Psychotherapy & Counselling MA

The MA Psychotherapy & Counselling will give you a broad knowledge of psychotherapy and the work of key historical and contemporary figures. Through a mix of academic work and practical experience you will gain knowledge and understanding of various approaches to psychotherapy. The programme will prepare you for psychotherapy practice by developing your skills in the safe environment of the classroom and by supporting your work whilst you are in clinical placement. 

You will be taught a range of theoretical perspectives, covering existential, psychoanalytic, humanistic and integrative approaches. You will be encouraged to discuss, give constructive feedback, and debate current issues in psychotherapy. 

The programme will help you develop your individual approach to psychotherapy and counselling, and reflect upon your personal beliefs and prejudices. You will learn to apply your theoretical knowledge and acquired skills in an approved clinical placement under the supervision of experienced practitioners. 

At the end of the second year you will 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.

For those choosing the dissertation pathway there are five days of research methods seminars designed to assist students to complete the dissertation in year three. We encourage our students to publish their work in academic books or journals.

You are required to remain in once-weekly individual psychotherapy with a UKCP registered therapist throughout your training. The Programme espouses a reflexive practitioner approach which, combined with the personal and professional reflection encouraged by the experiential group and personal therapy, promotes a strong professional identity. This enables students to work in a variety of settings such as medical care, research agencies, charities, social services, and private practice.

Upon successful completion of the taught MA Psychotherapy & Counselling, you will be eligible to apply for our postgraduate certificate programme in either integrative or existential psychotherapy, the final stage of your training for eligibility to apply to become a UKCP registered psychotherapist. 

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent), and have satisfactorily completed introductory certificate level (minimum 120 hours) training in psychotherapy and counselling. 

All applicants must give evidence of having the language and study skills necessary for successful completion of the Programme. This is evidenced by the submission of application materials including a personal statement of 700-1,000 words, and through the interview process. 

All applicants will have: 

• An honours degree from a British university (or equivalent), or a qualification deemed to be equivalent by the Head of Programmes. Applicants without an undergraduate degree are required to have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in a position of responsibility in a helping and supportive role 
• Successfully completed an introductory certificate course in psychotherapy/counselling of at least 120 hours involving theoretical, practical and experiential elements 
• A minimum of six months’ experience in a helping and supportive role within an appropriate people-oriented work setting 
• Demonstrated a capacity for independent study 
• Demonstrated personal maturity

English requirements

Level of English: We are keen on welcoming students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures; for those applicants for whom English is not a first language, we require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0. Applicants whose first language is English are required to show evidence of a minimum grade C in GCSE English or equivalent.

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.

Regent’s School of Psychotherapy & Psychology is an accredited organisational member of the UKCP and  the MA Psychotherapy & Counselling is UKCP accredited.

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.