DCounsPsych Counselling Psychology Doctorate

Course overview

This programme delivers professional academic education combined with experiential training to produce graduates who are competent in delivering evidence-based psychological therapy.

The programme emphasizes a reflective practitioner approach, allowing the integration of psychological theory, skills and research alongside a highly developed capacity for self-reflection and awareness. The core theoretical philosophy of the doctorate is that of an integrative/relational stance - recognizing the primacy of the therapeutic relationship. As such, the course is an integrated programme of study, utilizing critical appraisal of psychological theory, practice and research.

Professional accreditation

The doctorate is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK, and graduates are eligible to apply for HCPC registration. It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practise using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 (for example counselling psychologist) is on the HCPC register.

How you learn:

Teaching and learning includes lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, case discussion groups, skills coaching sessions, supervised practice and personal development sessions.

The combination of learning and teaching methods encourages self-directed, trainee-led enquiry. The emphasis is on integrating theoretical knowledge and research with clinically relevant practice experiences on placement. Placements are offered in the third sector and in regional NHS services. You are supported to obtain suitable placements.

In addition to the standard forms of learning, you are expected to learn through experiential models as a result of receiving clinical and research-based supervision.

How you are assessed:

A variety of assessment methods is utilised throughout the programme to emphasise the broad range of skills being assessed. Assessment methods include an unseen ethics examination, critical review essays, case studies, process reports, research proposals, a thesis, oral presentation, written evaluations, supervisory reports, case work, client logs, evidence files and practical workbooks. It is expected that by using a variety of methods aimed at assessing academic and research skills alongside practical clinical skills, you are given every opportunity to demonstrate your skills.

Career opportunities

Counselling psychologists work across a diversity of health and social care environments (for example within the NHS, outpatient and inpatient units, community organisations, educational institutions, forensic settings), and in independent practice.