MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies (Top-Up)
Programmes > Postgraduate Taught > MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies (Top-Up)
This MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies Top-Up provides a progression route for practitioners who already hold Level 7 postgraduate credits but have not completed a full Master’s qualification. The programme enables experienced counsellors and psychotherapists to build on prior academic achievement and complete an MSc through further advanced study and research. It supports professional development, enhances academic credibility, and provides a pathway toward doctoral study or advanced professional roles.
Course Philosophy:
The programme recognises the diverse educational routes within counselling and psychotherapy. It values practitioner knowledge, lifelong learning, and the integration of clinical experience with academic research. The course enables practitioners to deepen their understanding of theory, research, and professional practice while developing advanced analytical and reflective skills.
Who is this programme for?
This MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies (Top-Up) is designed for qualified or trainee counselling and psychotherapy practitioners who have already completed substantial postgraduate study but have not yet obtained a full Master's degree.
The programme is intended for applicants who have normally achieved 120 Level 7 credits through a postgraduate diploma or equivalent qualification in counselling or psychotherapy and wish to convert this prior academic achievement into an MSc award through advanced research-based study.
This programme may be suitable for:
- graduates of postgraduate diploma programmes in counselling or psychotherapy who wish to obtain a full Master's qualification;
- practitioners who have completed substantial Level 7 study through recognised professional training;
- counsellors and psychotherapists wishing to strengthen their academic profile for career progression;
- practitioners intending to progress to doctoral study or other advanced academic or professional opportunities.
This programme is an academic top-up qualification. It does not provide an initial professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy and is not intended as an entry route into professional practice.
Modules:
The programme is designed as a research-focused top-up module enabling students to convert existing Level 7 credits into a full MSc award.
Teaching Methods:
Teaching emphasises independent research, academic supervision, and critical engagement with contemporary counselling and psychotherapy literature.
Assessment Methods:
Assessment typically involves research-based academic work demonstrating critical analysis, theoretical integration, and professional reflection.
Clinical / Placement Information:
Not applicable. The programme is designed for practitioners who already hold relevant professional training and clinical experience.
Career Pathways:
- Senior clinical roles in counselling and psychotherapy services
- Leadership or supervisory positions
- Teaching roles within counselling and psychotherapy training
- Research-informed practice roles
- Doctoral study (e.g. PhD or Professional Doctorate such as DPsych)
Training Options:
The MSc Top-Up enables practitioners who already hold Level 7 credits to complete a full Master’s qualification through additional research-focused study.
Additional Notes:
The programme supports practitioners who have completed postgraduate training through professional diplomas, CPD modules, or partial MSc study.
As some learning will take place online, students will also need access to a laptop (or equivalent device), internet, and a quiet, private space in order to participate in the live, online learning components of the programme.
Head of Programme: Dr John Hills
john.hills@metanoia.ac.uk
For more information about Postgraduate Taught study at Metanoia, click here to view our Postgraduate prospectus
Please note this course is no longer accepting applications for 2026. We will re-open admissions for entry in 2027 later this year.
If you have previously trained with us please use your student portal log in details.
For more information about the application process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Course Summary
- Field of Study: Research and career development
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Start Dates: September 2026
- Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute
- Awarding Institution: Middlesex University (subject to validation)
- Location: Hybrid
- Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must normally hold Level 7 credits in counselling or psychotherapy (typically 120 credits from a postgraduate diploma or equivalent). Prior professional training or postgraduate modules may also be considered through recognition of prior learning.
- 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 they have a prior higher education qualification taught in English.
Fees
Course Fees: £7,750 per year