Professional Doctorate in Counselling

The Professional Doctorate combines full professional training meeting recognised standards for counselling training and education with the opportunity to develop as a researcher in a lively research community. With the full-time route designed to meet the needs of – but not exclusive to –  international students and the part-time route aimed more at local students, the programme provides a route both to professional qualification and doctoral-level research achievement.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the opportunity to gain practice experience at a range of counselling agencies, including our own dedicated placement agency, Hope Park Counselling Centre, one of only four such research and practice centres in the UK.

While this degree qualifies you to provide one-to-one counselling with adult clients, you can also develop your skills, knowledge and experience for working with couples and/or children and young people by taking additional option courses and through placements with relevant counselling agencies. You can also apply to audit additional option courses in counselling and psychotherapy that are of interest to you.

You will be facilitated in your professional learning by core tutors who are experienced practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy, as well as by a clinical tutor who will meet with you regularly, and a practice supervisor who will help you reflect on your counselling work. As you take up your research project you will have opportunities to attend research seminars, workshops, conferences and events within an active and supportive research environment.

Studying at a world-class institution, you will benefit from outstanding resources to support your learning on this programme.