MA Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (3 year) at University of Essex

Programme overview

The three-year part-time MA Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy is a professional training enabling graduates to qualify and practise as psychodynamic counsellors, eligible for membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. It comprises a year of Graduate Diploma study followed by two years of Masters study, including a supervised placement.

Department: Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies | Duration: 3 years (part-time) | Intake: October | Study mode: part-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers psychodynamic theory and skills (Psychodynamic Concepts, Personality Development, Psychodynamic Observation for Counsellors, the counselling relationship and techniques). Later years include Psychodynamic Theory and Practice 1 and 2, Applications of Research to Psychodynamic Practice, Professional Development 1 and 2, and a placement as trainee counsellor in a school, counselling organisation or support service.

Career pathways

Graduates are qualified counsellors who take up positions in agencies providing counselling to young people; others go on to further training in psychoanalysis, Jungian analysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy, or private practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:2 degree or international equivalent. Some relevant experience in a caring or supportive role is desirable, and experience of personal counselling or therapy is an asset. A personal statement is required. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including child and adult barred list check) and an Overseas Criminal Record Check where the applicant has lived outside the UK for 6 months or more in the last 5 years are required. An interview is required. Weekly personal therapy and supervision are course requirements (applicants find their own therapist; average £40-70 per session). International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in every component; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS score.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,656 a year. First-year Graduate Diploma tuition fee; the fee decreases to the Masters part-time fee for the final two years. Personal therapy and supervision are paid for separately. Source

International applicants: GBP 16,550 a year. First-year Graduate Diploma tuition fee; the fee decreases to the Masters part-time fee for the final two years. Personal therapy and supervision are paid for separately. Source

Intake: October

Duration: 3 years (part-time)

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