MA Counselling and Psychotherapy at University of East London

Programme overview

This long-established and hugely popular course is fully accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Students take an independent study approach, supported by individual academic supervision and online workshops on research methodology. We follow current research into what actually works in counselling and psychotherapy, which means we use an integrative approach, employing a variety of techniques to respond to the needs and preferences of individual clients.

Faculty: School of Childhood and Social Care | Department: Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026, January 2027 | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Our Counselling and Psychotherapy MA programme is all about helping you build both the knowledge and the hands-on skills you'll need to work effectively with clients. You'll start with "Self, Skills and Theory 1." This module helps you grasp the basics while understanding that real-world experience is key to applying what you learn. Modules include Self, Skills and Theory 1 (Mental Wealth), Self, Skills and Theory 2, Integration and Application 1, Integration and Application 2, Research Methods 1, Research Methods 2.

Career pathways

We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Please note that this course provides core counselling and therapeutic training, suitable for those who have relevant experience (as outlined below), but are not yet qualified practitioners already in some form of therapeutic practice or working therapeutically with a caseload of clients.; Bachelor's degree with minimum Second Class (2:2) or equivalent in any subject. Applicants must have relevant clinical experience and the ability for self-managed learning and have adequate opportunities to carry out formal client work.; Applicants must have appropriate personal qualities, including:; Self-awareness, maturity and stability; Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience; Capacity to cope with the emotional demands of the programme; Ability to cope with the intellectual and academic requirements Ability to form a helping relationship characterised by empathy, acceptance and genuineness; Ability to be self-critical and use both positive and negative feedback; Awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression; Awareness of issues of difference and equality; Ability to recog

Intake: September 2026, January 2027

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