School of Psychology

Programme summary for Postgraduate Diploma/MA Counselling and Psychotherapy

About

• 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 15 students in Year/Module 3 (MA year)..

Structure

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

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.

Career

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.

Support

• By having the same personal tutor throughout the programme
• Organising peer support groups
• Offering academic tutorials/guidance if 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.

Admission

• 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.

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