Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DPsych)

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Key Information

Field of Study

  • Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DPsych)

Duration

  • 3-7 years

Start Date

  • 01/09/2026

Teaching Institution

  • Metanoia Institute

Awarding Institution

  • Middlesex University

Location

  • Online live learning

The Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DPsych) is a unique post-qualification training programme offered collaboratively by Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute. This programme is designed for accredited therapists, counsellors, and related professionals aiming to develop advanced research skills while deepening their practice. Delivered entirely online, the course allows students to conceptualise, design, carry out, and report original research related to their professional practice. Successful completion leads to the award of a DPsych, equivalent to a PhD, and provides a robust foundation for publication and further professional development.

Course Philosophy

The focus of the programme is on utilising students’ knowledge and experience as the starting point and ultimate motivation of their research. In other words, the student is given considerable latitude in arriving at a (doctoral-level) research question as long as it relates to their area of practice. The latter is interpreted broadly so that the student is constrained only by the quality of the proposed research and its viability.

One factor that makes this type of research both challenging and rewarding is reflexivity—the ability to develop or demonstrate awareness of one’s own motives, challenges, limitations and mistakes. While the ability to reflect is a critical quality in therapeutic practice, the programme’s explicit focus on reflexivity enables the student to approach it analytically and explicitly. This in turn results in a better understanding of one’s own impact on the research and therapy processes.

Course Modules

Year 1: Research Design and Methodology.

Years 2–4: Individual Research Supervision; Professional Inquiry Project; Viva Examination.

(Duration may vary depending on full-time or part-time route.)

Supporting Information

The programme includes a combination of lectures, seminars, research supervision, peer presentations, and workshops. Students will engage in reflexive practice and research projects, supported by individual and group supervision throughout their studies.

Alumni Path

Graduates contribute to research, supervision, and leadership in psychotherapy, education, and applied mental health fields.

Key Contacts

Dr Cristina Harnagea

Head of Programme

Email cristina.harnagea@metanoia.ac.uk
Cristina is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the BPS and HCPC registered Psychologist. She has worked in NHS, forensic and educational settings and is currently running a private practice in London. Cristina obtained her BSc in Psychology at the University of Westminster and her chartership and PhD at City University London. Before joining Metanoia Institute, she has been a Lecturer in Counselling Psychology at the University of East London, University of Surrey, Kingston University London, Regent’s University London and City University London. She has worked in all the roles associated with counselling psychology training, such as placement coordinator, research supervisor, personal tutor, research coordinator, and programme director and she has supervised and examined numerous doctoral theses. For a number of years, Cristina was a member of the Training Committee in Counselling Psychology (TCCP) of the BPS and has extensive experience in programme design, validation and accreditation processes. Research Interests: Interpersonal psychology, the dynamics of power and closeness in relating behaviour, relating styles, attachment, parental relating and emotional regulation, relating in different roles, social judgement, scale development/questionnaire design, quantitative and qualitative methods.

Entry Requirements

  • A first degree in psychotherapy, counselling, psychology, or a related discipline, with a minimum of a 2:1 classification.
  • Accreditation with either UKCP, BACP, BPS, etc., or international equivalent.
  • A provisional research proposal of approximately 2,000 words including an introduction to the problem to be researched, a brief literature review concluding with the gap in the literature, a tentative research question, a rationale for the value of the potential findings and implications for practice/services/policy, ideas about potential method/ology, and some relevant bibliographic references.
  • Applicants who meet the requirements will be invited to an interview with the Programme team. They will be expected to discuss their research experience and plans for the doctoral project.
  • We welcome expressions of interest from prospective doctoral candidates who demonstrate critical insight, social awareness, intellectual rigour, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
  • English Language Requirements:
    • English language proficiency for non-native speakers: IELTS minimum 7.0 (with no component below 6.5).
    • 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.

Fees and Funding

Annual Course Fees for 2026/2027 – Full Time

  •  £13,500 per year

Annual Course Fees for 2026/2027 – Part Time

  •  £7,350 per year

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.

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