MA Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at Birkbeck, University of London

Programme overview

Our MA and Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy are offered in collaboration with Tavistock Relationships, a leading training and research centre in therapeutic and psycho-educational approaches to supporting couples.

Faculty: Birkbeck School of Counselling and Psychotherapy | Duration: Four years part-time, on campus | Study mode: part-time | Intake: October 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Through experiential learning and your own experience of personal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, you will develop an analytical understanding of self and other, and interpersonal dynamics. A diverse range of family structures are studied on this course, and we encourage an inclusive approach to couple relationships through reading, discussion groups and self-reflection. Compulsory modules include a 10,000-word qualifying paper/dissertation in Year 4 (60 credits)..

Career pathways

On successfully graduating from this Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy course, you can pursue the following career paths and opportunities: registration with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Tavistock Relationships and Birkbeck-run CPD courses for qualified clinicians, progressing your studies to PhD level at Birkbeck.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or an equivalent international qualification. Professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience are also taken into consideration positively and may be accepted in place of a degree. You will also need to have: a minimum of six months' voluntary or paid work experience in emotional and mental health wellbeing a Tavistock Relationships Foundation Certificate in Couple Counselling and Psychotherapy or an equivalent level (Foundation/BACP Stage 2) psychodynamic or psychoanalytic counselling skills training. It would be an advantage to have undergone previous psychotherapy, preferably psychodynamic or psychoanalytic psychotherapy. We will request a short assignment from applicants without our standard requirements. You will be expected to attend psychoanalytic psychotherapy once a week within two months of starting the course. English language: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,805 a year (2027/28). Part-time home students; Four years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027 Source

International applicants: GBP 13,170 a year (2027/28). Part-time international students; Four years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2027 Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: Four years part-time, on campus

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

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