MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Two Years
- Start Date: September 2026
BNU is your first step to creating a rewarding career where you’ll be making a difference in people’s lives every day. You can graduate with the confidence and experience to engage with people from all backgrounds across different settings.
On successful completion of this course, you’ll have gained the 100 supervised client contact hours required for individual membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Our course integrates rigorous academic learning with extensive practical training, preparing you to become qualified and competent professionals in the fields of counselling and psychotherapy.
Over its two-year duration, the course provides enhanced clinical placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and apply learning in real-world therapeutic settings.
Gain access to the university's Counselling and Mental Health Service, which offers integrative individual therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy support, enriching your learning experience and personal development.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Mental health is an increasingly critical area of public health, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy empowers individuals, families, and communities to navigate life's challenges. This subject combines the science of psychology with the art of human connection, offering a rewarding career path in helping others.
- Clinical Placements: Gain 100+ hours of supervised client practice, fulfilling BACP accreditation requirements.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access cutting-edge therapy simulation spaces and extensive library resources.
- Expert Teaching Staff: Learn from experienced practitioners and researchers in counselling and psychotherapy.
- Career-Focused Learning: The program integrates professional competencies, cultural competence, and research skills to prepare you for the workplace.
- Supportive Community: Enjoy 1:1 mentorship, and personalised academic guidance.
What facilities can I use?
As a student of this course you will have access to our High Wycombe campus, as well as all the benefits that comes with being a student such as discounts and access to our student union. All of our activities, societies and events are free as part of the Big Deal.
Some of the benefits of this course include:
- Bespoke Psychotherapy Clinic for Psychotherapy Placement (on-Campus)
- Therapy simulation suites for practising advanced communication techniques and therapeutic approaches
- Dedicated library resources, including e-books, journals, and databases specific to mental health and psychotherapy
- 1:1 mentoring from experienced academic staff and practicing professionals
- Access to online learning platforms and support services such as "Ask a Librarian" and laptop loan schemes
What will I study?
Our MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy degree offers a comprehensive blend of academic learning and practical training, preparing you to become a qualified and effective psychotherapist. Our course incorporates person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, and psychodynamic therapeutic frameworks as well as covering more specialised therapeutic approaches, equipping you with a versatile skill set to thrive in the counselling and psychotherapy profession.
MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy at BNU puts the focus on learning by experience, collaborative group work, and reflective practice, all underpinned by a commitment to BACP standards and the criteria for accreditation. Through practice-based study of diverse therapeutic frameworks, you’ll gain essential practitioner skills and learn to apply them ethically to support clients with varied needs and expectations.
How will I be taught and assessed?
A variety of teaching methods will be used to best support you and your style of learning. Some of the ways you will be taught include:
- Interactive workshops, lectures and individual supervision.
- Practical sessions involving case studies, role-play, and therapy simulations.
An individually designed set of mixed assessments will be used including:
- professional conversations
- written assignments
- reflective journals
- case studies
- presentations
- completion of a research dissertation
- clinical assessment of placement hours supervised by experienced therapists
What are the course entry requirements?
The University’s general entry requirements will apply to admission to this programme with the following additions / exceptions:
- Applicants must typically hold a bachelor’s degree with Honours in a related field like Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, or Education, with at least a lower second-class (2:2) Honours.
- Non-native English speakers or those who did not have English as the language of instruction at the undergraduate level must demonstrate proficiency. This is typically evidenced by an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any category, although equivalent tests like TOEFL or Pearson PTE are also accepted.
- Experienced practitioners lacking formal qualifications may apply via alternative pathways including portfolio submissions that showcase relevant professional experience.
- Applicants with relevant experience may apply for Advanced Standing under the university’s Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme, potentially bypassing certain introductory modules.
- Those who do not meet standard entry requirements but have relevant professional experience might still qualify through the APL process, which can provide exemptions from specific modules.
As part of the selection process for the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy programme, shortlisted applicants who meet the academic entry requirements will be invited to attend an online interview. This is designed to assess their suitability for the programme and alignment with professional values, in accordance with current institutional and sector-wide guidelines. The interview will include a brief verification of identity using a passport.
If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course. Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £5,660 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £12,940 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 academic year fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
What are my career prospects?
Graduates are fully prepared for careers as professional counsellors and psychotherapists in various settings, including:
- NHS and private mental health clinics
- Educational institutions and community support organizations
- Specialist roles in family therapy, addiction counselling, trauma-informed care
- Opportunities for further academic research or teaching in the field
The BACP accreditation ensures graduates meet professional standards, significantly enhancing their employability and career advancement opportunities.
