MSc Person-Centred Psychotherapy
This UKCP-accredited programme provides in-depth professional training in Person-Centred Psychotherapy, grounded in Carl Rogers’ theory of the necessary and sufficient conditions for psychological growth. Integrating classical Person-Centred foundations with contemporary developments in the field, the course supports students to develop reflective, reflexive, and relationally attuned psychotherapeutic practice.
The MSc enables students to engage deeply with the Person-Centred philosophy, which places authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. Through experiential learning and supported clinical practice, students cultivate the capacity to work therapeutically with clients from diverse backgrounds and experiences, with sensitivity to issues of power, identity, and culture.
Course philosophy
Rooted in Rogers’ six necessary and sufficient conditions, this course nurtures authenticity, relational presence, and belief in each individual’s inherent capacity for growth and change. It emphasises personal development and anti-oppressive practice, encouraging students to explore their own identities as practitioners and to reflect on how these intersect with clients’ lived experiences and social contexts.
Teaching and learning
Teaching takes place through weekend workshops that combine experiential learning, theory seminars, empathy labs, and skills development sessions. A key feature of the programme is the community encounter group, in which all students participate, fostering self-awareness, mutual understanding, and depth of relational engagement.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a range of methods, including multimedia portfolios, skills observations, written assignments, professional conversations, presentations, case studies, clinical supervision reports, and a final research project.
Clinical placement
Supervised clinical practice takes place over the duration of the programme, supported by personal therapy and ongoing clinical supervision. This practical experience is central to the integration of theory, self-awareness, and professional competence.
Career pathways
Graduates are eligible to register with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and practise professionally as Person-Centred Psychotherapists in private practice, healthcare, educational, or organisational settings.
Programme delivery
This is a part-time programme studied over three years, delivered through weekend study in a blended format combining in-person and online learning. 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: jens.bakewell@metanoia.ac.uk
Academic Coordinator: person-centredpsychotherapy@metanoia.ac.uk
Start Your Application for direct entry to 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: Person-Centred
- Duration: 3 years part time
- Start Dates: September 2026
- Teaching Institution: Metanoia Institute
- Awarding Institution: Middlesex University
- Accrediting Professional Body: UKCP
- Location: In-Person at Metanoia Institute
- Entry Requirements:
- Applicants are normally expected to have 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.
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).
