Professional Doctorate Counselling Psychology

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need to evidence the following criteria:

• A 2.1 Honours degree in Psychology or equivalent.
• Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (GBC).
• Possession of a qualification in counselling skills to Level 3 certificate standard.
• 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time) in a paid or voluntary helping role, using counselling skills with clients on a face-to-face basis. Experience should normally have taken place within the last five years and would normally equate to 100 hours direct counselling work.
• Submission of a personal statement outlining the experience and skills you bring, and your reasons for pursuing further study in counselling psychology.
• Submission of a brief statement of interest outlining a research proposal, or idea for further development. Applicants are advised to browse our departmental research profiles when developing a proposal
• A good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent)
• 2 x reference(s) – 1x academic and 1x clinical supervisory.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check) completed by our university DBS team upon offer of a place.
• Demonstrate the following personal requirements in interview:

Self-awareness and psychological stability.

Ability to make use of and reflect on life experience.

Capacity to cope with emotional demands of the course.

Ability to cope with intellectual and academic requirements.

Ability to form a helping relationship.

Ability to critically reflect upon areas of bias and use both positive and negative feedback.

Some awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression of minority groups.Applicants who meet these criteria are shortlisted and then invited for admission interviews with the course team.

Selection Process

The selection process will incorporate two stages. Candidates successful at the first stage will progress to stage two.

Stage one: Candidates will be presented with a client case study on the day of interview; following a group discussion and role-play exercise, they will write a summary of their reflections upon the case.

Stage two: Candidates will attend a panel interview covering training and education, research experience, clinical and work experience, reflections on life experiences, and practical issues. Recognition of Prior Learning Applicants may apply for advance standing through the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure. In accordance with the professional body requirement, only credits gained from other BPS- and HCPC-approved counselling psychology programmes may be considered. Applications for RPL can be made following the acceptance of an offer on the course and are at the discretion of the university RPL panel independent of the programme team. Applicants shall not be awarded credit through RPL for any level 8 component of the course.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The field of counselling psychology is a fascinating area of study that offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Our Doctor of Counselling Psychology programme will allow you to experience our unique blend of teaching, applied learning, placement, and state-of-the-art facilities. This doctorate degree is a fully accredited training programme in counselling psychology. Our modern programme includes:

• a comprehensive learning experience with an expert team.
• state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• applied placement opportunities in a variety of clinical settings, with experienced supervisors.

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Counselling psychology brings a unique fusion of the science of psychology with the traditions of psychotherapy, enabling graduates to work in a variety of challenging professional settings.

Our counselling psychology doctorate is one of the longest-established training programmes in the United Kingdom, providing an exciting learning experience leading to professional recognition as a qualified counselling psychologist. It is a programme of personal and professional development designed to develop competencies in the assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment of complex mental health issues. You will gain expertise in applied psychotherapies, research, and professional practice.

Based on humanist values and emphasising the therapist-client relationship as central to mental health work, this doctorate offers an integrative framework for clinical, research, and reflective skills development. It offers an applied working knowledge of humanistic, cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic and systemic approaches. It supports the development of formulation-driven, integrated, and evidence-based ways of working, where trainees respond to the unique needs of each client they see. With this degree, you will receive a unique blend of academic psychology and practical counselling training.

Each year you will undertake a range of modules where you will learn from qualified experts in the field, who will teach you how to engage with clients and make a positive contribution to their welfare. You will engage in experiential learning throughout the programme, and develop a robust skill set that can be applied in any work situation.

Building on a programme history spanning two decades, this doctorate is committed to the development of ethical and reflective practitioners who work collaboratively with clients, as co-creators of the therapeutic experience. The vitality of the course comes from an experienced and supportive course team, passionate about empowerment in mental health.

Department specialisms

Each year you will undertake a range of modules where you will learn from qualified experts in the field, who will teach you how to engage with clients and make a positive contribution to their welfare. You will engage in experiential learning throughout the programme, and develop a robust skill set that can be applied in any work situation.

Information for international students

Overseas applicants must provide confirmation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) that their degree has been recognised as such and must also possess a recognised qualification in counselling at least to certificate level accredited by a professional body. Please also note that to be eligible to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration upon graduation candidates need a minimum of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent. Enhanced DBS clearance is needed prior to entry onto the course, which must be self-funded.

Fees and funding

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £27,265, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.

Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.

Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students

Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.

University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.