The course will provide an in-depth clinical training which integrates theory and best practice from a suitable range of psychotherapeutic and counselling approaches, framed distinctively by a holistic view of the self and human experience. The course will include a supervised clinical placement which requires a minimum of 100 hours of therapeutic client work during the masters programme, as well as a balance of teaching and learning in theory, professional knowledge and individual development.

Core Modules

Year One

• The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 1: Introduction to Theory
• The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 1: Introduction to Practice
• The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 1: Introduction to Individual Development

Year Two

• The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 2: Development of Theory, Practice and Individual Development
• Research in Professional Practice

Year Three

• The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 3: Integration of Theory, Practice and Individual Development
• Dissertation

Teaching

One evening each week (4.5 contact hours) plus one Saturday a month (6 hours). Learning is via a combination of formal lecture, seminar, practice development, experiential learning and personal development groups. There is also a requirement for 450 clinical practice hours in a community based placement setting (with 1 to 6 hours supervision requirements) plus a minimum of 35 hours a year personal therapy. Typical group size is around 15 students.

Assessment

There is a range of assessment used including case study, theory and reflective assignments, tutor and self-evaluation practice, research appraisal and a dissertation of 12-15,000 words. For the latter typically, you are asked to choose a topic of interest relevant to psychotherapy and counselling, which can form the basis of empirical research and have a positive impact on this professional field.

Skills from this degree

• Use a range of meaningful and effective integrative approaches to develop relational skills for application to therapeutic practice
• Address a broad range of client need including more complex and severe mental health difficulties
• Apply a high level of relevant academic and professional knowledge to a range of settings, which provide counselling, psychotherapy and mental health services
• Utilise personal development opportunities to enhance interpersonal skills
• Acquire research skills and knowledge which are relevant to the counselling and psychotherapy field, and which can inform and enhance evidence based practice

Minimum requirements BA/BSc (or equivalent) 2:i (Hons) in psychology, social sciences, arts-related subject; basic counselling skills training and evidence of experience, of forming and sustaining helping relationships (either employed or voluntary). (Where appropriate, applicants with significant relevant study and professional and personal development qualifications and experience which does not equate to 2.i level, will be considered on a case by case basis).
Demonstration of personal and practical readiness to train as a practising psychotherapist or psychotherapeutic counsellor.

English language requirements Band A
Overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 and component scores

Duration 3 years part-time (plus up to two years on a post-master's accreditation programme for registration as a psychotherapist or psychotheraapeutic counsellor)

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Additional Course Costs

This course may also include additional course costs.

Our approaches to therapy are geared to the current economic climate, graduates may have the opportunity to work within a range of sectors:

• NHS and community roles
• Work within the third sector/private sector - (GP Surgeries, Hospices, Survivors of Domestics Abuse or Substance).

On completion of the Masters and required hours via the UKCP either during the Masters programme or during the post-Masters Accreditation Programme, graduates can register as a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.