Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych) 

A Joint Programme with Middlesex University 

Director of Studies (Programme Management): Dr Alan Priest  
Director of Studies (Research): Dr Julianna Challenor 

Applications for our next intake in October 2021 are scheduled to open in February/March 2021

Why this course? 

The Metanoia DCPsych is a joint programme offered in partnership with Middlesex University. It allows candidates to work towards the qualification of Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). On successful completion, candidates attain accreditation as fully qualified Chartered Counselling Psychologists and are eligible for immediate registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

Of note, this programme is the only Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology that also enables candidates to attain registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as an Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapist; in this respect, successful candidates are awarded the Metanoia Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and will also be eligible to apply for the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). This is one of many distinctive features of counselling psychologist training at Metanoia Institute.  

The programme consists of taught theory, practice and research modules over four-five years part-time. The course combines learning of psychological theory with significant personal development to facilitate mindful and relational practice. As a result of this rigorous training, the course will equip you to work in a broad range of settings, including the NHS, industry, third sector, private practice, academic and research roles, and many others. 

Content 

The training is rooted in relational models of Counselling Psychology practice. The programme incorporates relational psychodynamic models, humanistic and systemic perspectives, and 2^nd and 3^rd wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. You will also be introduced to expressive and creative therapies. In this way, the training equips you with the knowledge to develop your own personal integrative model based on these approaches. In addition, the programme is underpinned by practitioner-researcher philosophy and comprises an innovative design which seeks to integrate research and practice at doctoral level. Research training is included in and throughout, the programme.  

Course structure and delivery 

The course is offered over ten Friday-Sunday units in academic years 1 and 2, Friday & Saturday in year 3 and Friday in year 4 (see example timetable below). In addition to formal training time, students engage in practice-based learning in a variety of placements, 1-2 days per week over the duration of the programme. For this reason, we advise against candidates attempting to meet the requirements of this demanding programme whilst maintaining full-time employment. Structured training runs over four taught years, with a fifth year available, if required, for writing up the practitioner research project. Middlesex University requires all trainees to complete their training within two years following the end of the structured teaching. 

Entry requirements  

Application is open to psychology graduates (at least a 2:1 degree) who possess Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) as specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS) (either from undergraduate study or postgraduate conversion) and who believe they have the capabilities to make a significant contribution to practice based knowledge in the field of counselling psychology and psychotherapy. 

Application process  

Your application should include the following items: 

• Copies of all academic transcripts and certificates from undergraduate degree level and above 
• One academic reference 
• One professional reference, ideally relating to your counselling or practitioner experience, voluntary work or employment in a formal helping capacity 
• A personal statement  which details the following: Your reasons for wanting to become a Counselling Psychologist, why you are interested in studying at Metanoia, what work experiences you have had that will prepare you for working clinically with vulnerable people and evidence of academic experiences that enable you to undertake doctoral level studies  
• A short research proposal of up to 1500 words (following guidance available in the application process)  
• A copy of your CV 
• Evidence of Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) or Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) from the British Psychological Society (BPS) 
• A copy of your passport photograph (ID) page 
• If you are not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency (IELTS 7 minimum or equivalent) 

Applicants who satisfy the requirements above will be invited to an interview at the end of May/early June (to be confirmed subject to Covid 19 restrictions).  

There is a link at the bottom of the page which takes you to our online application portal. 

Outline of Timetable and Modules covered