Interview Information for Counselling and Psychotherapy PGDip/MA

Interview information for applicants to the Counselling and Psychotherapy PGDip/MA course

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Interview information for applicants to the Counselling and Psychotherapy PGDip/MA course

Interview Information for Counselling and Psychotherapy PGDip/MA

Thank you for applying for the Postgraduate Diploma / MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London (UEL). 

Admission to the course is subject to passing two stages: 

  • An online individual interview via Microsoft Teams
  • An in-person group interview at UEL’s Stratford campus 

Please read the information below carefully. 

Due to the high level of competition for places, it may not be possible to reschedule interviews if you are unable to attend.

FAQs

What do I need to know before my interview?

To confirm or decline your attendance, or to request an alternative date, please log on to the Applicant Portal.

We may not be able to offer an alternative date. Please only request one if you are unable to attend on the date offered. This programme has limited places, and we recommend accepting the first available date where possible.

Interview format:

  • Individual interviews: held online
  • Group interviews: held in person at UEL’s Stratford campus

Where does my interview take place?

Your individual interview will take place online using Microsoft Teams.

After you confirm your interview time, your interviewer will email you a calendar invite. This will include the link to join the Teams meeting.

Before your interview: 

  • Download Microsoft Teams or plan to use your web browser
  • Check your device, settings, and Wi-Fi connection in advance
  • Make sure you are in the location you plan to use for the interview
  • If you experience any issues on the day, contact your interviewer using the email address or Microsoft Teams invitation.

Group interviews will then take place on Saturday 6 December 2025 at the School of Psychology on the Stratford University of East London campus.

Address: 

The University of East London
School of Psychology – Arthur Edwards Building
Stratford Campus
Water Lane
E15 4LZ

On arrival, report to the main entrance reception desk in the Conference and Computing Centre.

Directions to the University can be found on our  Finding Us page.

If you progress to the group interview stage, the admissions tutor will send you further instructions.

What do the interviews involve?

Individual interview:

Your individual interview will last for 25 minutes maximum.  You will be asked six questions designed to help you demonstrate your readiness for the course. 

These will explore: 

  • Your motivation for applying
  • Your relevant experience
  • Your current stage of personal and professional development 

The interview will be conducted by a member of the teaching team, who will also be available to answer brief questions.

Group interview:

If you pass the individual interview, you will be invited to attend an in-person group interview. This session will last up to two hours and will include: 

  • Group discussions on topics set by academic tutors on the day
  • An opportunity to hear from the Course Leader and teaching staff

Look at our website to learn more about this specific programme. You may also find it helpful to visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy website for information about counselling training and professional standards.

Who will be conducting the interview?

You will be interviewed by teaching staff from the programme.

How will I know if I have been successful in my application?

We will let applicants know if they are invited to the group interview day during the first two weeks of April. 

All candidates who attend an interview will be informed whether they have been offered a place on the course by the end of May 2025.

Special access or requirements

If you have any access or communication requirements for your visit, message us through the admissions portal as soon as you receive your email invitation.

We look forward to meeting you.

  • PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy

    This long-established, BACP-accredited and hugely popular course is designed to provide training in an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy.

  • MA Counselling and Psychotherapy

    If you have completed a BACP-accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy or equivalent, this top up masters is for you.