Masters Degrees in Counselling Psychology

The Master of Science (MSc) is a research-intensive (thesis-based) degree intended to prepare students for further research. This program is available in the on-campus format only.

Master of Science (MSc) in Counselling Psychology

The Master of Science (MSc) Program in Counselling Psychology will assist students to develop the philosophical, theoretical, research, and practical expertise required of those who wish to offer effective psychological education and counselling. Opportunities are available to study such diverse topics as interpersonal communication, life span human development, group process, family functioning, career exploration and development, assessment and evaluation, statistics and research design, and a variety of other topics of particular relevance to counsellors.
Graduates of the Program are employed in schools, post secondary institutions, community agencies, hospitals, and private practice settings.

These programs are guided by a common mission, values, program goals, and principles. The MSc program follows a scientist practitioner model of training.

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Who is it for?

The Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology is for students who are planning to go on and do further graduate work, whether through a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology or a related profession.

The course is for students who have an undergraduate degree, but you do not have to have a first degree in psychology. Some students use the programme as a bridge towards further study in counselling psychology, while others apply their knowledge and skills from the course within the counselling or psychotherapy profession.

As well as fulfilling the academic side of the programme, you need to be willing to investigate yourself and be open to exploring personal and interpersonal dynamics. This is a course for those with a willingness to expose their vulnerabilities and explore their own and others’ inner worlds.

Objectives

The Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology has been designed to give you an excellent foundation for further advanced study in counselling psychology or related areas. A one-year part-time course, the programme blends theory and practice so you gain a rigorous academic base in counselling and psychology, as well as a significant and varied practical component.

Emphasising the connection between psychological theory and counselling, this programme is not just about understanding knowledge – it is about understanding how to apply what you have learned to ensure that your practice promotes psychological development.

On our Graduate Certificate programme, we focus on the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client and concentrate on the personal subjective experience of the whole person. This makes the emphasis of our approach holistic rather than diagnostic, in keeping with the ethos of counselling psychology.

You will investigate person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural theories and use a range of practical modes from client case studies and interviews to personal diaries and role-play exercises.

Here are some of the questions the course poses:

• How can I connect psychological theory with practice in a way that can lead to psychological growth?
• How can I create a meaningful connection?
• What do I need to understand about my own psychology to be able to help others?
• How has my experience on this course influenced my own personal and professional development?

Accreditation

This is not a professional training programme and is not intended to train you to be an independent practitioner. If you wish to undertake professional training in counselling psychology, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and chartered membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS) please see our Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

Teaching and learning

Practising clinicians teach this programme so you gain insight from experts working within the field who offer clinical examples from their own experience. Lecture sizes tend to be fairly small (typically around 25 people) so you learn within an intimate environment.

You will learn through a variety of methods including lectures, role-playing exercises and group presentations.

Dr Sara Chaudry is the course director of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology Programme. Sara is also tutor and lecturer on the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. She has a broad range of clinical experience from working with diverse client groups, and she currently works in private practice.

Assessment

To be awarded the Graduate Certificate qualification, you must successfully complete one piece of coursework for each of the six modules. Coursework formats include written assignments, a reflective diary, project work and class-based role-plays and presentations. Your project, which is a literature review where you choose a topic of interest and write a 2000-word essay, focuses on a specific mental health or psychological subject.

Modules

This course runs on one day a week (on a Wednesday) for one academic year. It consists of six modules, four of which are taught modules and two of which take the form of a project and personal and professional development. You will study two of the taught modules in the first term, and the other two in the second term. We expect you to use the time between the teaching hours for independent study.

One of the unique features of the programme is the variety of ways in which you apply your learning. For example within the ‘theoretical models in counselling psychology’ module, you will be given a client case and asked to write up a client study as though you were seeing the person in practice. This gives you the opportunity to choose a theoretical model and apply it within a client context.

Similarly, within the ‘understanding mental health module’, you learn about conditions including depression, anxiety, and psychosis and demonstrate your understanding by delivering a class presentation. You will also be asked to create a booklet for a layperson explaining a condition. In these ways, the course gives you opportunities to translate the theory you have learned into a practical application with a real-world impact.

Core Modules

• (PS3503): Counselling across the lifespan (15 credits)
• (PS3502): Counselling skills (15 credits)
• (PS3504): Theoretical models in counselling psychology (15 credits)
• (PS3501): Understanding mental health (15 credits)

Independent Project

• (PS3505) Project for GCCP (15 credits)
• (PS3506): Personal and professional development (15 credits)

Career prospects

For many students the programme is a means to progress towards doctoral study. Created with psychology graduates, healthcare professionals, teachers, social workers, managers and others professionals in mind, it gives you the opportunity to develop your interpersonal and counselling skills and improve the way you apply these skills within your professional practice.

Counselling psychology at the doctoral level is still a relatively new field in the UK. At City we offer the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, which many students choose to move on to after completing the Graduate Certificate.

City was the first institution in the UK to provide UK-accredited counselling psychology training. City’s Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is one of the largest of its kind, and has made City one of the premiere institutions for counselling psychology training.

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This excellent course enables you to gain the wide range of counselling psychology competencies needed to be eligible to apply for chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

In the most recent (2014-15) Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

More about this course

The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is a three-year full-time, four-year part-time taught doctoral programme leading to a doctoral qualification that automatically confers professional registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), accreditation as a fully qualified chartered counselling psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS), and recognition within the UK and the EU as a chartered counselling psychologist eligible to practice.

The programme offers a sound and marketable model, combining in-depth competency in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), strong humanistic values, and psychodynamic awareness. The course was re-accredited by the HCPC and the BPS in 2012. It was commended for the depth and breadth of the modules offered; a number of our modules were described as cutting-edge and very well suited to the current zeitgeist and employment market. These modules include a first-year module devoted to working with difference and diversity, and a third-year service evaluation research exercise.

Run by a dedicated team of HCPC registered and BPS accredited chartered counselling and clinical psychologists, this course offers wide-ranging and high quality clinical and research expertise to trainees. Course team members have between one and 11 years of post-qualification clinical experience, and two thirds hold PhD or professional doctoral titles. Two thirds of the staff are academically published authors.

While student numbers are growing, the team prides itself on retaining a small cohort each year of no more than 20 students. This enables us to offer you a relatively high volume of individual attention from staff. All students are assigned a personal tutor and two research supervisors. You are offered a relatively high proportion of research supervision (10 hours in Year 1 and 20 hours each year in Years 2 and 3); safe spaces for clinical group supervision and skills practice; and an experiential and workshop style of teaching and learning. Trainees and staff develop collaborative relationships in relation to learning and personal development.

The programme has a dedicated placements coordinator, and an extensive online placement provider database, accessible prior to training commencement. We offer a comprehensive placements induction in the first week of training, and we encourage and support you to be in placement or at interview stage with placement providers by the beginning of your training.

The first year of training is the equivalent of a Master’s year. Students who exit at the end of Year 1 are eligible for an MSc in Psychological Therapies. This MSc offers eligibility to register with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), leading to clinical practice in either in public, private or third sector organisations. However, the course has high student retention rates, with the majority of students continuing from the MSc level into the doctoral level of training in Years 2 and 3. Student satisfaction within the programme is very high; feedback forms regularly comment on the high quality and breadth of teaching, the clinical and research expertise of the lecturers, and the dedication of the staff, both at a personal and professional level. Our students feel valued and attended to by the teaching team because the size of each cohort allows for a more tailored experience for each student.

Through postgraduate teaching and workshops across the wider applied psychology subject area, London Met counselling psychology trainees develop advanced levels of knowledge and skills in a broad range of qualitative and quantitative psychological research methods. The course emphasises criticality, epistemological critique and reflexivity across all research teaching and learning. Extensive support in the form of individual and group supervision and teaching is offered, alongside methodology learning, to support trainees in undertaking a piece of doctoral level research that will make an original contribution to the professional practice of counselling psychology, and more widely.

As trainees you will develop a wide range of intellectual and practical skills and knowledge. The training has a solid track record of trainees emerging as robust, sophisticated, and highly employable practitioners of counselling psychology. In recent years, we are proud that a number of our trainees have won BPS Division of Counselling Psychology trainee prizes for written assignments and research poster presentations.

The principle aims and achievements of the course are to produce graduates who are:
-Competent, informed, reflective, ethical and professionally sound practitioners of counselling psychology who are able to work in a range of settings and are committed to their own on-going personal and professional development
-Able to understand, develop and apply models of advanced psychological inquiry and research that enable the creation of new knowledge and which recognise the complex nature of human experience and relationships
-Able to adopt a questioning and evaluative approach to the philosophy, practice, research and theory that constitutes counselling psychology and aware of the wider social, cultural and political domains within which counselling psychology operates
-In possession of a set of skills and competencies that are transferable to a wide variety of professional contexts and which enhance employability
-Able to demonstrate the range of counselling psychology competencies needed to be eligible to apply for chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Many students are conducting research in collaboration with National Health Service (NHS) Trusts or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Graduates find permanent employment within a few months post-qualification, with many trainees holding part-time clinical employment whilst they are in the final year of the training because their clinical skills and knowledge are of such a high standard. Other graduates from the programme find work in academia in visiting or permanent teaching posts or as research fellows.

The course is involved in on-going in-house events and conferences such as CultureShock, and in research and clinical collaborations with five NHS trusts. The programme is also involved in research and in the training of clinical staff with the Freedom from Torture Foundation and Khulisa, both community based organisations close to the Holloway Campus. The programme is also collaborating with the School of Social Sciences and School of Social Professions to link interpreters with clinicians and to establish training inside and outside the University on working with interpreters in mental health settings.

Assessment

A wide range of assessment methods is used on the programme. In Year 1 you'll complete seven master's level assignments, including a reflective essay, case formulation, process report, examination and two short research assignments using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

You'll also complete a 7,000-word reflexive critical literature review and a 3,000-word proposal towards the end of Year 1. Your proposal must demonstrate an adequate basis for a doctoral level research project for you to proceed into Year 2 of the programme. Year 1 is the most intensive period of assessment on the programme.

If you progress to Year 2 you'll complete an extended clinical case study, integrative process analysis and theoretical essay at the end of the year, reflecting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic learning. At the end of Year 3 a similar assignment is completed, reflecting a trans-theoretical, pluralistic perspective. You should complete your research project by the end of Year 3, submitting a 25,000 word thesis and subsequently participating in a viva voce examination.

You'll receive research supervision to guide your research throughout the programme. Research progress is formally monitored and evaluated through the submission of annual reports to the Research and Postgraduate Office in Years 2 and 3.

You are required to complete a minimum of 450 clinical hours in a range of placements under supervision over the duration of the programme, as well as a minimum of 60 hours of your own personal therapy.

Supervisors complete six-monthly practice competency evaluations, which enable bidirectional feedback and reflection on your progress and continuing professional development in your practice placements. Your personal and professional development is individually monitored and supported throughout the programme via annual reviews and appraisals with a tutor from the programme team.

Professional accreditation

The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology leads to a doctoral qualification that automatically confers professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accreditation as a fully qualified chartered counselling psychologist with the British Psychological Society.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Advanced Research Design and Analysis for Psychology (core, 20 credits)
-Counselling Psychology Practice and Development (core, 20 credits)
-Professional and Ethical Issues (core, 20 credits)
-Psychological Knowledge and Models of Therapy (core, 20 credits)
-Research Project and Critical Skills (core, 60 credits)
-Therapeutic and Reflective Skills (core, 20 credits)
-Working with Difference and Diversity (core, 20 credits)

Year 2 modules include:
-Advanced Psychological Research (core, 160 credits)
-Advanced Psychological Theory and Practice 1 (core, 100 credits)
-Advanced Psychological Theory and Practice 2 (core, 100 credits)

After the course

Career opportunities for counselling psychologists include posts in a variety of areas. These include National Health Service (NHS) settings such as primary care, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, community mental health, drug and alcohol, rehabilitation, eating and personality disorder services, as well as the prison service, voluntary sector, private practice, academia, training, supervision, management and consultancy.

Graduates from the programme frequently go on work in one or more of these areas. Some have gone on to provide practice placements or to supervise or teach students on the programme. The range of advanced clinical and research skills and abilities gained through the course prepare graduates to undertake work in a variety of fields of activity.

Moving to one campus

Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

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Counselling Psychology

Our Mission

The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.

Our Culture & Core Values

The Counselling Psychology program recognizes the critical importance of diversity in our rapidly changing and globalized society, and provides leadership in emphasizing culturally-based considerations in learning, human development, assessment and counselling. In addition to its cultural lens, our program embraces positive, growth-oriented, and developmental perspectives across the lifespan. Attention is also paid to the complex ecological influences on individuals, groups and communities. Our faculty members’ programs of research reflect the core values and foci of the discipline of Counselling Psychology: career development, health and wellness, indigenous healing, gender and cultural diversity, disability, and social justice issues. Our Master’s and Doctoral programs address the needs of individuals, couples and families across the lifespan in terms of research, teaching and counselling practice.

Our Mandate

Our graduate programs adhere to the scientist-practitioner model. Rigorous theoretical and research training is integrated with the development of core counselling competencies. In addition to our core curriculum at the Master’s and Doctoral levels, our students can specialize in community, school, higher education or vocational rehabilitation counselling. Our programs focus on the education of the whole person – promoting not only students’ professional development, but also helping them to realize their intellectual, physical, and emotional potential. Faculty view their roles as facilitators of learning rather than providers of information, and strive for excellence in their research, teaching, and community and professional engagement. The mandate of our programs is the preparation of professional counsellors, counselling psychologists, and scholars in the field of Counselling Psychology.

Program Goals

The mission, philosophy and values of the Program are represented in five specific program goals:
- Goal 1
Graduates will demonstrate critical understanding of counselling theory, research, and practice and in the pursuit of a Master of Arts degree will demonstrate competence in planning, conducting, evaluating, and disseminating counselling psychology research.

- Goal 2
Graduates will have mastery of theoretical and empirical knowledge in Counselling Psychology.

- Goal 3
Graduates will acquire and demonstrate competency required for practice as counsellors in schools, community agencies, and higher education settings.

- Goal 4
Graduates will understand and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in counselling psychology.

- Goal 5
Graduates will understand and demonstrate their knowledge of the role of diversity in all areas of counselling psychology research and practice.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Arts (research-based), Master of Education (course-based)
- Specialization: Counselling Psychology
- Subject: Education
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Faculty: Faculty of Education

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Overview

Keele University is one of the first Higher Education Institutions to offer counsellor training in the UK and has been delivering high quality training programmes since the early 1970s.

The BACP accredited Professional Counselling Training Route/part-time MSc in Counselling Psychology is a part-time vocational training programme which builds up over three years. In Year One students complete the Certificate in Counselling and in Year Two the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. In Year Three students undertake the MSc research studies year. Successful completion of each academic year enables either progression onto the next year or an opportunity to exit with the completed qualification.

The first two years of the part-time MSc Counselling Psychology (The Professional Counselling Training Route) are accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a route of professional counsellor training. Candidates for accreditation will also have to meet all other criteria in line with BACP accreditation procedures.

- Training Philosophy
This part-time professional counselling training route is founded on a person-centred view of personhood and person-centred ways of being. In this we view the relationship in counselling as central, and support Rogers’ belief in the ‘self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients’. However, we also take a strong ‘anti-schoolism’ stance which reflects our sincere respect for other, non-person-centred practices and practitioners. Our starting point for the Keele Counselling Model is thus a unifying ethos which enables us to respect and welcome a diversity of professional skills and orientations.

Course Aims

The programme as a whole aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to support their work as professional person centred/ humanistic counsellors. It aims to integrate students’ counselling skills practice with academic study at each training level and to facilitate student learning in the areas of psychology: counselling skills, counselling related theory and self-development. The principles underpinning the programme are empowerment, holistic development, relationships and community.

- Year One: The Certificate in Counselling
This programme is an introduction to person-centred counselling theory and practice. It is suitable for individuals from a range of professional backgrounds who wish to improve their communication skills or begin training as a professional counsellor. The Certificate is an entry route onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology for those without traditional academic qualifications. On completion of the Certificate in Counselling students should have gained competencies in a wide range of professional knowledge, skills and self-development relevant to counselling practice.

- Year Two: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology
This year follows on from the Certificate in Counselling and offers professional training in counselling practice, theory and self-development. It is based on a person centred/humanistic philosophy with person-centred practice. Students are expected to undertake one hundred hours of supervised counselling practice placement. Applicants must have successfully completed the Certificate in Counselling at Keele University to access training in Year Two.

It is expected that students will progress to Year 2 in September of the year in which they complete the Certificate and, as long as they meet the requirements for progression, they are guaranteed a place on the Year 2 course starting in that September. Students may defer the commencement of Year 2 but, in this case, they would have to apply for a place and cannot be guaranteed a place in the academic year in which they wish to resume their studies.

Years 1 and 2 of the programme together constitute a BACP accredited training course. However, any other exit awards, e.g. completion of the Certificate in Counselling alone, or a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology Studies, which would not include the 100 hours of supervised counselling practice on placement, would not constitute a BACP accredited training course.

- Year Three: MSc Counselling Psychology
Year three of the part-time MSc Counselling Psychology places a particular emphasis on developing the counselling practitioner’s own research interests, including a research based dissertation.

Teaching

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, large group work, community meetings, tutorials and small group work. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential as well as academic learning methods.

Assessment

With the exception of a multiple-choice questionnaire classroom test in Year 2, all modules are assessed on the basis of coursework. The pass mark for all modules in Year 1 (Level 6) is 50% and, in Year 2 (Level 7), is 40%.

Additional Costs

In year 1 students have to attend a minimum of 8 hours of personal therapy and in year 2 a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy (Subject to approval by Senate) to complete the course and payment for this is the responsibility of the students. As a guide, costs for this on average are £35 - £45 per hour.

When completing the 100 hour placement requirement in Year 2, students also have to undertake a minimum of 14 hours of supervision for which there may also be a charge. Again, as a guide, costs for this are on average £35 - £45 per hour.
Parking is also an additional cost for students who wish to use their cars on campus. Details of student parking permits are sent out with the pre-enrolment information.

Students should also be aware that possible additional costs may be incurred when attending the compulsory non-residential Conference weekend. Refreshments and lunches are provided for the students free of charge during the weekend but there will be an additional cost should students wish to attend the Saturday evening Conference dinner and also if wishing to book local accommodation.

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The purpose of the Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) program is to provide training for people who want to develop professional skills and certification in counselling psychology. The emphasis of the program is on the provision of counsellor training for those people who aspire to be a Canadian Certified Counsellor or Registered Psychologist.

Course detail

In this program you will:

•Focus on the understanding and acquisition of communication skills in interpersonal and counselling contexts
•Learn the historical and theoretical foundations in counselling psychology
•Develop a framework for the planning and implementation of client change interventions in counselling psychology
•Become familiar with a variety of assessment procedures commonly used in counselling settings
•Gain a thorough understanding of the process of career counselling
•Address professional and ethical issues in the practice, science and regulation of counselling psychology
•Develop an understanding of gender and cultural issues in counselling
•Experience supervised practice in counselling psychology settings

Why study at the University of Lethbridge?

As a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge, you’ll find yourself at the centre of a student-focused environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking and creativity.

The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions.

At the foundation of our graduate programs is a multidisciplinary and personalized experience. A collaborative environment is encouraged between faculty and students. This means you have flexibility in decisions regarding the research and learning path you take.

At the U of L, we are committed to helping every one of our students thrive. From aiding with financial support to one-on-one mentorship to individualized career advice, you’ll find support every step of the way.

When you graduate, you will have the confidence you need to succeed in whatever you do, whether that means pursuing further education, teaching in an academic setting or establishing a professional career.

We’re here to help as you find the answers to your questions. As Alberta’s Destination University, the U of L gives you room to think, create and explore, providing a university experience unlike any other.

How to apply

In order to apply, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Academic Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Letters of Reference
• Letter of Intent
• English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All applications and supporting documents must be provided through the online portal: https://www.uleth.ca/future-student/graduate-studies/apply

Funding

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.uleth.ca/graduate-studies/award-opportunities

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This applied professional training course gives you a doctorate-level education leading to a professional qualification. It comprises a comprehensive programme of taught modules, 450 hours of counselling psychology practice in a range of placements, and a doctorate-level research project. Experts guide you through integrated theory, personal and professional development, and clinical practice, with focus on the value of research and how it directly informs current practice.

Key benefits

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Course detail

In the first year of the course, the therapeutic approach is relational, and we expect you to adopt and practice this approach in your placements. In Year 2 we focus on the CBT approach, and again we expect you to apply this to your placements. In Year 3, you get to explore your own identity as a counselling psychologist through modules on integration, and the modules on advanced theory and practice in counselling psychology, include teaching on supervision, leadership, psychometrics and neuropsychological assessment.

If you don't complete the Professional Doctorate route, you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Studies, or a Master's in Psychological Therapy.

Structure

Year 1

• Principles of Counselling Psychology
• Theory and Practice in Counselling Psychology 1
• Personal and Professional Development 1
• Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Psychology
• Systemic Thinking and Practice in Counselling Psychology
• Research Methods in Counselling Psychology

Year 2

• Theory and Practice in Counselling Psychology 2
• Personal and Professional Development 2
• Exploring Client Issues in Counselling Psychology
• Professional Issues in Counselling Psychology

Year 3

• Personal and Professional Development 3
• Advanced Theory and Practice in Counselling Psychology
• Professional doctorate thesis and viva examination

Format

We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods to give you the best combination of personal, peer and applied learning. These include lectures, group discussion, group work, role-play, skills work, demonstrations, trainee presentations, supervised clinical practice, personal therapy and personal development activities.

Assessment

We assess taught modules through coursework and assessment under controlled conditions. Practice assessment is through direct observation, case studies, process reports, supervision groups and placement reports.
For your research, you submit a 28,000-word doctoral thesis of an original piece of research, examined by interview.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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Overview

Keele University, along with the University of Reading, was the first Higher Education Institution to offer counsellor training and has been delivering programmes in counselling since the 1970s. The full-time Masters in Counselling Psychology is a professional training in counselling. This vocational course is accredited accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a route of professional counsellor training. Candidates for accreditation must note that they will also have to meet all other criteria outlined by BACP. The details outlined below relate to the full-time programme.

This MSc programme in Counselling Psychology is founded on a person-centred view of personhood and person-centred ways of being. In this we view the relationship in counselling as central, and support Rogers’ belief in the ‘self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients’. However, we also take a strong ‘anti-schoolism’ stance which reflects our sincere respect for other, non-person-centred practices and practitioners. Our starting point for the Keele Counselling Model is thus a unifying ethos which enables us to respect and welcome a diversity of professional skills and orientations.

We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, large group work, community meetings, tutorials and small group work. Within this framework students are introduced to a range of practices which are related to relevant philosophical traditions including existentialism and phenomenology. Throughout the course, students are supported to establish a sense of coherence in their own therapeutic position in line with the course philosophy and aims.

The centrality of a secure and constantly reviewed ethical position, based on the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, from July 2016), is presented to the programme members as a major personal responsibility. We accept the overwhelming evidence of the theorists that the major factor in helping human beings change in a desired positive direction is a relationship in which they feel safe, valued and challenged.

Why study at Keele

- Keele Counselling staff have a wealth of experience in providing counselling training to both UK and international students

- Keele has a thriving counselling community with students from a range of professional, cultural, social and educational backgrounds

- Staff who are up to date with current therapeutic practice, training and research

- All staff are active practitioners in counselling

- An annual Counselling Conference with internationally renowned keynote speakers and researchers in counselling

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/counsellingpsychology/

Course Aims

The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to support their work as professional person-centred/ humanistic counsellors. It aims to integrate students’ counselling skills practice with academic study at Masters Level and to facilitate student learning in the areas of psychology practice: counselling skills, counselling related theory and personal development.
The programme offers to students a thorough theoretical grounding in person-centred/humanistic counselling and an introduction to research methodology. The principles underpinning the programme are empowerment, holistic development, relationships and community.

Teaching & Assessment

With the exception of a multiple-choice questionnaire classroom test, all modules are assessed on the basis of coursework.

The pass mark for a module is 50%. The dissertation is a piece of independent research written up in 20,000 words. Masters students attaining exceptional performance (course average of at least 70% including 70%+ for the dissertation) may be awarded a distinction.

Additional Costs

- Students are required to attend a minimum of 20 hours of personal therapy to complete the course and payment for this is the responsibility of the students. An average cost for personal therapy is approximately £35 - £45 per hour.

- When completing the 100 hour placement requirement, students also have to undertake a minimum of 14 hours of supervision for which there may also be a charge. Again, an average cost for supervision is approximately £35 - £45 per hour.

- Parking is also an additional cost for students who wish to use their cars on campus. Details of student parking permits are sent out with the pre-enrolment information.

- Students are also expected to pay travel costs to and from their placements.

- Students should also be aware that possible additional costs may be incurred when attending the compulsory non-residential Conference weekend. Refreshments and lunches are provided for the students free of charge during the weekend but there will be an additional cost should students wish to attend the Saturday evening Conference dinner and also if wishing to book local accommodation.

Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/

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MSc in Counselling

This course aims to prepare you to take an active role as a member of the professional counselling/ psychotherapy community. This course explores a range of psychological approaches and therapeutic methods to provide holistic training in counselling. You will learn about the Humanistic approach and Person-Centred therapy, Psychodynamic approach and Psychoanalytic therapy, Behavioural approach and Behaviour therapy, and Cognitive approach and Cognitive therapy. You will also be introduced to several integrative approaches, such as CBT, REBT, and TA. In addition, you will take part in practical activities to develop your communication skills and help you to introduce the therapeutic techniques into your practice. This extensive curriculum will equip you to work with clients across various settings, and provide you with a toolkit of evidence-based techniques and relationship-focused methods. This course will also include a solid foundation in Psychology and Research, so that you will graduate with all of the skills needed to apply for doctorate level study or work in an empirically-based practice.

During the first year of the course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of psychology, counselling, research, and mental health through the following modules:

Research Skills (10 credit) Core and Compulsory
Therapeutic Process and Context (20 credit) Core and Compulsory
Communication Skills (10 credit) Core and Compulsory
Approaches and Therapies 1 (20 credit) Core and Compulsory
Research Methods and Statistics (10 credit) Core and Compulsory
Mental Health and Wellbeing (20 credit) Core and Compulsory
Counselling Skills (10 credit) Core and Compulsory
Approaches and Therapies 2 (20 credit) Core and Compulsory

During the second year of the course, you will have a unique opportunity to elect two modules from the wide range of options available in the School of Psychology. These options may include courses in Mindfulness, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Applied Behaviour Analysis. This additional specialised training will give you an extra advantage as a counselling graduate, and will further equip you with the skills needed to excel in your career.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Our MSc in Counselling will use a range of teaching methods to provide a challenging and engaging learning environment. You will attend lectures introducing the core theories, be supported through computer labs, watch video demonstrations of counselling in action, participate in workshops simulating counselling and supervision, debate important and controversial issues in the field, and receive regular one-to-one support from your personal tutor. Your assessments on the course will also be varied and diverse, and they will include essays, on-line quizzes, oral exams, presentations, and research reports. You will receive support and guidance for all of these assessments, as we work with you to ensure that every individual has an opportunity to excel.

Research Thesis

Our MSc in Counselling includes an empirical research project in the field of counselling. Our two-year course will provide you with enough time to develop your research skills, design a project, obtain ethical approval, run your study, and write up your research thesis. Research is an essential skill for a career in counselling, as more workplaces demand that their counsellors are able to empirically test their interventions and evidence their impact on clients. Our research training will help you to develop these skills and your research thesis will demonstrate that you are able to work as an empirically-based practitioner.

Counselling Placement

Our MSc in Counselling requires that you complete a core counselling placement of 150 supervised face-to-face counselling hours and 50 hours of work based practice. After learning the foundations of ethics, boundaries, and communication skills in the first semester, you will be expected to begin your placement at the start of the second semester in your first year. You will then need to complete all of your hours before graduating from the course in order to gain the MSc in Counselling. You will be provided with support and guidance in identifying a suitable placement, but the responsibility for obtaining a placement and completing all required hours remains with the student. You will also be responsible for ensuring that every month of practice is supported by at least 1.5 hours of supervision by an appropriate counselling supervisor (please be aware that you may need to pay for the services of a supervisor, if sufficient supervision is not provided within your placement). Supervised practice and work-based learning hours are a core requirement of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

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The MSc is a well-established route to a professional career in counselling in the addictions field. Accredited by the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) it meets the training needs for you to become accredited as an addiction counsellor.

You'll normally have a professional, employment or voluntary work interest in addiction but will not necessarily be a graduate. However, if you have an interest in the psychology of addiction and seeking a career in counselling, you'll have particular interest in this programme. Some work experience in health, community and social services settings is normally required, and it is expected that in the first year you'll seek experience in appropriate work settings related to addiction. In the second year students must have a counselling placement sufficient to provide 100 hours of supervised practice before entering the final year.

This course distinctively:

• Explores the psychological basis of generic and counselling strategies
• Equips you to assess psychological models of counselling approaches;
• Provides for a supervised professionally-oriented empirical research dissertation in the final (MSc) year

These professional aims are underpinned by a detailed study of the psychology of addiction embracing the main theories of the development of addictive behaviours; the principal approaches to counselling and treatment of addictive disorders; and training in research in the field of addictions.

Modules

All modules are assessed by coursework including essays, observational assessments and reports, professional logs, a case study and project proposals.

Year 1

Theoretical foundations of addiction and counselling psychology
Therapeutic counselling theory and practice
Professional practice in addiction counselling

Year 2

Advanced addiction psychology
Advanced theory and practice in therapeutic counselling
Research methods in professional practice

Year 3

Research project in addiction psychology/therapy

Placements

The course has developed close links with leading treatment providers, e.g. drug and alcohol teams in the public and charitable sectors, residential and day care treatment providers in the private sector, thereby facilitating the clinical placement of our students. This has also ensured that the course, whilst remaining intellectually stimulating and academically well informed, has a firm foundation in practical application. As a consequence our students are normally able to secure the required professional placements during the course and appropriate employment in addiction services operated by the public, private or independent sectors.

Employability

There is a rapidly increasing demand for addiction counsellors in health and social services and a variety of community settings. Students may apply to the Alcohol Research (UK) for financial support to cover the cost of fees. Employers are also frequently prepared to give financial support to those counsellors, nurses, social and community workers and others whose employment involves working with those who are experiencing problems associated with addiction.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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Why study at Roehampton

• The PsychD programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• You will be taught by a team of experienced practitioners and trainers, including leading international figures in the field.
• The programme offers a variety of opportunities to undertake clinical placements and research projects including at Roehampton’s bespoke therapeutic clinic. 
• The programme provides high levels of support for trainees’ clinical and research development and an emphasis on employability. 
• In the Research Excellence Framework 2014, the leading national assessment of quality, 100% of the research we submitted was rated “world leading” or “internationally excellent” for its impact.

Course summary

This programme provides professional training that leads to eligibility for registration as a counselling psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

This programme has recently been updated and re-validated to incorporate new BPS standards. It is at the leading edge of international developments in counselling psychology practice, research and theory; and brings together contemporary understandings from person-centred psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural models of therapy. There is a strong emphasis on your identity and employability as a practitioner psychologist, including skills in assessment and formulation, leadership, service evaluation, psychological testing, qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The course is based on a relational pluralistic philosophy that values diversity, and promotes individual empowerment and social change. This means that we respect and value a wide range of approaches to psychological intervention and research, view relationships as central to wellbeing, and seek to enable trainees to make a positive difference both at an individual and social level through their clinical and research work.

You will join a vibrant community of practitioners and researchers, who will help you achieve your goals, and enable you to make a valuable contribution to the field of counselling psychology. 

Content

In years one and two as a trainee, you will focus on gaining clinical experience working in person-centred and psychodynamic models of therapy respectively. In year three, you will have the option of gaining experience working in a cognitive-behavioural, integrative or pluralistic model. By the end of the programme, you will have completed a minimum requirement of 450 supervised client hours in a range of placement settings.

Starting in your second year, you will work towards the production of a doctoral portfolio to showcase and integrate your learning as a counselling psychologist, across both professional practice and research domains. The portfolio contains elements, such as research papers, that you will be encouraged to submit for publication, thus further enhancing your professional contribution and employability.

During your training, you will develop key transferable skills as a practitioner psychologist, in research, psychological testing, service evaluation, team working and leadership. Your development will be closely supported and monitored throughout the programme, using formative and summative assessment, involving clinical tutors and research supervisors.

The programme is affiliated to the Centre for Research in Social and Psychological Transformation (CREST). CREST carries out world-leading research into psychological therapies. You have the option of choosing an area of doctoral inquiry that is aligned with CREST research activities. CREST also has a dedicated therapy and research clinic located at the university. This provides unique opportunities for you to engage in cutting-edge research. You can also undertake practice placements within the clinic.

Modules

Here are examples of some the modules we currently offer:

• Professional Practice and Development
• Person-centred and Experiential Theory and Practice
• Inclusion Ethics and social Justice
• Assessment Formulation and Clinical Presentations
• Research in Counselling Psychology
• Advanced Practice and Resarch

Career options

As an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist you will be qualified to work in a range of settings, including the NHS, the voluntary sector and private practice. As well as providing psychotherapeutic interventions, your work may include providing clinical supervision, service management, teaching, research and consultancy. Click here to find out more about the scope of counselling psychology and about careers on the BPS website.

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Taught classes as well as counselling skills training, supervision and reflective practice modules emphasises the application of current psychological knowledge informed by empirical research in the work of the counselling psychologist. The students are facilitated to be aware of current research findings and to incorporate them into their clinical practice. In the first year the course offers academic and practical skills training in counselling psychology and related research. After the first few weeks of concentrated, full time coursework and personal development work, 2 full days per week are spent on placement and 2-3 days in classes. The D.Couns.Psych. offers a wide range of course approved placement options in community, health, mental health, education and private practice settings, as well as welcoming new student recommended sites, particularly for those students residing outside the greater Dublin area. At least 3 different placements are required during the 3 years of the course. The second year involves further training in counselling theories and practice, and students conduct a research dissertation related to counselling psychology, initiated during the summer before entering second year.

Personal development work, including individual therapy, is required throughout the 3 years. The third year includes small group supervision, reflective practice, and advanced counselling and psychotherapy theory and its application. However, the main focus will be on research. A research project resulting in the doctoral dissertation is carried throughout the three years. Courses are taught and supervision provided by both core staff and other practitioners from varied theoretical orientations. Humanistic theory underlies the course. Psychodynamic and systemic perspectives are also emphasised, and training in cognitive behavioural approaches is provided. Practical placements continue through the summer and always follow the placement site's calendar, not that of College. Guidelines for all aspects of the course are provided. All components of the course must be passed i.e., practical, academic; research, and personal development, as well as members of the Court of Examiners recommending the student as suitable to receiving the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology degree.

Graduates of this course are skilled to conduct mental health assessments and therapy with individuals, couples and groups across the lifespan. Typically, they start to specialise during their studies and further develop their skills after the course. They are employed by Health Service Executive, e.g. the National Counselling Service, Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service, Autism Services; Voluntary agencies, e.g. St. John of God's Services, Brothers of Charity Services, National Association for the Deaf; third level student counselling services; private practice; research settings; and multiple other locations.

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Counselling Psychology is embedded in the discipline of psychology and concerns itself with applied areas of psychological work, which overlap with the provinces of psychotherapy, clinical psychology, counselling and psychiatry. The Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is therefore designed to provide opportunities for professional and personal development as a Counselling Psychologist. This is achieved by facilitating the development of a flexible, reflective and critical approach to Counselling Psychology theory, research, and practice. The programme objective is to produce graduates with a solid grounding in the theory, research and clinical skills relevant to Counselling Psychology. The clinical focus of the training is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with core skills drawn also from Humanistic Therapy. In the third and fourth year of the training trainees will consider Psychodynamic approaches and will be introduced to Cognitive Analytic therapy (CAT). We aim to equip our trainees to meet the unique needs of their clients, they will be able to work while holding ideas in tension and embracing dilemmas within their therapeutic practice.

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This course is designed for people who work in a setting that involves offering help, support, or guidance to others. People working in education, the NHS, voluntary agencies, social services, government schemes or in the private sector will find the course provides invaluable skills and knowledge.

Course detail

The certificate in counselling gives you the chance to develop counselling skills, so it is useful for a wide range of roles and also a first step towards full qualification as a Professional Counsellor. UWE Bristol also provides a Diploma in Professional Studies Counselling, which you can apply for when you have completed this Certificate successfully. Alternatively, if you have an undergraduate Psychology degree (with Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society) you can go on to apply for our Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

We introduce counselling skills through student-centred and experiential learning techniques, with the opportunity to consider a wide variety of counselling-related subjects. For example, you will investigate different models of counselling and learn what it is like to be a client. You'll come to clearly understand client-counsellor contracts, develop self-awareness and learn when counselling is appropriate. You will also be trained in the safe and ethical use of counselling skills, and develop an awareness of its limitations.

Format

The course comprises several elements to help you develop your counselling skills, along with a firm background knowledge and understanding of its approaches, theories and disciplines:

• Peer support - You will pair up with a fellow student and meet weekly for peer support. This helps you develop self-awareness and listening skills.

• Introduction to counselling - This consists of training in basic listening skills, giving and receiving feedback, the use of different types of questions and how to 'challenge' appropriately in your work. We also focus on key issues relating to boundaries and ethical practice.

• Person-centered, Psychodynamic and Gestalt approaches to counselling - In the first unit of the course, we cover the person-centered approach to give you a solid foundation in the practice of counselling skills. The second unit covers either Psychodynamic or Gestalt counselling skills, to build an understanding of another significant approach in contemporary counselling.

• Group work - Sessions that involve focusing on the theory of group work and the processes of the group.

• Practical work - Spread throughout the course, this will include an opportunity to develop your counselling skills with feedback from tutors, as well as developing your assessment and self-assessment skills.

• Reading - You will be given a reading list which suggests key texts, and undertake other reading set by course tutors.

Careers / Further study

This qualification is invaluable to develop your counselling skills and enhance your career prospects if you're in existing employment in education, the NHS, voluntary agencies, social services, government schemes on in the private sector. It can also help those wishing to become professional counsellors to progress onto further study, and is a prerequisite to studying the Diploma level.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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Gain integrated clinical training and extensive professional development through GCU’s DPsych Counselling Psychology – the only programme of its kind in Scotland. Counselling psychology is a rapidly growing area of applied psychology, and a wide range of diverse settings are in need of highly skilled HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologists.

In this doctorate programme, you’ll expand your ability to work with complex client groups and contribute impactful research to the field of psychological health.

We draw on our relationships with active practitioners to give you a world-class and highly relevant education, with clinical training in both humanistic (person-centred) and cognitive-behavioural approaches. We take a holistic and comprehensive approach to instruction, and you’ll develop your skills in applied psychological theory and research as well as complete work in ongoing clinical placements.

Here, you’ll be a part of a thriving, open and diverse community with a shared investment in social responsibility and a commitment to the common good.

What you will study

DPsych covers Psychotherapeutic Competencies and Skills; Critical Enquiry in Counselling Psychology; Advanced Research Methods and Dissertation; and Personal and Professional Development in modules ranging from 15 to 60 credits.

To reach the award of D.Psych, you much achieve a total of 540 credits. Early exits points are available at PgCert in Psychological Counselling (60 credits); PgDip in Psychological Counselling (120 credits); and MSc in Psychological Counselling (180 Credits) levels.

Programme delivery

The D.Psych programme is delivered over three years full-time and up to 7 years part-time. Trimester attendance for teaching is over two days per week (Thursdays and Friday) full-time and one day per week, part-time. In subsequent years attendance is on Fridays only, supplemented by several intensive teaching weeks.

Placement experience of at least 450 hours of supervised clinical practice must be gained during the programme and placement practice is on-going year-round. Full-time students are expected to undertake placement activities over two days per week (outside the timetabled academic days), developing a range of related skills in addition to direct client work. Students are responsible for securing placements, although the programme provides considerable support and opportunities towards this.

Graduate prospects

On graduation, you will qualify for Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society and you are eligible to apply for HCPC registration.

Our graduates benefit from the growing demand for in-depth training and leadership abilities in the field of psychological therapy – and from GCU’s excellent academic reputation and world top 5% ranking. Our alumni work as registered counselling psychologists, making a positive impact in independent practice and academia, the NHS and in social care, organisational, educational and forensic settings.

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