The Postgraduate Certificate in Psychotherapy is a Level 7 award designed for practitioners who want to deepen their therapeutic practice and strengthen how they evidence advanced training and professional development. It focuses on intersubjective psychotherapy: a humanistic, relational approach that brings close attention to the therapeutic relationship, meaning making, and the wider social and organisational context in which therapy takes place. Successful completion of this programme, following one of the defined pathways, enables students to register with the UKCP as a Psychotherapist.
Students can follow one of the pathways outlined below:
Pathway One:
Students who have previously completed the MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling (post-2022) at Leeds, can choose to complete the Advanced Practice Portfolio Part 1 Module (HECS5338) alongside the PGCert.
This lets students build the full evidential pathway required for UKCP accreditation via the UTC pathway, so they can register as a UKCP Psychotherapist once all training components are met.
This unique option supports their professional development and ensures their training aligns with SCoPEd Column C competencies.
The PGCert in Psychotherapy supports progression toward UKCP registration within the UTC pathway but does not independently qualify graduates for UKCP registration.
Pathway Two:
Students new to Leeds and have an MA/MSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy from another institution, with an equivalent core therapeutic modality (humanistic, relational common factors), may choose to complete the PGCert in Psychotherapy to support progression toward UKCP accreditation via UKAHPP.
This route is suited to experienced practitioners who already hold a Level 7 professional training but need:
• A recognised pathway to UKCP
• Advanced relational/intersubjective training
• Structured evidence of practice, supervision, and personal therapy
• A clinical portfolio aligned with SCoPEd Column C requirements.
External applicants may need to complete additional portfolio elements depending on their prior training structure and professional gaps
Overview of the PGCert:
At The University of Leeds, the subject is taught through an explicit integration of theory, formulation and practice. The taught modules, Intersubjective Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice (HECS5339), advances core counselling and psychotherapy theory and applies it to complex and enduring presentations, including work within mental health services. Teaching centres reflexive practice and includes structured group supervision and ongoing feedback that links clinical work back to theory.
The second module, Advanced Practice Portfolio Part 2 (HECS5340), supports you to evidence advanced practice through a structured portfolio, including records of client contact hours, clinical supervision, personal therapy, and placement reports. It is intended as an academic and evidencing step within a wider training and practice pathway.
Additional Highlights:
- Strong focus on intersubjective, relational psychotherapy and professional identity development.
- Teaching and assessment that explicitly connect theory to live practice
- Portfolio-based and written assessment designed to document advanced practice, supervision, personal therapy, and placement learning.
- Clear positioning within a wider professional pathway, supporting preparation of evidence aligned with professional requirements where relevant
Additional Highlights
- PG-Cert in Psychotherapy is delivered entirely online improving accessibility and ensuring study fits around students current commitments
- Advanced Psychotherapy training to work with complex, severe and enduring mental health problems
[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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HECS5339M | Intersubjective Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice | 30 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| HECS5340M | Advanced Practice Portfolio Part 2 | 30 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Last updated: 12/05/2026 17:13:56
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