DCPsych Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies

A Joint Programme with Middlesex University

Director of Studies (Programme Management): Dr Nicholas Sarantakis

The next intake to this programme will be in March 2020. Further details and application process will be added to the website earlier in the year.

For further information about making an application for 2020, please contact the Senior Academic Co-ordinator, Duncan Steed - duncan.steed@metanoia.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 8832 3075.

The DCPsych programme allows candidates to work towards the academic qualification of Doctor of Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies conferred by Middlesex University. In addition, the programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a training towards Chartered Psychologist status and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a training towards potential Registered Counselling Psychologist/Practitioner Psychologist status. It is also accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as a training towards registration as a Integrative Psychotherapist; in this respect, successful candidates are awarded the Metanoia Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and will also be eligible to apply for the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP).

The programme is based on a practitioner research philosophy and comprises an innovative design which seeks to integrate research and practice at doctoral level. It is open to psychology graduates (at least a 2:1 degree) who possess the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) as specified by the BPS, and who believe that they have the capabilities to make a significant contribution to practice based knowledge in the psychological therapies. The course offers an integrative programme of study in the theory and practice of psychological therapy, and covers both clinical and research training.

Our emphasis on integration reflects our belief that there is no one therapeutic approach suitable for all clients or presenting difficulties. At the same time, what is offered to clients needs to be based on a coherent philosophy and a well-integrated set of skills. We therefore offer a broad curriculum based on a relational philosophy for practice, and incorporating a range of insights from current research. We draw on leading edge areas in the field, addressing such issues as current developmental perspectives, implicit and explicit levels of relational exchange, and the important contribution of current neuro-scientific research to our understanding and practice in this field. While our main emphasis is on humanistic and psycho-dynamic approaches to psychological therapy we also cover aspects of cognitive behavioural approaches.

The course is offered over ten monthly weekend units, over each academic year, thus allowing candidates to combine their broader life commitments with the demands of further study. In addition to formal training time, students develop their skill level with clients in placement settings and engage in their own personal therapy, over the duration of the programme. The structured training runs over five course years with the specification from Middlesex University that all course requirements are completed within three years after the end of the structured training.

The application process includes attendance at an Introductory Workshop and a group Assessment Interview. Please see the overview and application form at the bottom of the page for further details of the programme.

Applicants are also requested to complete the equal opportunities monitoring form and submit it with their application. Please note that this will be treated as confidential and be separated from your application upon receipt.

This is a Middlesex University programme and qualification, jointly developed, delivered and assessed by Middlesex and Metanoia Institute and quality assured by Middlesex University.