Train in counselling and psychotherapy and become eligible for individual practitioner registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Duration
3 years (part-time)
Number of Credits
240 credits
Start date
September 2023
Degree Type
MA
Modules
Why this course
The course is accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Our approach incorporates aspects of theory and practice from three main therapeutic traditions; person-centred, cognitive and psychodynamic.
You will be equipped the necessary skills to work with a wide range of people with a range of psychological issues in a variety of settings.
Your curriculum
The programme, accredited by the BACP, is based on an integrative relational approach to counselling and psychotherapy, which has been developed over many years by our cutting-edge teaching team.
Our integrative approach, at the forefront of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice and research, incorporates aspects from three main therapeutic traditions; person-centred, cognitive and psychodynamic.
You will be encouraged to explore psychological processes and experiences from these different perspectives, and recognise the theoretical, personal and cultural assumptions which influence your work.
Your therapeutic skills
The course emphasises the central importance of the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, as well as developing cognitive and reflective skills, you will also learn practical ways of working with your clients in a therapeutic relationship to address conscious and unconscious needs and produce a change in emotional and cognitive processes and behaviour.
Central to developing your therapeutic skills is a sustained effort of attunement to the client as well as openness to and awareness of their and your internal processes. This involves integrating complex and advanced skills, and responding creatively to complex, novel and unpredictable situations.
As well as having a theoretical understanding of these processes, from the first year you will have modules allowing you the opportunity to practice your counselling skills.
How you'll learn
Our teaching includes life-span developmental theories, therapeutic skills practice in small groups, supervision of client work in small groups, critical analysis of approaches and research into counselling and psychotherapy. You’ll be taught through interactive lectures and seminars, experiential skills workshops, small clinical supervision groups, and personal development work.  Much of your learning will be a reflection on your experience of skills practiced and the use of demonstration, observation, self, peer and tutor feedback as well as a more traditional academic study.
You will develop a critical understanding of the role of research in the development of the counselling and psychotherapeutic disciplines, and be able to incorporate research knowledge into clinical practice. You are required to be in personal therapy throughout the course, which will help you to develop a high level of awareness of self and the therapeutic process, to be able to use this constructively in therapeutic encounters. You will be equipped with the necessary skills to work with a wide range of people with a range of psychological issues in a variety of settings.
Later modules in the course will familiarise you with a variety of forms of psychological assessment, so that you are able to critically evaluate the appropriateness and limitations of the procedures and underlying concepts. As many students will go on to work in a multidisciplinary team, in particular within the NHS, they need to have an understanding and working knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and classification systems, while being aware of their acknowledge limits and critiques.
Placements
You will have the opportunity to work with a placements co-ordinator to find a suitable counselling/psychotherapy placement in which to gain the depth and range of experience necessary to become a competent practitioner. Information on over 500 different counselling placements is available.
Upcoming Events:
Career options
Graduates can work in health and social services, voluntary organisations and the education in counselling field.
How our careers service supports you
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.
Application Info
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs below
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
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Specific Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree at grade 2.2 honours or above
- Evidence of enrolment on counselling skills certificate training (minimum Level 2) that has been completed, or will be completed, before entry on the programme.
- Evidence of experience of working in a helping role that uses basic counselling skills and requires active listening and the provision of emotional support with vulnerable adults (e.g. working for The Samaritans). This may be in either paid or voluntary employment and at minimum consist of working in this role part-time for six months prior to the start of the academic year.
Please note:
- The MA programme staff interview approximately once a month from February until August. As places are limited on this popular course, we advise you to apply as early as possible. Applicants should demonstrate their reflective capacity and commitment to their personal development.
Application deadline 12th February 2023
Validation and curriculum review
What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.
The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.
The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
Need help before you apply?
Course Facilities
Our Research
For an overview of the research carried out by psychology academics within the School of Psychology, please visit the departmental research pages.
Related courses
Counselling Psychology (HCPC approved and BPS accredited)
Find out more