Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych)
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Course Overview
The Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych) is a rigorous programme that combines professional training in counselling psychology with an advanced understanding and practice of psychotherapy. On qualifying, students are awarded a dual qualification as both UKCP registered psychotherapists and BPS/ HCPC registered counselling psychologists. Rooted in humanistic, psychodynamic, and integrative approaches, the programme uniquely prepares students to work therapeutically across diverse
client groups and settings, including the NHS, industry, third sector, private practice, academic and research roles, and many others.
This programme fosters critical self-reflection, clinical expertise, and the development of a unique therapeutic style. It places emphasis on understanding human behaviour within therapeutic relationships and broader social contexts and incorporates both verbal and non-verbal therapeutic modalities. Candidates engage with complex psychological phenomena, including trauma, attachment, and relational dynamics, supporting their growth as autonomous, reflective practitioners. Read more about the course content here.
Admissions for the Autumn 2025 intake for this course have closed. Applications for 2026 will open in November 2025.
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Course Summary
- Duration: 4 years
- Training method: Part time (weekends)
- Start Dates: September 2025
- Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute
- Awarding Institution: Middlesex University
- Accrediting Professional Bodies: British Psychological Society (BPS), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- Entry Requirements:
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A 2:1 (or higher) degree in psychology with a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS), or a BPS-accredited conversion qualification conferring GBC.
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Applicants must have a minimum of one year experience - either full-time or part-time - in mental health, counselling, clinical, or therapeutic work that includes some face-to-face therapeutic contact. Experience can be paid or voluntary. Please note an applicant’s experience must go beyond befriending or mentoring. Experience outside of mental health will not be considered.
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Qualification in counselling skills training (min 35 hours), such as a certificate or diploma level award (e.g., Metanoia’s Certificate in Therapeutic Skills and Studies or equivalent)
- For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) is required unless you have a prior higher education qualification taught in English.
- Applicants must have the right to live, work, and study in the UK at the time of application. Clinical placements must be undertaken within the UK, and supervisors must be registered with a UK-based professional body.
- References x1 (from an academic, a relevant employment, or voluntary role)
Please note: The DCPsych programme attracts a large number of applications each year, making the selection process highly competitive. As a result, only the most suitable candidates will be offered a place. Decisions are made by both the admissions and programme team based on the evidence provided throughout the application process
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- Location: Middlesex University London, Hendon Campus. Please note this is dependant on capacity and a mixture of Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute venues may be used throughout the training.
Annual Course Fees
2025/2026 Fees:
- Year 1: £9,025
- Year 2: £9,025
- Year 3: £9,025
- Year 4: £9,025
- Continued writing up of research (Per semester): £2,125.
- An additional fee of £925 would apply in the unlikely event of a resubmission being necessary for your doctoral research project and viva.
2024/2025 Fees:
- Year 1: £8,750
- Year 2: £8,750
- Year 3: £8,750
- Year 4: £8,750
- Continued writing up of research (Per semester): £2,063
- An additional fee of £900 would apply in the unlikely event of a resubmission being necessary for your doctoral research project and viva.
Validated by Middlesex University and Accredited by BPS, HCPC and UKCP
The programme is validated and quality assured by Middlesex University. This course is also accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
