Courses Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych)
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.
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.
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.
Years 1 & 2
Years 3
Year 4
Please note that teaching locations may be subject to change depending on cohort size and room availability.
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.
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).
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.
Head of Programme, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Year 2 Lead, Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer and Year 4 Lead, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer and Year 1 Lead, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Senior Lecturer, DCPsych
Please note: the next available starting point for new students will be September 2027
For full teaching dates for this programme, please see our Postgraduate (Research) Course Dates page
Please note that teaching dates may be subject to change
Academic eligibility requirements
Mental health experience
Applicants must have a minimum of either 6 months full time or 1 year part time in mental health, counselling, clinical or therapeutic work that includes some in-person face to face therapeutic contact. Online experience is also accepted, provided there is some in-person experience also.
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.
Counselling skills training
Successful completion of a qualification in counselling skills training (min 35 hours) such as a certificate or diploma level.
Counselling skills training must include practical skills experience such as role plays and must include at least one therapeutic model taught on the DCPsych (e.g. CBT, humanistic, psychodynamic). It also must be a live, taught course.
Examples of accepted courses:
Not accepted:
English language skills
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.
Right to live, work and study in the UK
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
2x references from an academic institution, 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
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
Click here for more information about additional course requirements
2026/2027 Fees:
2027/2028 Fees:
The 2027/28 fees apply to courses starting from September 2027.
Please note: Student Loan Information
Doctoral funding is managed by our validating partner, Middlesex University. This means that prospective students applying for the loan must search for the course with Middlesex University as the provider’s name.
The Student Loan Company (SLC) course code for your funding will vary depending on the intake you will be joining (September vs January), the mode of study you have chosen to follow (full-time vs part-time) and the number of years you intend to study.
Funding is confirmed when students have registered fully with Middlesex University, normally following their registration with Metanoia Institute.
|
Mode of Study |
SLC code |
Course Description |
Years of study |
Campus |
Intake |
|
part-time |
215802 |
DCPsych Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET) |
4 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
|
part-time |
215803 |
DCPsych Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET) |
4 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
|
|
|||||
|
part-time |
896728 |
DCPsych Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET) |
5 |
Hendon Campus |
January intake |
|
part-time |
896727 |
DCPsych Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET) |
5 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
|
|
|||||
|
full-time |
855753 |
Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET) (DPsych) |
4 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
|
full-time |
855754 |
Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET) (DPsych) |
4 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
|
|
|||||
|
full-time |
203108 |
Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET)(DPsych) |
3 |
Hendon Campus |
January intake |
|
full-time |
203107 |
Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (MET)(DPsych) |
3 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
|
|
|||||
|
part-time |
71683 |
DPsych Professional Studies [MET](DE) |
5 |
Hendon Campus |
January intake |
|
part-time |
71682 |
DPsych Professional Studies [MET](DE) |
5 |
Hendon Campus |
September intake |
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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