Programme summary for Postgraduate Diploma Psychosynthesis Counselling

About the programme

The Psychosynthesis and Education Trust, which runs this UEL-validated programme, is the oldest psychosynthesis centre in the UK .
The Post Graduate Diploma has been BACP accredited since 1989, and was the second programme to be accredited in the country.
The PG Dip leads on eventually to the MA in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy, which enables the student to be on the UKCP National Register of Psychotherapists subject to clinical experience.
Core staff are senior psychosynthesis tutors, as well as senior practitioners and supervisors in psychosynthesis therapy. In addition, leading experts in specialised fields such as Gestalt therapy, contribute to the programme.

Programme structure

The Postgraduate Diploma is a part-time, two year programme. The academic year runs from September to July, and is split into two semesters. Some intakes run February - January. There are two possible modes of attendance: Block format (long weekends only), or Inter-month format (shorter weekends plus regular mid-week evening attendance). Each format is subject to sufficient numbers.

Career opportunities

See above. Graduates of the Trust are fully-recognised as counsellors / psychotherapists within the UK, and work in many areas of the public sector, education and private practice.

Support

Each student has an individual pastoral Student Tutor for personal and individualised support with their academic work;
Students are also assigned to tutorial groups, where they will give and receive peer support.

On a practical level:

The Trust has its own library, and students are also provided with original reading material, and may purchase additional articles and resources;
Students have access to UEL’s Stratford Campus library, which houses the School of Psychology collection;
Books required for the programme are on sale from the Trust office, and can also be sent to students for a small fee;
There is a Common Room, equipped with a microwave etc, for the use of the students;
A Meditation room is available for students requiring a quiet space.

Admission

Admission to the programme requires the student:

normally to have had previous experience of counselling, or to demonstrate evidence of personal growth

to have a first degree, or equivalent
to have successfully completed the Introductory Year of Psychosynthesis Foundations or equivalent
to supply two referees who know them professionally/personally.

Applicants are assessed by the training staff who teach their Introductory Year programme, and may additionally be called to interview.