The MA in psychotherapy and counselling is a three-year part-time British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited course. The programme is designed to develop research led practitioners with clinical training in working with clients with relational and common mental health problems. Students will be introduced to a range of psychotherapy and counselling theories. The focus of the course is on theories of therapy that centre the therapeutic relationship as the crucial factor. Students are encouraged to develop their own self and intersubjective understanding through personal growth, supervision and personal therapy. The programme will give students the opportunity to link theory to practise and prepare them for working as a professional counsellor in the NHS, third or private sector. There will be a range of placement opportunities available to students across the region working with adults in a variety of therapeutic settings.
The programme offers a not-knowing, values-based and relational philosophy which unites relational approaches to learning and psychotherapy across modalities and brings a trans-theoretical approach that attempts to explain the common factors research in psychotherapy.
Students will receive research led teaching in the critical evaluation of intersubjective psychotherapeutic theory and practise. The course will provide knowledge and skills to conduct independent in-depth research into a complex specialist area. In year 3 all taught content will be delivered online.
Students who successfully complete the MA in psychotherapy and counselling and the Advanced Practice Portfolio Part 1 Module are eligible to apply for the PG Cert in Psychotherapy leading to UKCP registration.
Pathway Routes;
Pathway 1: Exit with MA Qualification
Students who complete the three-year MA in Psychotherapy & Counselling at Leeds are eligible for BACP registration meeting the full professional training requirements for practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist across a wide range of health, community, and therapeutic settings. This pathway is ideal for students seeking a recognised counselling and psychotherapy qualification that is eligible for BACP membership.
Pathway 2: Progression to PGCert in Psychotherapy
The University of Leeds is an Organisational Member of the Universities Training College (UTC), a UKCP training route. University of Leeds students who wish to progress beyond BACP toward UKCP registration via the UTC route may continue onto the PGCert in Psychotherapy (Year 4). Students will also complete the Advanced Practice Portfolio Part 1 (HECS5338) module in Year 3.
This combination provides the provides the academic and portfolio components required within the UTC pathway toward UKCP registration, aligning with SCoPEd Column C requirements and supporting registration as a UKCP Psychotherapist once all clinical, supervision, and personal therapy requirements are met.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS5330M | Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Counselling Theories | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS5331M | Relational Counselling Skills Part 1 | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS5332M | Working as a Professional Counsellor | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS5333M | Relational Counselling Skills Part 2 | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS5334M | Ethical and Cultural Considerations in Psychotherapeutic Counselling | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS5335M | Relational Counselling Skills Part 3 | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| HECS5336M | Theories of Intersubjective Human Development | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS5337M | Relational Counselling Skills Part 4 | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| IOFN5004M | Research Methods | 15 | 1 Sep to 31 Jan (adv yr), Semester 1 (Sep to Jan), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
For students intending to continue with further study to complete the PGCert in Psychotherapy to support progression toward UKCP registration via the UPCA, you could choose to complete the bridging module: Advanced Practice Portfolio Part 1 Module (HECS5338) in Year 3. This is a non credit bearing module, but there is an additional £300 charge (as at 2026/27).
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS5152M | Dissertation | 45 | 1 Sep to 30 Jun (adv year), 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) | PFP |
Last updated: 12/05/2026 17:13:56
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