Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych)
A Joint Programme with Middlesex University
Faculty Head: Dr Biljana van Rijn
Director of Studies: Dr Ariana Jordan
Please see the links on the left side of the page for further subcategories of information about the DCPsych programme.
Applications for the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych) programme are now closed.
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. 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. 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 2nd and 3rd 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.
Outline of Timetable and Modules covered
