Counselling and Psychotherapy

Buckinghamshire New University
Postgraduate MA/MSc Full-time 2 Years MedicineCounselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy

About this course

**BNU is your first step to creating a rewarding career where you’ll be making a difference in people’s lives every day. You can graduate with the confidence and experience to engage with people from all backgrounds across different settings.

On successful completion of this course, you’ll have gained the 100 supervised client contact hours required for individual membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).**

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? Mental health is an increasingly critical area of public health, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. Counselling and psychotherapy empower individuals, families, and communities to navigate life’s challenges and foster well-being. This subject combines the science of psychology with the art of human connection, offering a rewarding career path in helping others.

  • Clinical Placements: Gain 100+ hours of supervised client practice, fulfilling BACP accreditation requirements.

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access cutting-edge therapy simulation spaces and extensive library resources.

  • Expert Teaching Staff: Learn from experienced practitioners and researchers in counselling and psychotherapy.

  • Career-Focused Learning: The program integrates professional competencies, cultural competence, and research skills to prepare you for the workplace.

  • Supportive Community: Enjoy 1:1 mentorship, and personalised academic guidance.

    What facilities can I use? As a student of this course you will have access to our High Wycombe campus, as well as all the benefits that comes with being a student such as access to our student union. All of our activities, societies and events are free as part of the Big Deal.

    Some of the benefits of this course include:

  • Bespoke Psychotherapy Clinic for Psychotherapy Placement (on-Campus)

  • Therapy simulation suites for practising advanced communication techniques and therapeutic approaches

  • Dedicated library resources, including e-books, journals, and databases specific to mental health and psychotherapy

  • 1:1 mentoring from experienced academic staff and practicing professionals

  • Access to online learning platforms and support services such as "Ask a Librarian" and laptop loan schemes

    What will I study? Our Counselling and Psychotherapy degree offers a comprehensive blend of academic learning and practical training, preparing you to become a qualified and effective psychotherapist. Our course incorporates person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, and psychodynamic therapeutic frameworks as well as covering more specialised therapeutic approaches, equipping you with a versatile skill set to thrive in the counselling and psychotherapy profession.

    Counselling and Psychotherapy at BNU puts the focus on learning by experience, collaborative group work, and reflective practice, all underpinned by a commitment to BACP standards and the criteria for accreditation.

    How will I be taught and assessed? Practical sessions involving case studies, role-play, and therapy simulations. An individually designed set of mixed assessments will be used including:

  • professional conversations

  • written assignments

  • reflective journals

  • case studies

  • presentations

  • completion of a research dissertation

  • clinical assessment of placement hours supervised by experienced therapists

    What are my career prospects? Graduates are fully prepared for careers as professional counsellors and psychotherapists in various settings, including:

  • NHS and private mental health clinics

  • Educational institutions and community support organizations

  • Specialist roles in family therapy, addiction counselling, trauma-informed care

  • Opportunities for further academic research or teaching in the field

  • The BACP accreditation ensures graduates meet professional standards, significantly enhancing their employability and career advancement opportunities.

    • Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1172 Social services managers and directors
    3219 Health associate professionals
    2229 Therapy professionals
    1231 Health care practice managers
    3214 Complementary health associate professionals
    2224 Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists

    Related Courses

    Public Health

    Buckinghamshire New University

    BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 Years UG High Wycombe

    A-Levels

    BCC - CCD

    UCAS Points

    88 - 112 points

    Adult Nursing with Foundation Year

    Buckinghamshire New University

    BSc (Hons) Full-time including foundation year 4 Years UG High Wycombe

    UCAS Points

    48 - 88 points

    Avg. Salary

    £28,500

    Advanced 3D Animation

    Buckinghamshire New University

    MA Full-time 1 Year PG High Wycombe

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Master of Arts or Master of Science - MA/MSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    2 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    High Wycombe
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Medicine, Counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy

    Offered by

    Buckinghamshire New University

    High Wycombe

     View university profile
    Visit university website