Since 1984, Metanoia Institute has offered training that brings together five leading psychotherapy traditions—Humanistic, Person-Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, and Integrative—within one shared professional environment.
This diversity enriches all our training programmes, including our Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught and Research programmes, as well as Post-Qualification pathways such as our MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, BSc One-Year Top Up, Clinical Supervision training, and PGCertHE.
We’re known for delivering relational, high-quality, part-time, university-validated and professionally accredited training in counselling, psychotherapy, counselling psychology, and related disciplines.
Explore Our Courses
Foundation
Embarking on a career in counselling and psychotherapy begins with a solid foundation in both theory and practical skills, and our Certificate in Therapeutic Skills and Studies at Metanoia Institute offers a flexible, accessible way to take that first step. You’ll be introduced to key therapeutic concepts while developing practical skills you can apply in real-life settings, whether you’re considering a future in counselling or already working in people-focused roles such as nursing, social work, youth work or teaching. Delivered online to fit around your existing commitments, the course is designed to help you build confidence, explore your interests, and start shaping your next steps in a way that works for you.
Undergraduate
At Metanoia Institute, we offer two undergraduate programmes designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and professional accreditation needed for a successful career in counselling and psychotherapy, giving you clear pathways depending on your experience and goals.
Our BSc (Hons) in Counselling, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and validated by Middlesex University, combines strong academic teaching with hands-on development and lets you choose between Integrative Humanistic Counselling or Person-Centred Counselling, so you can shape your training around your interests.
If you’re already in practice and want to take the next step, our BSc (Hons) in Reflective Therapeutic Practice (One Year Top-Up) offers a focused way to build on your existing skills, gain a full undergraduate degree, and deepen your clinical confidence through a blend of theory and real-world application, preparing you to work effectively across a range of therapeutic settings.
Postgraduate Taught
Metanoia Institute offers a range of UKCP-accredited psychotherapy programmes, designed to train you in different therapeutic approaches while helping you build the confidence and skills needed for real-world practice. You’ll combine academic learning with hands-on clinical experience, developing your self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively with clients. There’s also the option to study for an MSc alongside your psychotherapy qualification, giving you the same in-depth training with an additional academic award. Throughout your studies, you’ll gain a strong understanding of therapeutic relationships, the process of change, and your own personal development, preparing you to work across a wide range of professional settings.
Postgraduate Research
At Metanoia Institute, we offer advanced postgraduate research programmes designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in counselling psychology and psychotherapy, with clear pathways to senior practice, research, and leadership roles.
Our Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych) combines intensive professional training with a strong academic foundation, leading to dual accreditation as a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and a BPS/HCPC-registered counselling psychologist, making it ideal if you’re looking to expand both your clinical and professional scope.
For accredited therapists and related professionals who want to develop their research skills, our Doctor of Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DPsych) offers the opportunity to carry out original research while working towards a doctoral qualification equivalent to a PhD.
Across both programmes, you’ll integrate theory with real-world application, strengthening your expertise and preparing you to take the next step in clinical practice, research, or academia.
Post Qualification
Metanoia Institute offers a range of Post Qualification courses to help take your psychotherapy and counselling practice in a new direction. Our courses allow you to build upon your existing qualifications to equip you with the competence and confidence to begin a new vocation in the field.
Quality Assurance and Course Accreditations
The Metanoia Institute is known as an ‘alternative provider’ which means a provider of higher education in England not publicly funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
As an alternative provider, we have successfully applied for our courses to be designated for Student Loans and Disability Support Allowance. We are also in the process of applying for ‘degree-awarding powers’ and have been accepted for registration by the Office for Students.
Professional Bodies
All of the psychotherapy courses at the Metanoia Institute are accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and our counselling courses, by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
This means that these bodies have judged the course content, delivery and assessment to be of the highest professional standards. These bodies use external benchmarks and curricula (such as QAA criteria) to set their standards, and reassess each course every five years to ensure that the highest standards are maintained. For more information about Quality Assurance and Course Validation, click the button below:
FAQs
I want to become a counsellor or psychotherapist. Where should I start?
The right starting point depends on your qualifications, previous experience and the type of practitioner you want to become. If you are new to therapeutic training, a foundation or introductory course may be the best place to start. If you already have relevant training and experience, you may be eligible for one of our professional programmes or a direct-entry route.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
There is considerable overlap between counselling and psychotherapy. Both involve developing therapeutic skills, self-awareness and the ability to work safely with clients. Psychotherapy training is generally longer and involves substantial clinical practice, personal therapy and advanced theoretical study.
Can I train as a therapist if I am changing career?
Yes. Many students come to counselling and psychotherapy after careers in other fields. Previous professional and life experience can be valuable, although you will still need to meet the entry requirements for your chosen programme.
Is there an age limit for training?
No. Applicants are considered on their suitability for the programme and whether they meet the relevant entry requirements.
Do I need a psychology degree?
Not for most counselling or psychotherapy programmes. We welcome applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. For our Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych) programme, applicants are required to have a 2:1 degree in Psychology.
Do I need a degree?
This depends on the programme. Some post-graduate programmes require a particular academic level, while others may consider equivalent academic or professional experience. Undergraduate programmes do not require a degree.
I have no previous therapeutic training. What should I do?
A foundation or introductory counselling skills course is usually the best starting point. This allows you to develop core skills, experience therapeutic learning and explore which professional route is right for you.
Can I work while I study?
Many students continue working alongside their course. However, professional training involves more than teaching days. You should also allow time for private study and, where applicable, personal therapy, placement, supervision and assessment.
If you’re considering studying at Metanoia, we recommend that you take a look at our full FAQs page.
Get in touch with the admissions team
If you have any questions about your application, our admissions process, or are simply interested in training at Metanoia, you can contact our admissions team via email: admissions@metanoia.ac.uk