Psychotherapeutic Counselling MSc

Duration

3 Years

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Our Psychotherapeutic Counselling MSc will develop you into a reflexive counsellor who can work effectively with clients on a diverse range of issues.

The course aims to:

  • Provide students with an in-depth exploration in integrative counselling and its application to counselling and the mental health field.
  • Equip students with the conceptual understanding, skills and knowledge to assess critically research findings in the context of the developing discipline of counselling.
  • Encourage students to consider and critically reflect on ethical, legal and moral aspects of different approaches to counselling issues.
  • Facilitate a critically reflexive attitude around diversity and difference to develop awareness of the impact of cultural and family messages on development of self and self in relationship with others.
  • Equip students with the skills that will prepare them for employment as professional counsellors.
  • Develop students’ abilities so that they become competent and reflexive practitioners, able to work effectively and professionally with others,
  • Sustain a culture of research and learning, while encouraging students to question their previous assumptions and develop an open and enquiring attitude.
  • Enable students to develop their ability to carry out independent research at an advanced level and to incorporate this learning into written assignments, demonstrating self-direction and originality. 

 

The course aims to:

  • Provide students with an in-depth exploration in integrative counselling and its application to counselling and the mental health field.
  • Equip students with the conceptual understanding, skills and knowledge to assess critically research findings in the context of the developing discipline of counselling.
  • Encourage students to consider and critically reflect on ethical, legal and moral aspects of different approaches to counselling issues.
  • Facilitate a critically reflexive attitude around diversity and difference to develop awareness of the impact of cultural and family messages on development of self and self in relationship with others.
  • Equip students with the skills that will prepare them for employment as professional counsellors.
  • Develop students’ abilities so that they become competent and reflexive practitioners, able to work effectively and professionally with others,
  • Sustain a culture of research and learning, while encouraging students to question their previous assumptions and develop an open and enquiring attitude.
  • Enable students to develop their ability to carry out independent research at an advanced level and to incorporate this learning into written assignments, demonstrating self-direction and originality. 

 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Psychotherapeutic Counselling

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PgDip Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Course content

You’ll be taught five different counselling approaches:

  • Person-centred
  • Cognitive behavioural
  • Psychodynamic
  • Attachment
  • Systemic

You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on your own integrative approach as it develops over the course.

You’ll need to undertake a counselling placement of at least 100 hours and at least 20 hours of approved personal therapy.

You will attend a residential weekend at the start of the course which offers space to focus on personal development and group dynamics. We also host other compulsory events such as conferences and workshops.

The philosophy of the suite of counselling courses takes a holistic view of the person, incorporating aspects of phenomenological experience, emotional and thought processes, developmental aspects, and family context with an emphasis on social and cultural influences. The overall objective is to facilitate development of reflexive counsellors who value the significance of the therapeutic relationship, who can engage with flexibility in response to a diverse range of client issues and facilitate client change.

A unique aspect of the course is the offering of diversity groups designed to explore aspects of difference and diversity such as gender or privilege and the impact of this on the therapeutic relationship. We also offer ‘safer spaces’ groups to support students who are members of marginalised or minority groups.

For the MSc 3rd year, you will be assigned a supervisor with experience in the particular area or method of counselling research that you’re interested in.

As this course incorporates an element of online learning and skills practice, it is important that you have suitable technology, good internet connection, the technical ability to work online, and access to a private space to attend online taught sessions. This is also a crucial requirement for any remote client work undertaken as part of your practice learning. Consideration and understanding must be given to the BACP Online and Telephone Competence Framework Online and phone therapy (OPT) competence framework and user guide (bacp.co.uk)).

You’ll be taught five different counselling approaches:

  • Person-centred
  • Cognitive behavioural
  • Psychodynamic
  • Attachment
  • Systemic

You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on your own integrative approach as it develops over the course.

You’ll need to undertake a counselling placement of at least 100 hours and at least 20 hours of approved personal therapy.

You will attend a residential weekend at the start of the course which offers space to focus on personal development and group dynamics. We also host other compulsory events such as conferences and workshops.

The philosophy of the suite of counselling courses takes a holistic view of the person, incorporating aspects of phenomenological experience, emotional and thought processes, developmental aspects, and family context with an emphasis on social and cultural influences. The overall objective is to facilitate development of reflexive counsellors who value the significance of the therapeutic relationship, who can engage with flexibility in response to a diverse range of client issues and facilitate client change.

A unique aspect of the course is the offering of diversity groups designed to explore aspects of difference and diversity such as gender or privilege and the impact of this on the therapeutic relationship. We also offer ‘safer spaces’ groups to support students who are members of marginalised or minority groups.

For the MSc 3rd year, you will be assigned a supervisor with experience in the particular area or method of counselling research that you’re interested in.

As this course incorporates an element of online learning and skills practice, it is important that you have suitable technology, good internet connection, the technical ability to work online, and access to a private space to attend online taught sessions. This is also a crucial requirement for any remote client work undertaken as part of your practice learning. Consideration and understanding must be given to the BACP Online and Telephone Competence Framework Online and phone therapy (OPT) competence framework and user guide (bacp.co.uk)).

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

The Diploma is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Becoming A Counsellor 20 credits
Developing Your Integrative Counselling Approach 20 credits
Exploring Self In Relation To Other 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Counselling Research Project 40 credits
Counselling Research Proposal 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Becoming A Counsellor 20 credits
Developing Your Integrative Counselling Approach 20 credits
Exploring Self In Relation To Other 20 credits

Entry requirements

You must obtain a counselling placement involving a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice during the course.

Your emotional maturity and resilience will be assessed as part of the application and interview process.

Pg Dip

You must have a 2:2 Honours degree in Counselling / Psychology and Counselling, and a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent).

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you’ll need to have at least a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling.

MSc

You must have achieved at least a 2:2 Honours degree in Counselling / Psychology and Counselling. Applications are also welcomed from those with the required counselling qualifications.

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you’ll need to have at least a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling.

You should also have a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent).

 

University Certificate in Counselling

If you don’t meet the requirements to study at MSc/PgDip level, you may be interested in our University Certificate in Counselling, which is studied part-time over one year.

For students who are not equipped to begin Certificate-level study and have little or no counselling experience, a 10-week Introduction to Basic Skills in Counselling course is also available. Successful completion of the Introduction will enable you to apply to enrol on the Certificate.

You must obtain a counselling placement involving a minimum of 100 hours of supervised counselling practice during the course.

Your emotional maturity and resilience will be assessed as part of the application and interview process.

Pg Dip

You must have a 2:2 Honours degree in Counselling / Psychology and Counselling, and a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent).

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you’ll need to have at least a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling.

MSc

You must have achieved at least a 2:2 Honours degree in Counselling / Psychology and Counselling. Applications are also welcomed from those with the required counselling qualifications.

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you’ll need to have at least a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling.

You should also have a good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent).

 

University Certificate in Counselling

If you don’t meet the requirements to study at MSc/PgDip level, you may be interested in our University Certificate in Counselling, which is studied part-time over one year.

For students who are not equipped to begin Certificate-level study and have little or no counselling experience, a 10-week Introduction to Basic Skills in Counselling course is also available. Successful completion of the Introduction will enable you to apply to enrol on the Certificate.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Counselling Suite

The counselling suite contains four cubicles for practising counselling skills or conducting interviews with participants, and a base room for teaching and peer observation of counselling sessions. Read more

Find out more about our Counselling Suite. 

Careers

When you’ve completed the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc plus 450 client hours, you can apply to the BACP to become an accredited counsellor.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching includes formal lectures, small and large group work, triads, discussions, guided reading, video presentations, demonstrations and counselling sessions. During the training, you’ll take on the role of both counsellor and client, and explore your own reflexivity and self-awareness. In Year 2, with permission, there will be the opportunity to review audio recordings of actual practitioner-client sessions.

You’ll be required to critique an audio recording of a client on placement as part of the skills portfolio assessment. 

Teaching includes formal lectures, small and large group work, triads, discussions, guided reading, video presentations, demonstrations and counselling sessions. During the training, you’ll take on the role of both counsellor and client, and explore your own reflexivity and self-awareness. In Year 2, with permission, there will be the opportunity to review audio recordings of actual practitioner-client sessions.

You’ll be required to critique an audio recording of a client on placement as part of the skills portfolio assessment. 

Assessment

Among other activities, during Years 1 and 2 assessments include essays and presentations on ethics, theory, skills critiques and personal development activities. In Year 2 you’ll also be assessed on your critique of audio from an actual client session. In Year 3, you’ll be assessed on your research proposal and dissertation.

Among other activities, during Years 1 and 2 assessments include essays and presentations on ethics, theory, skills critiques and personal development activities. In Year 2 you’ll also be assessed on your critique of audio from an actual client session. In Year 3, you’ll be assessed on your research proposal and dissertation.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

You’ll receive constructive feedback on all work submitted for assessment. Feedback is intended to help you learn and develop, and you’re encouraged to discuss it with your personal tutor. You’ll be continually assessed on your skills during the triad sessions.

Feedback is normally provided within 20 working days following submission of work.

You’ll receive constructive feedback on all work submitted for assessment. Feedback is intended to help you learn and develop, and you’re encouraged to discuss it with your personal tutor. You’ll be continually assessed on your skills during the triad sessions.

Feedback is normally provided within 20 working days following submission of work.

Your overall workload will consist of independent learning and assessment activity, equating to a total study time of approximately three days per week, including placement, supervision and wider reading. You’ll have approximately 7.5 contact hours each week.

Your overall workload will consist of independent learning and assessment activity, equating to a total study time of approximately three days per week, including placement, supervision and wider reading. You’ll have approximately 7.5 contact hours each week.

Independent learning

When not attending sessions on campus or accessing Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment, you’ll be expected to complete research and reading in support of the topics you’ve been taught. You must also keep up-to-date with contemporary research and literature surrounding counselling.

When not attending sessions on campus or accessing Blackboard, our Virtual Learning Environment, you’ll be expected to complete research and reading in support of the topics you’ve been taught. You must also keep up-to-date with contemporary research and literature surrounding counselling.

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,260 per course £16,740 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £6,840 per course £11,160 per course

The expected study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totaling 60 credits in your first year of study and the other 120 credits, split equally over your second and third year of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will pay the same fee for each year of study. You will be invoiced for the modules that you register for each year, so if your study pattern is different from the expected pattern, you will pay more or less each year accordingly.

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Included in the fees:

The course hosts a weekend intensive dedicated to reflexive groups and workshops.

The course hosts a weekend intensive dedicated to reflexive groups and workshops.
Not included in the fees:

You’ll need to complete 30 hours of personal therapy, which can be done over the two years. On average, counsellors charge around £40 per hour, but this cost will vary. It’s your responsibility to arrange counselling supervision, with a requirement to have one hour every two weeks, working to a ratio of one hour of supervision to six hours of counselling. On average, supervisors charge £40 per hour. Once again, this cost can vary, with some supervisors offering a discount to students.

Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced DBS) check

On the first day of the course, you’ll need to complete an Enhanced DBS application form. You’ll be expected to cover the cost of the check.

You’ll need to complete 30 hours of personal therapy, which can be done over the two years. On average, counsellors charge around £40 per hour, but this cost will vary. It’s your responsibility to arrange counselling supervision, with a requirement to have one hour every two weeks, working to a ratio of one hour of supervision to six hours of counselling. On average, supervisors charge £40 per hour. Once again, this cost can vary, with some supervisors offering a discount to students.

Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced DBS) check

On the first day of the course, you’ll need to complete an Enhanced DBS application form. You’ll be expected to cover the cost of the check.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Part-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021