For further information contact the CESCO secretary, 0191 3743485 or email Cesco.Enquiries8>1