If you have previously studied at Higher Education level, or you have acquired relevant and equivalent learning through, for example, involvement in employment, community activities, or volunteering, you may be able to transfer some of this learning towards the courses that we offer at Metanoia Institute.
If you feel that you have appropriate prior and experiential learning and you wish to enrol of any of our courses, you may – in consultation with the Programme Leader of that course – complete a transfer of learning process. This may mean you can bypass at least one year of the taught training programme.
Please note: no more than 50% of the taught part of a training programme can be completed in this way.
You will need to demonstrate and provide evidence that you have completed all of the learning outcomes for the year of training that you wish to bypass in order to be considered for a transfer of learning.
Certificated Prior Learning
You may be eligible for transfer of learning if you have Certificated Prior Learning, such as a counselling or psychotherapy qualification/certificate awarded by a recognised awarding body, such as a university.
Please note: only the parts of a previous qualification that directly map to the learning outcomes of your intended programme will be recognised for the purposes of awarding credit.
To evidence prior certificated learning, you will be asked to submit copies of relevant certification, as well as attend an interview to discuss how you feel your previous learning meets the learning outcomes of the years you wish to bypass.
Accredited Prior Learning
If you have undertaken counselling or psychotherapy training that has been accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the United Kingdom Council or Psychotherapy (UKCP) or equivalent, then you may be eligible for transfer of learning. Where appropriate, evidence of this learning is shown in the form of relevant certification and any assignments with feedback sheets that were submitted as part of your previous accredited learning.
Additionally, you will be required to submit a reflective piece (2000-3000 words per year of study) describing how you feel feel your prior accredited learning meets the learning outcomes of the years you wish to bypass.
Experiential Learning
You can also claim academic credit for learning that is derived from experience and/or work (called experiential learning). Evidence of this learning is submitted in the form of an 8000 – 9000 word portfolio of evidence for each year of learning under consideration. Your portfolio needs to show how your previous learning maps onto the learning outcomes of those years.
This type of transfer of learning is most commonly used for students who have undertaken previous counselling or psychotherapy training that has not been recognised by Ofqual, BACP or UKCP.
FAQs - Recognition of Prior Learning
What is Recognition of Prior Learning?
Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, is the process of assessing previous study, training or relevant learning to see whether it can count towards entry to, or exemption from part of, a Metanoia programme.
Can my previous training count?
Potentially. It will be assessed against the learning outcomes and professional requirements of the programme you want to join.
Does previous training automatically guarantee direct entry?
No. Each application is considered individually by the relevant academic team.
Is there a fee for RPL or APL?
A
fee may apply depending on the type of assessment required. You can find out more here.
What evidence might I need?
You may be asked for certificates, transcripts, programme information, learning outcomes or evidence from your previous training provider.
Is a CV enough?
Usually not. A CV can provide useful context, but the programme team normally needs evidence of the content and level of your previous learning.
How long does the process take?
This depends on the complexity of the application and the evidence provided. Applications submitted late in the admissions cycle may not be completed before enrolment.
Can I enter directly onto an MSc psychotherapy programme?
Potentially. You would normally need training equivalent to Metanoia’s UKCP Preparatory Year, relevant and sufficiently recent therapeutic experience, appropriate personal therapy, the required academic ability and evidence that you are ready to begin clinical placement.
How recent does my previous training need to be for direct MSc entry?
Previous training would normally need to have taken place within the four academic years before starting at Metanoia.
Do I need evidence that I am ready for placement?
Yes. Direct-entry applicants would normally need confirmation from an appropriate tutor from their previous training that they are considered ready to begin clinical placement.
What if I am not eligible for direct MSc entry?
For most applicants, the UKCP Preparatory Year provides the most straightforward route into the psychotherapy training pathway.
Enquire about Transfer of Learning
To enquire about the transfer of learning process, please navigate to the course in question and click ‘apply’. You will be required to create a user account, following which you can use the communication facility to contact us.