MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip) (BACP Accredited)
Why choose this course?
- This course is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), so you can be sure it's relevant and recognised throughout the profession.
- It will help you to further your career and become a BACP accredited autonomous counselling practitioner.
- You'll integrate theory with practice during the course, so you'll develop both your skills and knowledge to enable you to continue your professional development.
Fact file
Start date: If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in: September 2012 If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in: September 2012
Course length: This course starts in September and you can study it for two years full time or up to six years part time. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to complete in two years full time at the discretion of the programme leader.
Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus
This course is available to international students
About this course
This course will enhance your personal and professional development by:
- increasing your theoretical understanding;
- enhancing your clinical skills;
- increasing your awareness to become a 'reflective practitioner';
- deepening your personal insight.
You'll be encouraged to:
- develop your understanding of the theoretical, social, cultural and ideological contexts in which your clients perceive, confront and manage problems;
- engage in in-depth consideration and analysis of major trends and orientations within integrative therapeutic work;
- adopt an informed and critical approach to the professionalisation of psychotherapeutics with particular reference to ethical issues;
- identify and use appropriate sources of supervision within counselling practice;
- develop skills in working from an integrative position with your clients;
- carry out a piece of research related to the theory and practice of integrative counselling practice (Master's stage).
What you will cover
What you’ll study
This course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.
Postgraduate Certificate
You’ll study these modules:
- Integrating Psychotherapeutic Theory and Practice (20 credits)
- Current Developments in Integrative Practice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
You’ll study these modules:
- Research Methods, Ethics and Law in Psychotherapeutic Practice (20 credits)
- Professional Integrative Practice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice 2 (20 credits)
MSc
You’ll study this module:
Independent Scholarship (60 credits)
During this triple module you’ll have the opportunity to investigate in detail a chosen area of practice relevant to your profession. You will attend group tutorials one morning each month throughout the academic year.
Entry requirements
- You'll usually need an undergraduate degree and a minor qualification in counselling or counselling skills.
- You'll also need to be committed to therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy as a career and will normally be working as a counsellor or psychotherapist in some capacity.
- For students whose first language is not English, you'll need to sit the IELTS test and score within band seven for both written and speaking English or TOEFL/Pearson equivalent.
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required at the point of accepting a place at the University. The Disclosure and Barring Service was established when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in 2012 and will now provide the criminal records checking service for this programme.
How to apply
Fees and finance
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- £755 per module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
How you will learn
How you'll learn
The teaching and learning strategies will vary depending on the subject module. Over the course, you'll learn in many ways including:
- experiential exercises
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- small group work
- supported self study
- skills practice exercises
- debates and discussions
- problem based learning
How you're assessed
Some practical assessments, written assignments and the final dissertation at the Master's stage.
Careers and employability
Past graduates have been employed in a wide variety of counselling settings such as general practice, health and social services, the police, accident and emergency services, HR, education, voluntary organisations and private practice.
What our students say
"Studying for the MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy has been very stimulating and I have gained a good theoretical base in order to develop my practical skills. In addition, I have appreciated the support and encouragement shown by the academic staff."
Kathryn Pierrepoint, current student.
Deborah has been a registered nurse for 24 years at the Royal Derby Hospital and set up the charity 'Perinatal Illness UK' 9 years a go with Fern Briton as a patron. Her charity has supported and advised around 250,000 women since it was launched in 2003.
"Pregnant women and new mothers may suffer from distressing psychological or emotional conditions as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, a baby's illness or a difficult birth. Sometimes these problems can then repeat themselves in later pregnancies".
Deborah Morgan, recent graduate
To find out more, read Deborah's story here.
