Course description
It is an academically rigorous programme, whilst maintaining an equally strong commitment to personal and professional development. Postgraduate academic and professional training, research training and supervision are provided to the highest standard to ensure that graduates leave the programme competent in understanding and evaluating the work of others and with the capacity to plan, execute and write-up their own original research in counselling psychology.
Candidates are introduced to a broad range of models and approaches to counselling psychology and, throughout the programme, are provided with the opportunity to develop more advanced competencies through specialising in an approach chosen by the candidate. Experiential learning is integral to the programme and the varied assessment methods reflect this. Candidates undertake their own personal therapy and engage in counselling psychology practice placements under the supervision of accredited practitioners. Video, role-play and expert demonstrations are used extensively to aid in learning aimed at developing confidence and practitioner competence. Candidates work closely as a learning group, developing an understanding of themselves and their growing capacity to help others.
As part of the programme’s commitment to developing Practice Management Skills, candidates are taught how to manage issues such as confidentiality and leave the programme capable of engaging in the complex processes of ethical
Overview
The programme has a strong focus on both academic and professional components. These provide the opportunity for trainees to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical models relevant to counselling psychology; acquire and demonstrate competency in research skills and supervised counselling practice while fostering self-reflective and research skills. Students learn about counselling practice across a range of client populations and contexts. Knowledge and skill acquisition is built upon in subsequent years of the programme.
Because of the dual nature of the programme, a wide range of learning and teaching methods are used, including; lectures, group discussion, group work, role play, student presentations, supervised clinical practice, personal therapy and personal development activities. A variety of assessment is used, such as; role plays, learning logs, skills assessments, essays, Process Reports, Client Studies, examination, Critical Literature Review and DPsych portfolio.
The structure of the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is as follows:
Year 1 DPsych in Counselling Psychology*
Year 2 DPsych in Counselling Psychology
Year 3 DPsych in Counselling Psychology
*Trainees who choose to exit after successful completion of Year 1 of the programme will be awarded an MSc in Counselling Psychology or MSc Psychological Counselling (depending on eligibility for Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR)). Only successful completion of all three years of the programme, leads to the award of Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, and eligibility for Chartership with the British Psychological Society. Please note that trainees who do go on to complete the Professional Doctorate will not be awarded the MSc in Counselling Psychology.
YEAR 1
Year 1 of the programme is full-time with teaching one day per week. This year is open to both GBR and non-GBR candidates. Trainees who successfully complete this year, automatically progress to Year 2 of the programme, unless they choose to exit at this point.
This initial year of the programme aims to provide students with the opportunity to integrate psychological theory and existing research into their professional practice and encourages the development of self-understanding and awareness. Three main models of Counselling Psychology practice are taught (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Approaches and Psychodynamic Approaches), together with an exploration of practice across the lifespan and across the diverse range of client groups and contexts. Teaching in research design and analysis is also central to this year of the programme.
In addition to the taught components, trainees are also required to complete 100 hours of professional face-to-face client practice in their placements, clinical supervision, personal development, at least 15 hours of personal therapy and various pieces of coursework during the year, including a Critical Literature Review and Professional Practice Log.
Award
GBR students electing to exit the programme at this stage will be awarded the MSc in Counselling Psychology. Non-GBR students exiting at this stage will be awarded the non-accredited MSc in Psychological Counselling.
For information on the Professional Components of the programme, such as placements and personal therapy, please click here
YEAR 2 (GBR Trainees only)
Year 2 of the programme is full-time with teaching one day per week. This year is open to GBR candidates only. Trainees who successfully complete this year, automatically progress to Year 3 of the programme.
Years 2 of the Professional Doctorate aims to provide trainees with a programme of academic study and supervised practice that will lead to progression to the final year of the programme.
In order to develop advanced knowledge and practice skills, Year 2 of the programme includes Practice Skills Workshops, Specialist Group Supervision, Critical Approaches to Psychopathology, Working with Systems and Developing Research Skills.
During the second year, trainees are able to choose which model of counselling psychology they wish to develop further knowledge in (Cognitive, Humanistic or Dynamic) and attend the relevant specialist supervision sessions.
In addition to the taught components, trainees are also required to complete 150 hours of professional face to face client practice in their placements, clinical supervision, personal development, at least 15 hours of personal therapy and various pieces of coursework during the year.
Award
There is no award for completion of this year. Trainees who exit after Year 2 will be eligible for the award of MSc in Counselling Psychology, if they do not intend to return and complete their studies.
For information on the Professional Components of the programme, such as placements and personal therapy, please click here
YEAR 3 (GBR Trainees only)
Year 3 of the programme is full-time with teaching one day per week. This year is open to GBR candidates only. Trainees who successfully complete this year will be awarded the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
The focus of the third year of training is to equip graduates to fulfil the role of Chartered Counselling Psychologist.
Year 3 of the Programme includes modules to Develop Professional and Research Skills, Level A and B qualifications in psychometric test use, certified by the BPS, as well as Specialist Group Supervision relevant to advanced practice.
In addition to the taught components, trainees are also required to complete 200 hours of professional face to face client practice in their placements, clinical supervision, personal development, at least 10 hours of personal therapy and various pieces of coursework during the year, including their doctoral thesis.
Award
On successful completion of Year 3 of the Professional Doctorate, students are awarded a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and are eligible to register as Chartered Counselling Psychologists with the BPS.
Please be aware that there is a lot of information on these pages, so they may take a little while to load depending on your internet service.
Year 1 Modules
Year 1 of the programme is full-time with teaching one day per week. This year is open to both GBR and non-GBR candidates. Trainees who successfully complete this year, automatically progress to Year 2 of the programme, unless they choose to exit at this point.
Year 2 Modules
Year 2 of the programme is full-time with teaching one day per week. This year is open to GBR candidates only. Trainees who successfully complete this year, automatically progress to Year 3 of the programme.
Year 3 Modules
Year 3 of the programme is full-time with teaching one day per week. This year is open to GBR candidates only. Trainees who successfully complete this year will be awarded the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
