Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych)

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Key Information

Field of Study

  • Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych)

Duration

  • 4 years part time

Start Date

  • 18/09/2026

Teaching Institution

  • Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution

  • Middlesex University

Accrediting Professional Body

  • British Psychological Society (BPS), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

Location

  • Middlesex University London, Hendon Campus. Please note this is dependant on capacity and a mixture of Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute venues may be used throughout the training.

The Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych) is a rigorous programme that combines professional training in counselling psychology with an advanced understanding and practice of psychotherapy. On qualifying, students are awarded a dual qualification as both UKCP registered psychotherapists and BPS/ HCPC registered counselling psychologists.

Rooted in humanistic, psychodynamic, and integrative approaches, the programme uniquely prepares students to work therapeutically across diverse client groups and settings, including the NHS, industry, third sector, private practice, academic and research roles, and many others.

This programme fosters critical self-reflection, clinical expertise, and the development of a unique therapeutic style. It places emphasis on understanding human behaviour within therapeutic relationships and broader social contexts and incorporates both verbal and non-verbal therapeutic modalities. Candidates engage with complex psychological phenomena, including trauma, attachment, and relational dynamics, supporting their growth as autonomous, reflective practitioners.

Course Philosophy

Our training is rooted in relational models of Counselling Psychology practice. The programme incorporates relational psychodynamic models, humanistic and systemic perspectives, and 2nd and 3rd wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. You will also be introduced to expressive and creative therapies. In this way, the training equips you with the knowledge to develop your own personal integrative model based on these approaches. In addition, the programme is underpinned by practitioner-researcher philosophy and comprises an innovative design which seeks to integrate research and practice at doctoral level. Research training is included in and throughout the programme.

Supporting Information

Teaching Methods

Teaching occurs through monthly intensive training weekends, where theoretical learning is enriched through small-group discussions and experiential exercises. Skills are practised through role-play and supervised clinical practice, with reflective group sessions encouraging self-awareness. Regular Group Process sessions are held to deepen personal insight and relational understanding.

Teaching Locations and Delivery Format

Years 1 & 2

  • Fridays: Online Teaching
  • Saturdays & Sundays: In person at Middlesex University, Hendon Campus

Years 3

  • Fridays: In person at Metanoia Institute, North Common Road Campus
  • Saturdays: In person at Middlesex University, Hendon Campus

Year 4

  • Fridays: In person at Metanoia Institute, North Common Road Campus

 

Please note that teaching locations may be subject to change depending on cohort size and room availability.

 

Clinical Placements, Personal Therapy, and Supervision

Clinical placements are arranged through the Metanoia Institute’s Placement Coordinator, including opportunities at Metanoia’s in-house counselling and psychotherapy services and NHS-affiliated sites. Clinical placements include at least 450 hours of supervised practice. Students must complete 160 hours of personal therapy throughout the programme, along with a minimum of 80 hours of clinical supervision. Mental Health Familiarisation, consisting of 140 hours, provides additional exposure to diverse clinical settings.

 

Validated by Middlesex University and Accredited by BPS, HCPC and UKCP

The programme is validated and quality assured by Middlesex University. This course is also accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

 

Alumni Path

Graduates may register as Counselling Psychologists with the HCPC and BPS, and as Psychotherapists with the UKCP, working across NHS, higher education, and private practice.

Key Contacts

Course Dates

Teaching Dates

Academic Year 2026/27 – Teaching Weekends

18, 19 & 20 September 2026
16, 17 & 18 October 2026
13, 14 & 15 November 2026
11, 12 & 13 December 2026

8, 9, & 10 January 2027
12, 13 & 14 February 2027
19, 20 & 21 March 2027
16, 17 & 18 April 2027
7, 8 & 9 May 2027
4, 5 & 6 June 2027

 

Upcoming Interview Dates for New Programme Candidates

We are currently conducting online interviews for candidates every Friday, except during teaching weekends. This process will continue until all available places are filled.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further details on how to schedule their interview.

Entry Requirements

  • A 2:1 (or higher) degree in psychology with a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS), or a BPS-accredited conversion qualification conferring GBC.
  • Applicants must have a minimum of one year experience – either full-time or part-time – in mental health, counselling, clinical, or therapeutic work that includes some face-to-face therapeutic contact. Experience can be paid or voluntary. Please note an applicant’s experience must go beyond befriending or mentoring. Experience outside of mental health will not be considered.
  • Qualification in counselling skills training (min 35 hours), such as a certificate or diploma level award (e.g., Metanoia’s Certificate in Therapeutic Skills and Studies or equivalent)
  • 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.
  • Applicants must have the right to live, work, and study in the UK at the time of application. Clinical placements must be undertaken within the UK, and supervisors must be registered with a UK-based professional body.
  • References x1 (from an academic, a relevant employment, or voluntary role)

Please note: The DCPsych programme attracts a large number of applications each year, making the selection process highly competitive. As a result, only the most suitable candidates will be offered a place. Decisions are made by both the admissions and programme team based on the evidence provided throughout the application process

Additional Course Requirements

Click here for more information about additional course requirements

Fees and Funding

2026/2027 Fees:

  • Year 1: £9,350
  • Year 2: £9,350
  • Year 3: £9,350
  • Year 4: £9,350
  • Continued writing up of research (Per semester): £2,350.
  • An additional fee of £975 would apply in the unlikely event of a resubmission being necessary for your doctoral research project and viva.

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: