MA Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

About this course

LJMU's Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice MA develops practitioner researchers and offers the equivalent components of a PgDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

• Qualify as a Counselling and Psychotherapy Practitioner on this flexible Masters programme with a two year clinical Diploma-level component
• Enjoy a contemporary curriculum delivered by a research centre of excellence
• Study a core model of person-centred and experiential practice, integrating other specific approaches
• Carry out novel research in your chosen field
• Benefit from excellent educational and professional training facilities, exceptionally supportive staff and a thriving student community

This three year, level 7 programme enables you to qualify as a Counselling and Psychotherapy Practitioner at Diploma level in the first two years and then progress to the final research year to complete the MA and become an active Research Practitioner, contributing to the field.

Aimed at recent graduates and those already in employment, the course builds on previous LJMU programmes which have been extremely highly regarded by employers.

Counselling is often a ‘second career’, so students come from a wide range of backgrounds in the voluntary, statutory and commercial sectors. This creates a rich learning environment, enhancing the experience for everyone.

The programme is underpinned by a sound theoretical base in the Person-Centred Approach including Pre-Therapy and integrates other approaches such Emotion Focused Therapy. Students will study the theory of other models not practiced on the course including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT) and EMDR

Taught by working BACP registered Therapists and Supervisors, you will learn to work with issues such as loss, bereavement, anxiety, trauma, stress, mental health issues, depression and sexual abuse.

Integral to the course are considerations of power and prejudice, including those pertaining to class, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.

Assessment

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. Assessment techniques vary from module to module to reflect relevant assessment approaches and the key learning points of each topic.

A variety of assessment methods are used, although emphasis is placed on face-to-face contact due to the importance of communication skills in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Each module in the first two years is assessed through coursework. You are encouraged to learn with and from each other as part of a community of learners. Peer assessment is a key feature of the course. The final MA year involves four days of study followed by a research project to produce a dissertation, supported by tutorials and other forums.

You will need an honours degree, Relevant work experience: Basic counselling skills, preferably gained through a counselling skills level 2 award or through relevant work experience.