Counselling and Psychotherapy

Course summary

Our MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy incorporates three strands of counselling training - namely counselling theory, counselling practice and personal development.

The philosophy of the programme is humanistic with a focus on person-centred practice. The core theoretical model of the course is derived from an acceptance of Carl Rogers’ belief in the self-therapeutic capacity and wisdom of clients (1967). The philosophical traditions of existentialism and phenomenology are used to illuminate understanding of humanistic practice through lectures and small group work.

You will be encouraged to examine and question your own beliefs and assumptions to develop a personal, integrated theory of human development, based upon humanistic phenomenological philosophy and principles. We do this by offering you opportunities to reflect upon the theory that is offered in light of your own experience - to develop your own philosophical and theoretical base.

To enable you to build and maintain strong therapeutic alliances with clients we aim to facilitate your ability to co-create relationships at depth, developing and understanding the barriers which may prevent or impact such therapeutic relationships.

Concepts such as presence, empathic understanding, resonance, acceptance and challenge will underpin your personal way of being and professional practice.

Knowledge and skills

We place a strong emphasis on the acquisition of the skill of being and becoming a therapist, counselling and academic learning. You will study a range of underpinning themes including;

• The power dynamics within and outside of the counselling relationship which may impact on the lives and growth of individuals
• Research informed knowledge which can be applied to contemporary therapeutic practice
• A grounding in research methodologies to enable independent research
• The socially and culturally situated nature of counselling as a form of helping
• Devising, developing and sustaining arguments, and/or solving problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of the counselling discipline
• Making informed decisions in complex situations, sometimes with incomplete information
• Critical evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship in counselling and analysis and critique of methodologies

*This course involves 100 hours of supervised counselling practice which may exceed the duration of the programme. Please take this into consideration when applying for the Master's programme.

Please note the 'equal consideration date' (23 February 2024). You can still apply after this date, however we cannot guarantee applications will be given the same level of consideration as those that arrive before this date.

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group D.

Your career

Keele counselling students go on to work in a wide range of counselling and mental health fields in the UK and internationally as well as progressing on to further study, research or specialist training.

To find out more about the specific careers in counselling visit the BACP careers page.

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.