The programme is designed to provide an education and training in an integrative approach to psychological counselling and therapy to a level appropriate for safe, ethical and effective practice. It also aims to provide the opportunity for students to enhance and extend further their professional and academic development to Master’s level.

Topics of study on the diploma include: theory and practice of psychological counselling and therapy, model of integration, alternative models (for example,  person centred, cognitive-behavioural mindfulness based cognitive therapy and gestalt); professional and clinical studies – including BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice; practical skills training; social context/multiculturalism; common client presenting problems; client work placement(s); clinical supervision; personal development – including the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and personal therapy.

Study in Year 3/MA year is based on clinical practice and an independent research project or dissertation.

• an integrative approach that enables students to develop their own synthesis within an integrative framework.
• a long and well established tradition of counsellor training at the university (the programme started in 1972).
• a BACP Accredited programme (one of the first in the country).
• a strong emphasis on the core qualities of counselling and practical skills training – including laboratory work in 6 interview rooms with video recording and playback equipment and full technician support.
• an emphasis on working in groups: counselling practicum, skills training, clinical supervision and peer support groups, and within the whole programme group, on interactive structured exercises and activities.
• a programme staff team with extensive clinical experience, (very) many years experience as trainers; who have written and published widely and who have or still do contribute to the work of BACP committees.
• in a School of Psychology with other staff with relevant expertise, library, book shop and canteen.
• a relatively small programme group of up to 25 students in Years/Modules 1 and 2 (PG Dip) and up to 20 students in Year/Module 3 (MA year)

• First degree or equivalent professional qualifications and/or experience that, in the opinion of the selectors, is indicative of the ability to achieve the standards of the programme.
• Adequate opportunities to carry out formal client work.
• Appropriate personal qualities, including empathy, warmth and genuiness; ability to reflect upon and make use of life experiences; capacity to cope with the emotional and intellectual demands of the programme; ability to be self critical and respond constructively to feedback; awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression; commitment to self-development.

NB Successful applicants usually have some previous counselling skills training, relevant experience of working with people and some experience of their own personal therapy.

Progression onto Year 3 (MA Year) requires satisfactory completion of the first two years of the programme (Postgraduate Diploma) OR for applicants who have not completed the UEL Postgraduate Diploma, to have successfully completed an equivalent BACP/UKCP/BPS accredited diploma elsewhere.

The diploma programme is two years, part-time – one afternoon and evening each week (either a Tuesday or Thursday), with one residential weekend and an away-day each year. It starts in September.

Year Three/Module 3 (MA) is over one calendar year, part-time evening (Monday) with a flexible pattern of attendance. It starts in February each year.

Year/Module One and Year/Module Two (diploma) include: Open Circle forum, workshops, lectures, clinical supervision groups, practicum groups, laboratory skills groups, client work placement, personal therapy, individual tutorials, self-directed private study and assessed written programme assignments.

Year/Module Three (MA) includes seminars, some workshops, peer academic support groups, but the emphasis is on self-directed and independent study/research. Also on-going client work and related clinical supervision. Each student will have their own academic supervisor.

Year/Module One (PG Cert)

• core skills practical assessment
• essay (psychology of transition/change)
• process report: session recording, transcript, analysis and evaluation
• group seminar presentation and individual paper (social context/multiculturalism)
• personal journal
• professional log (record and evaluation of client work, supervision, personal development and training).

All items must be passed to proceed to:

Year/Module Two (PG Dip)

• essay (Psychological Type)
• extended essay (counselling/therapy)
• practical video presentation and panel viva
• on-going professional log (including minimum 100 client hours)

All items must be passed to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma/proceed to

Year/Module Three (MA)

• research project/dissertation (c.14,000 words)

• The programme satisfies the educational and training requirements for BACP individual practitioner accreditation – increasingly the requirement for employment as a counsellor
• The diploma will enable students to apply for voluntary or sessional/part-time paid work and to continue to work towards BACP Accreditation/UKRC Registration.
• Year Three (MA year) contributes to required 'Continuing Professional Development' and supports students work towards BACP accreditation.

• Social context/multiculturalism group presentation (Module 1)
• Peer support groups (Module 1 and 2 - not assessed)
• Skills laboratory groups (Module 1 and 2 – formative assessment only)
• Research project/dissertation (Module 3)

• BACP accredited programme (Modules 1 and 2)
• Integrative model that enables students to develop their own personal synthesis.
• Provides regular weekly clinical supervision as integral part of the programme.
• Opportunity to continue academic and professional development to Master's degree level
• Module 3 (MA year) open to suitably qualified applicants from other institutions. This enriches the programme group.

Many students are already either working as counsellors/therapists or have counselling/therapy as a function of a wider professional role. Completing the programme often leads to career progression within their current employment. Other students use the diploma/MA to apply for voluntary placements to extend their experience/client hours required for accreditation and also for paid sessional or part-time work before applying for full-time jobs. Some students set-up their own private/independent practice and/or become trainers or supervisors.

• Offering academic tutorials/guidance as required for written assignments
• Through regular/weekly supervision groups to support clinical practice
• Through the programme's approach to writing a journal
• Individual personal counselling/therapy or equivalent activity.

• Established links with several local counselling agencies.
• Client work placement information and help with interview and CV preparation.
• Flexible entry to Module 3 (for MA). Students may complete Module one and two (for PGDip) and either continue into Module 3 or take a break of up to 3 years (providing they maintain some level of clinical practice/CPD).
• Applicants can either apply initially for the MA or PGDip and later decide to apply to apply to enter year 3 (towards MA) with 'Advanced Standing'.
• Year/Module 3 (MA) is open to students who have completed an equivalent diploma elsewhere