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MA - Master of Arts
University of Leeds
Part Time
SEP-25
36 months
Select a course option
MA - Master of Arts
University of Leeds
Part Time
SEP-25
36 months
Select a an exam type
The MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling is a British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited course. The programme offers a strong focus on high-quality research and clinical skills training. It provides an opportunity to critically and creatively evaluate current theory and practice issues.
Psychotherapeutic theory which prioritises the therapeutic relationship as the crucial factor will be critically examined and you will be encouraged to learn more about yourself in relationships, to develop your own approach to therapy based on your own values and beliefs (a values-based approach). You will be able to deliver psychological therapy across different socio-cultural contexts, considering the ethical and intersectional dimensions of your practice.
We teach a relational ‘not knowing’ approach to counselling and psychotherapy. This means that the focus is on the therapy relationship. It is consistent with the evidence base that the ‘common factors’ which describe aspects of the relationship are responsible for positive outcomes in therapy. The course also covers the philosophical foundations to relational intersubjective theories.
You will be equipped to work as a professional counsellor/psychotherapist and make independent clinical decisions in a variety of settings, including complex and unpredictable situations. You will learn to carry out specialist psychotherapeutic assessments, communicate and present complex and sensitive information and gain knowledge of adult safeguarding procedures.
You will engage in experiential learning activities to develop your self- and intersubjective awareness when becoming a relational practitioner. Many students bring a wealth of personal experience that helps them to reflect on a range of human issues.
Career opportunities
Since finishing the course, over 90% of our Psychotherapy and Counselling graduates believe what they are doing now fits their future aspirations (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Many of our graduates go on to combine counselling and psychotherapy with their existing professions, such as nursing or education. Some continue to work in a voluntary capacity to build sufficient supervised client hours to join the advanced category of individual BACP accreditation, while others set up in private practice.
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers within the region, many of whom are closely associated with the course as practice providers or supervisors.
Many of our graduates have gone on to hold positions of responsibility as counsellors or psychotherapists within the NHS and voluntary bodies, and some have returned to us to undertake PhD research or teaching.
A bachelor's degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject or other proof of your ability to study at Masters level. Proof of counselling skills. It’s essential that students have already completed a level 3 certificate in counselling skills or equivalent, so we can assume this level of practice and knowledge of the professional context of counselling. The level 3 course or equivalent should include 20-50 hours of practice with other students and tutor feedback. Two satisfactory references, one of which must normally be an academic reference. A level of maturity associated with personal reflection on a variety of adult and childhood experiences and developed interpersonal skills, to be assessed at interview.
Students living in
Domestic
£5,833 per year
Students from Domestic
UK: £17,500 (Total). Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Students from EU
This course is available to UK residents only.
Students from International
This course is available to UK residents only.
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