PsychD Counselling Psychology

This programme is at the leading edge of international developments in counselling psychology practice, research and theory, and brings together contemporary understandings from person-centred psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural models of therapy. There is a strong emphasis on your identity and employability as a practitioner psychologist, including skills in assessment and formulation, leadership, service evaluation, psychological testing, qualitative and quantitative research methods. The programme attracts a diverse group of trainees who have gained relevant experience in fields such as counselling and psychotherapy, research and academia, and the NHS, and who are passionate about becoming counselling psychologists.

The course is based on a pluralistic relational philosophy that values diversity, and promotes individual empowerment and social change. This means that we respect and value a wide range of approaches to psychological intervention and research, view relationships as central to wellbeing, and seek to enable trainees to make a positive difference both at an individual and social level through their clinical and research work.

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. Successful applicants to the PsychD who are in the process of gaining GBC will be made an offer to study that is conditional on them gaining GBC.
A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent at undergraduate level. Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered if there is evidence of subsequent higher academic achievement, such as having a relevant master's or doctorate (e.g. in psychology, social sciences or mental health).
An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7 with no element below 6.5 for applicants for whom English is not their first language.
Work experience in an emotionally demanding helper role that involves using counselling skills to provide face-to-face support to people experiencing psychological distress or mental health problems. This needs to be more in-depth than befriending, helpline work, shadowing or observing, for example, working as an assistant psychologist, wellbeing practitioner, support worker, counsellor or trained healthcare professional. Work experience can be gained in an employed or voluntary capacity but should consist of at least 6-12 months of continuous experience, prior to application, and working at least half a day per week in a relevant setting.
A basic training in counselling skills and theory, for example, a short intensive certificate or diploma course. This may not be required if an applicant demonstrates significant relevant work experience, knowledge and in-house training.
Applicants must complete an online application, which includes providing evidence of the above pre-requisites and a 1000-word personal statement, in which they should include the following:
Explain why they are interested in counselling psychology, as distinct from counselling, psychotherapy and clinical psychology, and why they want to train as a counselling psychologist
Summarise work experience, training, skills and learning gained to date
Reflect on how personal life experiences, including any experiences of mental health issues, have contributed to their intention to pursue this career
Outline current research interests, how this aligns with current research activity in the School of Psychology's Centre for Research in Psychological Wellbeing, and how this could be developed into a doctoral research project
Show a standard of academic writing appropriate to doctoral level study
IELTS Academic - 7.0 overall with a minimum 6.5 in each component.
TOEFL IBT - 95 overall, including at least 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in
Speaking, 24 in Writing
Roehampton English Language Test - Mapped to IELTs scores, please refer to IELTS Academic above