Course overview
Offering the opportunity to transform people’s lives through counselling
The MSc in Psychological Therapy provides a thorough grounding in the professional practice of counselling, building upon current principles of cognitive neuroscience. This foundation will allow students to acquire a coherent and effective basis to their practice, rooted in current evidence-based models. This includes the major strands of person centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy. The course focuses on developing reflective, self-aware, safe and competent counsellors who have a thorough understanding of the development of the person, group processes, and the development of the therapeutic relationship.
Career Prospects
- As well as offering accreditation by the National Counselling Society (subject to approval), the MSc in Psychological Therapy will provide you with a thorough grounding in this growing professional area of psychology
- It is also the first step in a sequence of awards that build towards full professional status as a Counselling Psychologist. Students may continue on the postgraduate diploma in professional practice to gain HCPC registration, and then complete the doctorate to achieve full British Psychological Society Chartered Status.
What makes this course unique?
- The flexible method of delivery makes the course more accessible and easier to fit around existing commitments such as current employment.
How do I apply?
Applications to the MSc Psychological Therapy course will open late November 2021 and are made via our online application system.
For general questions about entry requirements or to register your interest please use the contact form below.
Key Information
- Course title:
- MSc Psychological Therapy
- Qualification:
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration:
- 12 months FT / 24 months PT
- Study mode:
- Full Time / Part Time (September Entry)
- Accreditation:
- Seeking accreditation from the National Counselling Society
Course details
Course location
School of Rehabilitation, Sport and Psychology, Parkwood Campus.
What you will learn on the course
- You will develop an understanding of contemporary counselling theory, practice and challenges
- This course will enable you to become an evidence-based practitioner, and an active problem-solver providing the best psychological solutions to the challenges you encounter.
- You will also develop an in-depth understanding of the role of the counsellor and associated approaches to practice.
How this course is taught
The course will be delivered using a blended delivery approach, allowing students to participate from anywhere in the UK.
The course will start with a three-day residential period in Bournemouth. Attendance for these days is essential and will cover foundation clinical skills and allow students to get to know each other in a face-to-face setting. Following this there will be weekly online seminars, skills work, and personal development groups.
Students will need to have 15 sessions of therapy with a personal therapist who they can access in their area. The therapist needs to be approved and the therapy hours signed off.
Students will also need to find a suitable placement (approved by the course and meet health and safety criteria) which they can access in their area and begin placement hours in the first term. Trainees need to complete a total of 120 placement hours to achieve the award.
You will also need professional clinical supervision during the placement. This may be approved by the placement, but if not, you will need to make your own arrangements.
There will be further two-day teaching blocks each month through the academic year to allow students to further consolidate their skills.
Unit breakdown
- Professional and Ethical Issues
- Developing Core Skills
- Working with Common Presenting Issues
- Developing the Therapeutic Relationship
- Evidencing Professional Practice
- Research Methods
- Psychological Therapy Dissertation
Entry Requirements
For general questions about entry requirements or to register your interest please use the contact form below.
What qualifications do I need?
Minimum of a 2:2 in psychology or a related subject, or professional experience in the area of study.
If you’re not sure about anything listed here, talk to our Admissions team on the form below or call us on 01202 436200 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Is there anything else that is required?
To gain a place on the course applicants will be requested to attend an interview which may take place in person or remotely via Teams, you will be contacted beforehand to confirm.
International Students
Due to the blended delivery of this course we are unable to sponsor international students, but if you are here on a work visa or have previous international qualifications, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum standards of English. You'll need a minimum IELTS (academic) overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each section.
For further information on English language requirements, please see the dedicated English language requirements page. More information on permission to study in the UK, can be found here: Visas and immigration.
For more information about our admissions policies and procedures, including our Admissions Complaints and Appeals Policy, please click here.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? LET US ANSWER THEM IN OUR APPLICATION FAQS
Course Fees
Tuition Fees
UK/ROI/Channel Islands: £7,826
International: £14,908
Visit our student finance pages for more information on:
Note: For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). AECC University College is registered with the OfS. You can view the register here and search for our AECC University College.
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