Counselling and Psychotherapy MA/MSc

**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.<br/><br/>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).**<br/><br/>**Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?** <br/>Mental health is an increasingly critical area of public health, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. Counselling and psychotherapy empower individuals, families, and communities to navigate life’s challenges and foster well-being. This subject combines the science of psychology with the art of human connection, offering a rewarding career path in helping others.<br/><br/><br/>- Clinical Placements: Gain 100+ hours of supervised client practice, fulfilling BACP accreditation requirements.<br/><br/><br/>- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access cutting-edge therapy simulation spaces and extensive library resources.<br/><br/><br/>- Expert Teaching Staff: Learn from experienced practitioners and researchers in counselling and psychotherapy.<br/><br/><br/>- Career-Focused Learning: The program integrates professional competencies, cultural competence, and research skills to prepare you for the workplace.<br/><br/><br/>- Supportive Community: Enjoy 1:1 mentorship, and personalised academic guidance.<br/><br/><br/>**What facilities can I use?**<br/>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 access to our student union. All of our activities, societies and events are free as part of the Big Deal. <br/><br/>Some of the benefits of this course include:<br/>- Bespoke Psychotherapy Clinic for Psychotherapy Placement (on-Campus) <br/><br/><br/>- Therapy simulation suites for practising advanced communication techniques and therapeutic approaches<br/><br/><br/>- Dedicated library resources, including e-books, journals, and databases specific to mental health and psychotherapy<br/><br/><br/>- 1:1 mentoring from experienced academic staff and practicing professionals<br/><br/><br/>- Access to online learning platforms and support services such as Ask a Librarian and laptop loan schemes <br/><br/><br/>**What will I study?**<br/>Our 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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>**How will I be taught and assessed?**<br/>Practical sessions involving case studies, role-play, and therapy simulations. An individually designed set of mixed assessments will be used including:<br/>- professional conversations <br/><br/><br/>- written assignments <br/><br/><br/>- reflective journals<br/><br/><br/>- case studies<br/><br/><br/>- presentations<br/><br/><br/>- completion of a research dissertation<br/><br/><br/>- clinical assessment of placement hours supervised by experienced therapists<br/><br/><br/>**What are my career prospects?**<br/>Graduates are fully prepared for careers as professional counsellors and psychotherapists in various settings, including:<br/>- NHS and private mental health clinics<br/><br/><br/>- Educational institutions and community support organizations<br/><br/><br/>- Specialist roles in family therapy, addiction counselling, trauma-informed care<br/><br/><br/>- Opportunities for further academic research or teaching in the field<br/><br/><br/>- The BACP accreditation ensures graduates meet professional standards, significantly enhancing their employability and career advancement opportunities. <br/>