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MSc Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy

MSc Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy

Different course options

Study mode

Part time

Duration

4 years

Start date

OCT

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Psychotherapy

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Course information

Person-centred therapy can be seen as an umbrella term referring to the variety of approaches grounded in the theoretical views of human nature and interaction originally developed by Carl Rogers, and others, in the 1940’s and 1950’s. This programme combines a dynamic mix of philosophical, theoretical, research and clinical based learning. The idea that no one model of therapy is superior informs a central view underpinning the programme which reflects the value of both single-orientation and pluralistic therapeutic practices for both therapist and client. Students can expect to actively engage with key elements of approaches such as classic client-centred, experiential process, existentially informed, focus-orientated, integrated and pre-therapy whilst holding at their core a continuing critical examination of the impact of their ‘way of being’ in relationships.

Professional Bodies

On successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded a MSc Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy degree by Staffordshire University. The course is also professionally accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

Placements

As part of training, students are required to secure suitable placements. SPTI works with many regional and national employers to provide placement opportunities for students. Through our Placement Co-ordinator, SPTI holds and develops a database of placement providers, and we’ll actively support you in your search. Each year, SPTI holds a placement fair where students are able to meet and make valuable contacts with placement providers as well as attending workshops on the day. Placement opportunities are posted on our student VLE, Moodle.

Course content

This programme exposes students to new developments within the person-centred and experiential therapies framework. There will be opportunities to explore person-centred expressive arts therapy, pre-therapy and contact work, relational depth in person-centred therapy and counselling with a range of client groups (including, although not restricted to, those experiencing depression, anxiety and panic, trauma, critical incident or Post Traumatic Stress, loss and bereavement, alcohol and drug issues, eating problems, self-injury, issues with gender and/or sexual identity). This will involve on-going critical reflection based within the person-centred model of integration which invites the testing out of ideas and/or therapeutic technique against the core concepts of person-centred philosophy and theory.

The basis is primarily humanistic and students are highly likely to share key values and beliefs from this strand of psychology. The humanistic framework developed in reaction to the behavioural and analytic emphasis of the time, incorporating and advancing aspects of these earlier traditions; emphasising ideas such as:

  • A belief in the worth of persons and the dedication to the development of human potential
  • An understanding of life as a process and that change is inevitable
  • An appreciation of the creative, spiritual, and intuitive

Teaching and Assessment

You will be taught by experienced practitioners through a combination of lectures, workshops, small group, and practical sessions. Small group sessions enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your Personal Tutor twice a year.

Modules

The Foundations of Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapies - Core
Professional Context and Practice - Core
Development of the Person - Theory and Practice (20 Credits) - Core
Psychopathology: Person-Centred Perspectives (20 Credits) - Core
Therapeutic Relating and Change (20 Credits) - Core
Therapeutic Presence and Use of Self (20 Credits) - Core
Approaches to Research and Reflexivity (20 Credits) - Core
Advancing Practitioner Research in Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapies (20 Credits) - Core
Clinical and Research Competency (60 Credits) - Core

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£5,565

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

This course is not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is through submission of an application form, evidence of qualifications, 2 suitable references, a satisfactory criminal records check and a personal interview. The following requirements comply with both QAA and UKCP’s standards for training in psychotherapy: An undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline (for example, sociology, education, theology, philosophy), or; A non-relevant undergraduate degree with appropriate training or experience, or; A qualification or professional training/work-based portfolio in the helping professions evidencing study level equivalent to level 6 (for example, social work, psychiatric nursing, general nursing, teaching); A counselling diploma or equivalent qualification plus evidence of ability to study at level 6; Relevant work and/or life experience plus evidence of ability to study at level 6.