Graduate Certificate Foundation in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Birkbeck, University of London

Programme overview

Our Graduate Certificate Foundation in Counselling and Psychotherapy has been designed to provide you with a pathway to full clinical training as a counsellor or psychotherapist. You will be able to demonstrate your readiness for academic study with an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. You will also need to be working in a related profession, such as social work, psychology, medicine/nursing, teaching or coaching, or have significant experience of direct work with people in an emotionally supportive role.

What you will study

You will be taught the significance of developmental life stages and the impact of these on the counselling relationship. You will also develop counselling skills in practical listening exercises and engage in a process of personal development through various experiential learning activities. Compulsory modules include Foundations of counselling and psychotherapy, Psychodynamic practice and psychosocial perspectives.

Career pathways

This course will enable you to make informed choices about whether counselling and psychotherapy training is right for you. On completion, you will be ready to apply to clinical training, including Birkbeck's MSc Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and MSc Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will be able to demonstrate your readiness for academic study with an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. You will also need to be working in a related profession, such as social work, psychology, medicine/nursing, teaching or coaching, or have significant experience of direct work with people in an emotionally supportive role. Applicants with a psychology undergraduate degree that included placement experience may also be considered. English language: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,025 a year (2027/28). Part-time home students; One year part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027 Source

International applicants: GBP 8,780 a year (2027/28). Part-time international students; One year part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027 Source

Intake: October 2027 | January 2028

Duration: One year part-time, on campus

Apply through the official page: https://www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/admissions/postgraduate/applications

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