Counselling

Psychotherapy & Counselling

MA

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  • Study: Part-time
  • Duration: 3 years

Overview

*Please note that as this is a part-time course, we are not able to sponsor students for a Student visa.*

MA Psychotherapy and Counselling forms a key part of the professional training route for anyone wishing to become a registered psychotherapist. 

This three-year, part-time course builds on your existing knowledge foundation to give you a deep understanding of psychotherapy and the work of historical and contemporary figures. You’ll revisit theoretical perspectives including existential, psychoanalytic, humanistic and integrative – and start to develop your own approach to psychotherapy and counselling. 

Personal and professional development is a cornerstone of this course. Throughout your training, you’ll be encouraged to further evaluate and reflect upon your own personal beliefs and prejudices to prevent them from influencing your clinical practice. You must also engage in weekly personal psychotherapy sessions with a UKCP-registered therapist. 

This training will prepare you for professional practice, enabling you to develop your own practical skills within a safe classroom environment. Working in groups in masterclasses and during approved clinical placements, you’ll learn to apply your theoretical knowledge and acquired skills under the supervision of experienced practitioners. 

Your education, your way

At the end of your second year, you'll choose the pathway to follow on the third year of your studies. You can specialise in integrative psychotherapy via the integrative pathway, or existential psychotherapy via the existential pathway, or you can undertake a significant piece of research in the field via the dissertation pathway.

Clinical placements

Clinical placements begin in your second year under the supervision of an experienced practitioner, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional context such as medical care, research agencies, charities, social services and private practice.

You must accrue at least 100 hours of clinical practice to complete the course on the dissertation pathway, and at least 200 hours to complete the other pathways. This will involve at least half a day of practice each week, both during and outside term time. Your course leaders and the University’s Careers, Industry & Enterprise team will advise you on finding a placement. 

In order to be eligible to apply for one of the professional bodies (BACP or UKCP) you’ll need to have accrued at least 450 supervised client hours. 

Accreditation and next steps

This course meets the accreditation criteria of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Upon successful completion, you'll be eligible to apply to one of our Postgraduate Certificate courses – in Existential or Integrative Psychotherapy – the final stage of your training for eligibility to apply to become a UKCP registered psychotherapist.

Download course specification

How to apply

Applying to Regent's is quick and easy. We accept direct applications year-round and there's no application fee. If you haven't received your exam results, you can still apply and we'll issue you with a conditional offer. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you're currently studying for.

Step 1: Apply

During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:

  • A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
  • Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies
  • A 500-700 word personal statement (view guidance)
  • If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency

Credit transfer

If you’ve already studied part of your degree elsewhere, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and join your new course at an advanced entry point. To apply for RPL, you'll need to state this clearly in your application and provide us with the certificates, transcripts and module descriptions for your previous course.

Step 2: Receive a response

You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days. We'll assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of our decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.

For some of our courses, the selection process may include an interview or audition. They can take the form of a one-to-one interview, a group interview or a portfolio review, which may be conducted by telephone or online. Arrangements of these are made between you and the Admissions department.

Step 3: Accept your offer

If you wish to accept your offer, you must pay your (non-refundable) advance tuition fee deposit. This will confirm your place. Here's how.

Step 4: Register 

Closer to the start of term, our Admissions team will send instructions regarding your registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment before you arrive, as well as a checklist of documents you'll need to bring with you to campus.

Scholarships and funding

There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies. For more information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.

 

Fees

Tuition fees: 

  • £10,200 per year for intakes starting in September 2023 and January 2024.
  • £13,000 per year for the intake starting in September 2024

Dissertation fee in Year 3: £3,000

Non-refundable advance deposit:

UK students: £1,000
International students: £4,000

Read more about tuition fees.

If you receive an offer for a course, you’ll receive a pro forma invoice. To accept your offer and secure your place, pay your deposit payment as soon as possible. The remaining portion of your first year’s tuition fees will be due when you enrol. At this time, you’ll receive your invoice for the full year. You can choose to pay for the year in full before the start of your first academic year or in three instalments, spread out across the academic year. The dates of these instalments will be determined by when your course starts.

What do fees include?

Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms. 

What other costs should I budget for?

You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of your course.

The library holds a limited number of copies of core textbooks and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own textbooks and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your course.

How you'll learn

At Regent's you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a supportive and nurturing environment with interactive classes, regular one-to-one contact with tutors, specialist facilities, industry opportunities and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to succeed.

We centre our teaching around your individual goals, identifying the support you need to thrive. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment, that brings all the nuances of psychotherapy to life in the classroom as you learn the most current approaches and gain the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to pursue a career in this life-changing field. 

Rather than promote a single approach, we teach a range of perspectives (covering existential, psychoanalytic, humanistic and integrative) via debates, simulations and placements – preparing you to make informed choices in your practice and meet the professional challenges of this rapidly-evolving field.

You’ll pair deep industry knowledge with hands-on experiences, taking part in a blend of learning formats to give your studies context: 

  • Seminars, lectures, tutorials 
  • Practical simulations and debates 
  • Professional clinical practice 
  • Training supervision 
  • Guest lectures and masterclasses 
  • Peer group participation 
  • Industry placements 
  • Independent individual therapy 

Content hours: during term time, you'll have at least six hours of contact time per week, taking place on a single day. In your second and third year, clinical work and placement supervision also require additional time – approximately half a day or more each week, both during and outside term time.

Teaching staff 

You'll be taught by academics who all practice professionally and are recognised for excellence in their fields. They frequently speak at international conferences, so you can feel confident that you’re being taught the most cutting-edge methodology and thinking, and practice a wide range of therapy approaches – ensuring you’ll study contrasting views in an open and constructively critical arena. 

You'll be allocated a personal tutor too, who'll meet you on a one-to-one basis at various stages throughout the year to support your personal and professional development.

We're really proud of the global nature of our courses, and our tutors also reflect this ethos – coming from a wide variety of countries and cultures across the world. In every way, you'll feel part of a global family.

Independent learning

Throughout the course, you'll be expected to undertake extra reading, research, revision and reflection, as well as preparing work for workshops, and working collaboratively with other students in preparation for assessment.

You'll be required to remain in once-weekly individual therapy with a UKCP member therapist throughout your training. You'll need to find your own therapist as this isn't something Regent's can provide, although we can assist with your search. Please note this isn't included within the course fee and prices vary.

Method of assessment

Your skills and knowledge will be assessed via academic essays, case study analysis, clinical portfolio, training supervision, process reports, reflections on skills practice and presentations. It's important to us that your learning and assessment is:

  • Inclusive – fostering a student-focused approach
  • Engaging – encouraging interaction and participation
  • Authentic – based on real business challenges

Disability support

We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns, including learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism conditions, mobility difficulties and temporary or chronic health conditions. 

Our Student Support & Welfare team is here to support you. We ask that you speak with us as early as possible to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us.

Entry requirements check

Academic requirements

*Please note that we're not able to sponsor students on this course for a Student visa.*

We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and review each application comprehensively on its own merit.

Minimum entry requirements for Level 7 – you'll need:

  • An undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
  • A minimum of six months’ relevant work experience
  • A letter of academic recommendation
  • A letter of recommendation in relation to your work experience
  • To have completed an introductory certificate in psychotherapy and counselling – a minimum of 120 hours
  • A professional CV that showcases a detailed description of each of your professional and voluntary positions, as well as your academic history

Or:

  • A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in a position of responsibility in a helping and supportive role
  • A letter of recommendation in relation to your work experience
  • A letter of academic recommendation
  • A professional CV that showcases a detailed description of each of your professional and voluntary positions, as well as your academic history

Experience of personal psychotherapy/counselling as a client is highly desirable, though not a mandatory requirement. You must also show you have the language skills, study skills and personal maturity to successfully complete this course. This is shown through a 500-700 word personal statement and an interview. During the interview, you'll be required to:

  • Engage in discussions and identify issues
  • Relate to, and engage well with, others 
  • Share personal materials and experiences
  • Reflect on personal learning experiences

English language requirements 

Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):

QualificationSubjectGrade
GSCE*EnglishB (6)
PTE AcademicAcademicOverall score of 67, with 59 or above in each component
IB SL or HL*English A4
IB HL*English B5
US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)*Cumulative GPA2.5
IELTS*AcademicOverall score of 7.0, with 6.0 or above in each component
UG degreeFrom English-speaking countries – defined by the UKVISecond class

Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.

*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.

We also offer conditional students a free, online diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This must be booked in advance. Discover more.

Careers

After completing the three-year taught programme, you may wish to progress onto the Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy or Postgraduate Certificate in Existential Psychotherapy, the final stage of the four-year training that leads to eligibility for UKCP registration.

We aim to educate students to become skilful and ethical professionals – able to think independently, critically and creatively, and undertake highly responsible jobs.

Employment opportunities are wide ranging, with our graduates pursuing careers in NHS hospitals, GP practices, universities, colleges and schools, counselling centres, agencies offering specialised counselling, and private practice. Some graduates continue in their existing careers, working as practitioners on a part time, private basis.

Achievement of MA will enable you to pursue research to MPhil/PhD level, or use the theoretical knowledge and communication skills in writing and/or teaching in the field.

Graduate visa

After you've completed your course, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa. This enables you to work, or look for work, in the UK for up to two years after you leave Regent's, without the pressure of having to secure a job immediately – applying your skills and advancing your career with valuable experiences and industry connections.

Careers support

Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – our Careers, Enterprise and Industry team are here to provide personalised advice and access to resources for life!

  • 24/7 access to online guidance and resources
  • Exclusive internships, networking opportunities and industry events
  • Personalised consultations – from interview and CV prep to business advice
  • Access to Handshake, connecting you with 650k+ global employers

Influential alumni

  • Dr Maria Luca – psychotherapist and lecturer with three internationally-recognised books

Structure

On this course, you'll attend classes one day a week. Lessons will be supplemented by personal study, clinical placement practice and supervision, and personal therapy – and the syllabus combines academic, research, clinical and experiential components. In line with the philosophy of the profession, we consider these to be interconnected and can't be taught in isolation.

Induction – students starting in September 2024

Wednesday cohort
Starting 18  September 2024
10:00 – 17:00

Thursday cohort
Starting 19  September 2024
10:00 – 17:00

Friday cohort
Starting 20 September 2024
10:00 – 17:00

The full 2024-25 academic calendar will be released here shortly.

Course structure

Year one

  • Academic seminars on theories of psychotherapy – psychoanalytic, existential, and humanistic/integrative approaches 
  • Training seminars on skills from various approaches, skills practice and evaluation 
  • Personal and professional development (PPD) groups 
  • Independent study (self-directed)
  • Personal therapy (minimum weekly)

Year two

  • Academic seminars on the three core approaches above
  • Clinical placement in an approved organisational setting to gather 100 supervised client contact hours (private practice is not accepted as a clinical placement in Year Two)
  • Training supervision linking academic learning with clinical work and placement supervision
  • Personal and professional development (PPD) groups 
  • Independent study (self-directed)
  • Personal therapy (minimum weekly)

Year three (taught pathways: Integrative psychotherapy or Existential psychotherapy)

  • Academic seminars on aspects of theory and practice  
  • Clinical placement in an approved organisational setting to gather an additional 100 supervised client contact hours (private practice is limited to a maximum of 20%) 
  • Training supervision linking academic learning with clinical work and placement supervision
  • Personal and professional development (PPD) groups 
  • Independent study (self-directed)
  • Personal therapy (minimum weekly)

For applicants considering the January intake: please note, before commencing your third year there will be a pause in studies and the course will recommence in September of the same year. This could result in a 9 month pause.

OR

Year three (dissertation pathway)

  • Five days of research methods seminars
  • Submission and ethics approval of research protocol 
  • Twenty-five hours of research supervision (representing total tutor engagement) 
  • Regular supervision meetings throughout the year – onsite or online
  • Submission of a research dissertation of 14,000 – 16,000 words


Additional information

Prior to the start of the course, students are required to attend the Programme Induction Day. This is an important event (which normally runs from 9am-4:30pm) where students register and are introduced to the university facilities, systems and staff. Students will meet teaching staff and decide on their presentations for the first term.

You'll receive at least six hours of direct tuition per week, all on one day, and will need additional time for independent study, research and essay preparation. Intakes include:

  • Winter – January
  • Autumn – September

Students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical practice during years two and three of the programme in an approved setting. This means meeting with a minimum of three adult clients at least once per week, which count towards the total of 450 hours needed for UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) membership.

MA Psychotherapy and Counselling

Year 1

Module Title
Humanistic and Integrative Approaches to Psychotherapy As part of the course rationale of allowing competing and diverse approaches to be considered, knowledge of theory and experience of practice in humanistic and integrative approaches is part of attaining competence in the complex and specialised profession of individual adult psychotherapy.
The aims of the module are to enable students to:
• Acquire knowledge of the origins and development of a range of humanistic and integrative approaches to psychotherapy, including experiential and transpersonal approaches, and gain understanding of the concepts that underpin these, taking into account the socio-political dimension
• Explore the divergent views on theory and practice which the various approaches to humanistic and integrative psychotherapy hold
• Examine how various approaches to humanistic and integrative theory and concepts may relate to technique and skills, placing this in the wider psychotherapeutic context;
• Practice the application of humanistic and integrative techniques and skills in the clinically simulated, controlled environment of the classroom
• Engage in insight-orientated learning regarding self and others through peer group participation
Psychoanalytic Approaches to Psychotherapy Knowledge of theory and experience of practice in psychoanalytic approaches to psychotherapy. The aim of the module is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of key psychoanalytic concepts.
The aims of the module are to enable each student to:
• Acquire knowledge of the origins and development of psychoanalytic theory, and gain understanding of the core psychoanalytic concepts that underpin theory
• Explore the divergent views on theory and practice within the psychoanalytic approaches
• Examine how various approaches to psychoanalytic theory and concepts may relate to techniques and skills, and to address the social context of the psychotherapeutic encounter
• Encourage students to reflect on the ethical, social and cultural dimension when practicing their skills in the controlled environment of the classroom
• Engage in insight-oriented learning regarding self and others through peer group participation
Existential-Phenomenological Approaches to Psychotherapy/Practice As part of the course rationale of allowing competing and diverse approaches to be considered, knowledge of the theories, and experience of practice in existential- phenomenological approaches are seen as part of attaining competence in the complex and specialised profession of individual adult existential psychotherapy.
Therefore, the aims of the module are to enable students to:
• Acquire knowledge of the philosophical underpinnings and development of existential-phenomenological approaches, and gain understanding of the core concepts that underpin this approach
• Explore the divergent views on theory and practice that existential approaches hold, as well as the controversies that result in relation to diagnostic systems and outcome measures
• Examine how various existential-phenomenological approaches understand techniques and skills, in relation to cultural expectations and psychotherapeutic context
• Practice therapeutic encounters from an existential-phenomenological approach, in the clinically simulated controlled environment of the classroom
• Engage in insight-orientated learning regarding self and others through peer group participation

Year 2

Module Title
Contemporary Developments in Psychotherapy – Practice The Module rationale is to provide an advanced knowledge and clinical experience of the practice of contemporary psychoanalytic, existential-phenomenological and humanistic and integrative psychotherapy approaches. This, combined with the clinical engagement and clinical / training supervision, constitutes a further stage of attaining the standard of proficiency needed in the process of becoming a competent and professionally qualified adult psychotherapist and counsellor.
The aims and objectives of the Module are to enable each student to:
• Further enhance knowledge and understanding of the practice of the psychoanalytic, existential – phenomenological and humanistic and integrative approaches
• Acquire clinical skills of working with clients ethically, professionally and competently in a professional setting, applying theories taught on the programme
• Examine case studies in their social context and demonstrate sensitivity in regard to issues of social similarity and difference such as race, culture, gender, class, sexuality, age and mental and physical ability
• Present for discussion and review by supervisor and peers, in training supervision groups, clinical material demonstrating experience of psychotherapeutic practice in clinical placement; participate actively in discussion and review of the clinical material of others
• Engage in advanced reflexive learning about self and others through experiential peer group participation
Contemporary Developments in Psychotherapy - Theory The Module rationale is to provide an advanced knowledge of the theory of contemporary psychoanalytic, existential-phenomenological and humanistic and integrative psychotherapy approaches. This constitutes a further stage of attaining the standard of proficiency needed in the process of becoming a competent and professionally qualified adult psychotherapist and counsellor.
The aims and objectives of the Module are to enable each student to:
• Further enhance knowledge and understanding of the psychoanalytic, existential – phenomenological and humanistic and integrative approaches.
• Acquire knowledge on the developments in theories and concepts of the contemporary psychoanalytic, existential-phenomenological and humanistic and integrative approaches and examine their impact on practice.
• Further enhance critical thinking through engagement with the contemporary psychotherapy theories and the key controversies and debates within, as well as between, the taught modalities.
• Explore and critically examine the value of theories and concepts in their contemporary social context and demonstrate sensitivity with regards to issues of social similarity and difference, such as race, culture, gender, class, sexuality, age, religion, and mental and physical ability.
• Engage in advanced reflexive learning about self and others through experiential peer group participation.

Year 3 – Existential Pathway

Module Title
Existential Psychotherapy: Practice and Reflexivity This module builds upon the learning acquired from Years 1 and 2 of the MAPC programme to focus on the development of the skills, qualities and attributes required in becoming a competent, ethical and humane existential psychotherapist. The aim to exhibit humility and discernment in all areas of professional practice.
You will begin to bridge the gap between existential philosophical ideas as intellect and the embodiment of philosophical enquiry as action and process. You will develop phenomenological practice as a fundamental method of existential psychotherapy by learning to incorporate phenomenology into your way of being. This will lead to looking afresh at yourself, others and the world. This module seeks to foster an open and enquiring attitude and to explore the power relations which are inherent and inevitable in the psychotherapeutic encounter. Practising and developing such a way of being requires, in all aspects of the course and in professional life, the courage to step-up to the challenge of recognising, remaining with and exploring emotional discomfort and to embody ‘fearless speech’.
Perspectives in Existential Psychotherapy - Theory This module builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the first two years of the programme through a deeper immersion into primary and secondary existential texts and to consider the position the existential psychotherapy occupies in the wider mental health field. Through close reading of texts coupled with ensuing dialogue within the group the aim is to deepen knowledge and understanding beyond the cognitive level and into a realm in which this very knowledge and understanding is incorporated into a different way of perceiving and making sense of phenomena. The aim is make a significant step in relation to clarifying your identity as a becoming existential psychotherapist through a recognition of your place within the mental health system which includes the NHS (IAPT and NICE guidelines), psychopathological categories as well as the place of professional bodies such as the UKCP.

The module comprises three subject areas, one for each term:
• Heidegger and Existential Psychotherapy
• Ethics, Language and Professional Practice
• Critical Psychopathology

Year 3 – Integrative Pathway

Module Title
Integrative Psychotherapy in Practice This module aims to build on the clinical and experiential training in years 1 and 2 of the MA. It aims to develop the skills, qualities and attributes required to become a competent, ethical and humane integrative psychotherapist. The module is composed of supervision, both training and clinical, which will continue to monitor the trainee’s clinical work with supervisor and peer feedback, and also an experiential personal and professional development group which will enable trainees to further the development of their emotional and relational maturity. The student will be required to be in a clinical placement and to have ongoing personal therapy for the duration of the course.
Perspectives in Integrative Psychotherapy – Theory The module aims to build on the foundations of the learning on the MA Years 1 and 2 in terms of a grounding in the basic approaches of psychodynamic, existential and humanistic therapy, and to help the trainee to follow a personal journey of becoming a professional integrative psychotherapist in the modern world.
This module will further widen the trainee’s knowledge and understanding, with a view to them being able to integrate different contemporary perspectives into their professional practice and equip them with the tools to practice integrative psychotherapy in the professional world of today. The trainee will not only learn about these perspectives in theory but also be able to embody them in their practice.

The module is composed of three subject areas designed to address all aspects of
working as a modern professional therapist, including setting up in private practice, working for institutions like the NHS, how to use research to inform practice, aspects of governmental directives for psychotherapy like IAPT and the NICE guidelines, the use of psychiatry and cognitive behavioural therapy as related to integrative psychotherapy, the role of UKCP and BACP and many others.
Those subject areas are:
• Professional Issues in Practice
• Critical Psychopathology
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Year 3 – Dissertation Pathway

Module Title
Research in Psychotherapy and Counselling There is a growing professional and economic imperative for psychotherapists to be aware of the debate about the efficacy of psychotherapy and what works and for whom. How can the practice of psychotherapy be researched, outcomes be measured and what is the importance of context and environment in such research. A research-oriented approach entails practitioners being critical and reflexive so that they can build theory, engage as practitioner researchers and ensure their practice is informed by research.
The aims of this module are to enable students to understand how to construct and determine a research project and write a Masters-level dissertation and explore the principal approaches to both quantitative and qualitative research, and acquire an appreciation of their relevance to psychotherapy and counselling.

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MA Psychotherapy & Counselling

Photo of MA Psychotherapy & Counselling student Farzana Numan
'This MA has exposed me to a wide range of approaches, which has enabled me to collect pearls of knowledge that enhance my personal development and take my clinical practice to a whole new level.' Farzana Numan, MA Psychotherapy & Counselling student
Sara Rourke
'This course provided me with a sound basis on which to form my identity as a therapist. It has an open, integrative attitude towards varying theory and techniques, which afforded me to develop my interests without becoming dogmatic about orientation'. Sara Rourke, MA Psychotherapy & Counselling alumna
Nishah Dennison
'This MA is unique in that you study two in-depth terms (classical & contemporary) of each modality – psychoanalytic, existential, humanistic-integrative – before specialising in your third year, entering the therapy world as a highly-favoured graduate'. Nishah Dennison, Course Leader, MA Psychotherapy & Counselling

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