MSc Integrative Psychotherapy: 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. 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.
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Key Information

Field of Study

  • MSc Integrative Psychotherapy: Humanistic Approach

Duration

  • 3 years part time

Start Date

  • 01/09/2026

Teaching Institution

  • Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution

  • Middlesex University

Accrediting Professional Body

  • UKCP

Location

  • Blended - in-Person at Metanoia Institute and online.

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.

Supporting Information

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.

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.

Alumni Path

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.

Key Contacts

Melissa Cliffe

Head of Programme, MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy: A Humanistic approach

Email melissa.cliffe@metanoia.ac.uk
Melissa Cliffe MA UKCP Head of Programme Melissa joined Metanoia in 2020 as a Primary Tutor and was appointed Head of Programme for the MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy: A Humanistic Approach in 2023. Originally qualifying as a Gestalt psychotherapist in 2008, Melissa’s clinical work has since developed within a broad Humanistic framework. Alongside programme leadership, Melissa is currently undertaking doctoral research exploring women’s experiences of attracting male sexual and romantic attention, and how Humanistic practitioners work with this material in the therapy room. This research reflects a long-standing interest in power, relational dynamics, and embodied experience. Over a diverse psychotherapy career, Melissa has worked across charities, Employee Assistance Providers, and training organisations, while maintaining a long-established private practice in East London. Additional work includes designing app-based mental health content, facilitating groups for midlife women, and supporting survivors of cultic abuse. A former spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), Melissa has contributed to national conversations on mental health, advocating ethical, inclusive, and compassionate practice.

Course Dates

Teaching Dates Academic Year 2026-2027

 

MSc 1 Revalidated Programme (Mondays)

Total teaching days: 24

21 & 28 September 2026
12 & 19 October 2026
2, 9, 23 & 30 November 2026
7 December 2026
4, 11, 18 & 25 January 2027
8 & 22 February 2027
1, 8, 15 & 22 March 2027
12, 19 & 26 April 2027
10 & 24 May 2027

 

MSc 2 Revalidated Programme (Mondays)

Total teaching days: 24

21 & 28 September 2026
12 & 19 October 2026
2, 9, 23 & 30 November 2026
7 December 2026
4, 11, 18 & 25 January 2027
8 & 22 February 2027
1, 8, 15 & 22 March 2027
12, 19 & 26 April 2027
10 & 24 May 2027

 

MSc 2 Legacy / Teach-out (Mondays)

Total teaching days: 20

21 & 28 September 2026
12 & 19 October 2026
2, 16, 23 & 30 November 2026
7 December 2026
4, 11 & 25 January 2027
8 & 22 February 2027
1, 15 & 22 March 2027
26 April 2027
10 & 24 May 2027

 

MSc 3 Legacy / Teach-out (Mondays)

Total teaching days: 8

21 September 2026
19 October 2026
23 November 2026
4 January 2027
1 February 2027
8 March 2027
12 & 19 April 2027

 

 

Non-teaching weeks

  • Half Term: 26 October 2026 and 15 February 2027
  • Winter Break: 14 December 2026 – 28 December 2026
  • Spring Break: 29 March 2027 – 5 April 2027
  • Bank Holidays: 3 May 2027 and 31 May 2027

 

All teaching dates remain subject to change

Entry Requirements

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 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.’

NB. The candidate must meet ALL of the criteria identified above otherwise we cannot support their entry onto the MSc and they will instead be welcome to apply to the UKCP Preparatory Year, provided they have a level 5 qualification (or higher) in any subject. 

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.

For more information about additional course requirements, click here:

Fees and Funding

Initial Fees

Annual MSc Course Fees for 2026/27

  • Year 1: £7,750
  • Year 2: £7,750
  • Year 3: £7,750

How to Apply

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: