Doctorate of Counselling Psychology DCounPsy

Counselling psychology focuses on the application of psychological and psychotherapeutic theory and research to clinical practice. Counselling psychologists work across a diversity of health and social care providers including:

• Outpatient and inpatient units
• Community organisations
• Educational institutions
• Forensic settings
• Independent practice

On this course you will gain professional training in relevant theory, research and therapeutic skills. You will also focus on your personal development.  Our modules will help you to develop the skills needed to work in leadership and supervisor roles in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.

In your first year you will study coursework modules, each comprising of a 4 hour weekly seminar, including teaching and skills practice. In your second year you will complete additional modules of coursework, alongside 2 clinic placements. Placements in your second year consist of 144 hours of supervised clinical practice and 4 hours per week of clinical supervision.

In your third year you will complete further coursework modules in parallel with 2 clinical placements in community settings. Placements in third year consist of 100 hours of clinical practice and 2 hours per week of supervision.

You will have access to, and be actively encouraged to, use York St John University's experimental laboratories, supported by technical staff and technical resources. These include:

• Eye-tracking equipment
• HD surveillance cameras
• Ceiling mounted microphones
• Virtual reality headsets and motion sensors
• Biopac physiological recording equipment
• Specialist software for creating, recording and analysing experimental stimuli

Counselling Psychology web

How you will study

You will study this postgraduate course full time over 3 years. This allows you to fit your studies around other life commitments.

In your first year you will study 6 compulsory modules.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

In your second year you will study 5 compulsory modules.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

In your third year you will study 6 compulsory modules.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

The course aims to be inclusive and accessible, and recognises that training to be a counselling psychologist is an active, constructive and contextual process. The course is structured so that your knowledge and skills continually develop at each level. We assume you will have some prior knowledge of undergraduate psychology, but not counselling. You will be supported across the 3 years by a course leader, module leaders, lecturers, research supervisors, and placement supervisors, in addition to an individual course tutor.

You will develop the professional skills required of practitioner psychologists through small group work, and supervised placements in public health and community-based settings. Working with a research advisor, you will also conduct an applied research project relevant to Counselling Psychology.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

Each of the modules in the course have separate assessments, including:

• Case reports
• Oral presentations
• Written reports
• Demonstrations of skills
• Examinations

Requirements for each assessment are mapped to the BPS competencies and HCPC standards of proficiency for a Counselling Psychologist.

York St John University works hard to create an inclusive environment for all our students. We offer a range of learning support services to assist you throughout your studies.

Placements

In the second year of the course you will work towards 150 hours of placement training.

Qualifications

Additional requirements

For entry onto this course, you will also need:

• Satisfactory DBS enhanced disclosure
• Confirmation of Graduate Basis for Chartered Memberships (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• A commitment to undertake personal therapy and clinical supervision

To support your application, you will need:

• Two references and a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) which includes evidence of breadth and depth of relevant work experience and training.
• Research proposal (500- words maximum). This should include a research question applicable to an area of Counselling Psychology, with clearly defined methodology and a plan for analysis.

Interview

Shortlisted applicants are required to attend interviews in either May or June. Admission to the course is competitive, therefore the selection process strives to consider multiple aspects and qualities of individuals. In accordance with the values of Counselling Psychology, the interview process is underpinned by principles of social justice and humanism.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our international pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £9,250 per year full time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

Tuition fees

International 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £14,000 per year of full time study

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Counselling Psychology take you?

Counselling Psychologists work across a diversity of health and social care environments, including:

• NHS
• Outpatient and inpatient units
• Community organisations
• Educational institutions
• Forensic settings
• Independent practice

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022).

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.