MSc Integrative Psychotherapy: a Humanistic approach
This UKCP-accredited postgraduate training integrates humanistic and integrative perspectives to prepare students for professional clinical practice as psychotherapists. The programme offers an immersive learning experience that combines rigorous academic study with experiential, reflective, and supervised clinical training.
Drawing from relational, experiential, and phenomenological traditions, the course supports students to develop their own integrative approach to psychotherapy, grounded in humanistic values and informed by contemporary practice. It focuses on developing the whole practitioner – intellectually, emotionally, and ethically – fostering a deep understanding of both self and client within the therapeutic relationship.
Course philosophy
The programme is founded on a humanistic philosophy that views the therapeutic relationship as a space for growth, change, and meaning-making. It integrates personal process with professional development, encouraging students to explore and refine their unique therapeutic presence and style while developing clinical competence and theoretical understanding.
Teaching and learning
Teaching is delivered through weekend blocks of experiential learning, theory seminars, and supervised clinical workshops. The blended format combines in-person training at Metanoia’s West London campus with structured online learning, ensuring accessibility and flexibility alongside immersive, practice-based engagement.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a variety of methods including multimedia portfolios, written assignments, presentations, case studies, professional conversations, skills observations, clinical supervision reports, and a final research project.
Clinical placement
Throughout the programme, students undertake a supervised clinical placement where they gain hands-on experience as developing practitioners. Reflective and supervisory support runs alongside clinical work to integrate theory, practice, and personal growth.
Career pathways
Graduates are eligible for registration as UKCP-accredited integrative psychotherapists and may progress into professional clinical roles within private practice, healthcare, or organisational settings. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic research or advanced psychotherapy training.
Programme delivery
This is a part-time programme studied over three years, delivered through a blended model combining weekend study, online learning, and in-person workshops. The intake begins each September.
Start Your Application
For most students, the fastest route into a clinical MSc is to complete Metanoia’s Integrative Humanistic Psychotherapy Studies (UKCP Preparatory Year). Taking this route still enables you to finish the full MSc within four years.
Direct entry to an MSc is only available to applicants who meet all the following requirements:
- The candidate has to have taken training or have experience equivalent to the Programme Learning Outcomes of our own UKCP Preparatory Year.
- The training has to have taken place in the last four academic years prior to commencing Metanoia study i.e. 2022-2023 or more recent.
- They need to have taken a minimum of 25 hours of personal therapy during the same period.
- They need to have an academic qualification at QAA Level 6 or higher (or be able to demonstrate being able to work academically at QAA Level 6)
- The candidate has to be able to secure a letter from a tutor at the training institution of their foundation study confirming they believe they are ready to begin placement. This is a separate document from their academic reference with their contact details stating who did the assessment, when the assessment took place, and within what training organisation this training and assessment take place. They therefore need to sign a proforma which states: 'I verify that, in my professional opinion, the candidate is ready to become a Psychotherapy trainee and begin practice placement.'
If you're unsure whether to apply for the UKCP Preparatory Year or directly to an MSc, please attend one of our open events or contact a member of our team.
Contact
Head of Programme: melissa.cliffe@metanoia.ac.uk
Academic Coordinator: humanisticdip-mscadmin@metanoia.ac.uk
Start Your Application for direct entry into year 1 of the MSc
At Metanoia, we are committed to empowering the next generation of professionals in counselling and psychotherapy. This programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills and achieve your career aspirations in a supportive learning environment.
Click the button below to begin your application:
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: Integrative Humanistic
- Duration: 3 years part time (Mondays)
- Start Dates: September 2026
- Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute
- Awarding Institution: Middlesex University
- Accrediting Professional Body: UKCP
- Entry Requirements:
- Applicants are normally expected to have successfully completed the Integrative Humanistic Psychotherapy Studies (UKCP preparatory year) or an equivalent qualification.
- 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. We also offer a supportive process to establish equivalencies in qualifications or experience (APL/APEL). If you do not easily meet our Level 6 Degree requirements, please contact us to discuss options.
- Location: Blended - in-Person at Metanoia Institute and online.
Fees
Initial Fees
- Optional Introductory Workshop (see our workshops calendar for availability and fees)
- Completion of the Integrative Humanistic Psychotherapy Studies (UKCP preparatory year) if required: £4,950
Annual MSc Course Fees for 2026/27
- Year 1: £7,750
- Year 2: £7,750
- Year 3: £7,750
Validated by Middlesex University and Accredited by UKCP (pending approval)
This programme is validated and quality assured by Middlesex University (pending approval) and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. This course is also accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) (pending approval).
