MPhil / PhD

Programme Leader: Professor Simon du Plock

Director of Studies (Management): Dr Sofie Bager-Charleson

Middlesex University Link Tutor: Professor David Westley

What is the MPhil/PhD?

Middlesex University and Metanoia Institute London are currently recruiting graduates to undertake innovative original psychotherapy research at doctoral level.

Metanoia Institute was founded in the early 1980’s and was one of the first organisations in the UK to offer humanistically oriented professional counselling and psychotherapy training programmes. We now offer a wide range of training in counselling, psychotherapy, and counselling psychology, including eleven Masters programmes, all of which are validated by Middlesex University. We also host a Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych) and a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych) as joint programmes with Middlesex University.

The MPhil/PhD is the latest in our range of postgraduate initiatives in support of independent research at the cutting edge of theoretical understanding in psychotherapy. Candidates register for a Middlesex University Master of Philosophy (MPhil) / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and receive supervision and training from Metanoia experts in Psychotherapy Training and Research.

Who can apply?

Successful applicants will normally have:

· A First or Upper Second class bachelor’s degree.

· BPS, UKCP, or BACP accreditation as a Psychologist, Psychotherapist or Counsellor.

· Identified a potential research idea and begun to create a research proposal.

· An understanding of perspectives on research in the psychological therapies.

The pathway will also attract other professionals who have relevant qualifications and who want to pursue the insights of applied psychology, psychotherapy and counselling in their own discipline. As an academic degree designed to support independent in-depth research, the MPhil/PhD does not confer practitioner status.

How will it be delivered?

Supervision for the MPhil/PhD will be delivered jointly by staff from Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University. A preparatory programme delivered at the Metanoia Institute that provides candidates with specialist training in psychotherapy training methods. The candidate will be a part of the programme as described on the link below:

https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/research/academic-research-degrees-mphil-and-phd

Psychological therapies

The MPhil/PhD is aimed at those with an interest developing high level independent research skills at the cutting edge of knowledge and practice in psychotherapy. A candidate will be supported by a supervisory team drawn from specialist staff at both Metanoia Institute & Middlesex University. The team is composed of two academic supervisors, and a specialist academic consultant. One of the academic supervisors will be drawn from Metanoia’s pool of psychotherapy research experts, will be an established authority in the candidate’s chosen area of study.

A Director of Studies will be appointed from Middlesex University who has overall responsibility for the candidate’s progression. During the first six months Metanoia works with the candidate to establish a personal Needs-Analysis and bespoke, individual Progress Plan for each student. Candidates will be able to apply to use the research resources of the Metanoia Research Clinic. The Clinic provides low cost medium term counselling and psychotherapy to over 300 clients per year, and is staffed by approximately a hundred practitioners in training placements. It conducts on-going routine outcomes evaluation of Transactional Analysis and Gestalt Psychotherapies, Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology, Person Centered and Humanistic counselling. Candidates will also access Metanoia online learning resources, workshops and monthly research seminars.

The candidates will also gain access to Middlesex University research training, library and academic community.

How long will it take?

Candidates can complete the MPhil in approximately 2.5 years, and the PhD in a minimum of 3 years.

When can I apply?

We welcome applications at any time in the year for intake in October and January.

How can I apply?

You will apply to both Metanoia and Middlesex University, but please contact sofie.bager-charleson@metanoia.ac.uk first for an initial conversation about the Metanoia Enrolment period first.

What will it cost?

The Preparatory programme (3-6 months depending on candidate needs): £2500

This includes access to Institute facilities, monthly research seminars and member benefits.

Middlesex University Enrolment on MPhil/PhD

The below fees are Middlesex University fees and they are for the next phase of the programme after the completion of the initial 6 months at Metanoia.

UK/EU students:

Full-time students: £4,076 per year*
Part-time students: £2,038 per year*

International students:

Full-time students: £10,500 per year*

Due to UK Government visa regulations, students from outside the EU cannot study part-time in the UK.

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part time study are shown here as a guide. For more information please go to the link at Middlesex University: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/research/academic-research-degrees-mphil-and-phd