Postgraduate Course

MA Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy

(3 year)

How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (3 year)

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Part-time

Duration: 3 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies

Do you want to train as a psychodynamic counsellor? Would you like to learn how to work therapeutically in depth with either adults or children/adolescents?

This course offers a professional qualification to work as a counsellor. You gain thorough theoretical and practical training, including a supervised placement, enabling you to qualify and practise as a member of the British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling.

This course provides a route to a counselling career for graduates from psychology, sociology or many other related degrees as well as for established professionals, such as teachers, social workers, nurses and care workers.

In the first year you learn about psychodynamic theory and its applications and develop the skills you will need in practice. In the second year, you take up a placement as trainee counsellor to develop your proficiency and confidence as a practitioner. You will be placed in an agency such as a school, counselling organisation or other support service. A requirement of this course is that you are in personal therapy or counselling on a weekly basis and you will need weekly supervision.

If you are an EU or EEA national, you will only be able to study a part-time course if you hold settled status in the UK. If you are a non-EEA, and non-UK national, you will only be able to study a part-time course if you hold a UK immigration permission which allows part-time study. If you will need a student visa to study in the UK then you will not be able to study part-time.

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Why we're great.

A clinical training programme for professionals working either with adults or children and adolescents
Gain practical experience through placements in schools or local agencies
Acquire a professional qualification to work therapeutically with adults or children and adolescents

Our expert staff

Our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies is internationally recognised as one of the leading departments for work that focuses on the role of the unconscious mind in mental health, as well as in culture and society generally. Our research and teaching is deeply grounded in knowledge deriving from clinical practice, to which our highest standards of academic thinking are then applied.

Being located within a leading university for the study of social sciences means you are surrounded by strong departments that fully support and enhance our work. This allows you to gain the opportunity to work with and be taught by senior clinicians and world-class scholars in their fields.

Specialist facilities

If you are studying within our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, you will have access to our extensive facilities to aid your learning and research. In particular, our Albert Sloman Library is well stocked with books, journals, electronic resources and major archives relevant to our work and, in addition, we have our own library of specialist books and journals.

We hold free evening Open Seminars on topics relevant to psychoanalysis which are open to students, staff and members of the public.

Your future

Graduates from our Graduate Diploma Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy who do not continue in the training may well already be professionals, clinical and non-clinical, and will return to their existing fields, either in jobs or further training, and use their learning from the course to deepen their understanding of their work.

Graduates from our MA Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy are qualified counsellors who take up positions in many agencies providing counselling to young people. Graduates from our department go on to a number of different destinations, including further study and training in psychoanalysis, Jungian analysis, or psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Recent MA Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy graduate, Kate Beckwith, has set up her own private practice. She is the founder of Elle's Garden, an outdoor, nature-based therapeutic practice for infants, children and young people, which also incorporates parent and family work. Based just outside Colchester, it is a therapeutic practice with a difference – and the only one of its kind in the country. Located in a private setting in natural woodland, the approach utilises the outdoors, nature, animals, art, and play. Read more about Kate's Essex experience and how it has enriched her career.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent.

It is desirable for you to have had some relevant experience in a caring or supportive role. Experience of your own counselling or therapy is also an asset.

With your online application you must submit a personal statement; this should detail the reasons for wanting to study the course, including any relevant experience (work or voluntary) that may support your application.

You must also have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (including child and adult barred list check) this is organised by the University.

A satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required, in addition to a DBS check, where you have lived outside of the UK in the last 5 years for 6 months or more.

This course requires an interview.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Psychodynamic Concepts

(15 CREDITS)

In this module you’ll be familiarised with the key concepts of psychodynamic thinking relating to individuals and organisations. It will supplement your learning to provide the theoretical underpinning for progression to a clinical placement on our MA Psychodynamic Counselling course with children and adolescents.

View Psychodynamic Concepts on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Personality Development

(15 CREDITS)

What are normal child development processes? And what can interfere with healthy emotional relationships? Understand psychodynamic and attachment-based theories on child and personality development, from pre-birth to adolescence, through adulthood to old age, death and bereavement. Apply a developmental perspective to children’s and adult's behaviour and examine the specific tasks of and issues faced in each developmental stage.

View Personality Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Psychodynamic Observation for Counsellors

(15 CREDITS)

How can you apply psychodynamic theory to everyday events? What do you understand about the role of unconscious and emotional communication in ordinary life? Understand and practice the skills of psychodynamic observation. Become more perceptive about understanding the meaning of what you observe.

View Psychodynamic Observation for Counsellors on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Personal Development

(15 CREDITS)

What are the personal attributes required to be a psychodynamic practitioner? How do you develop the reflective capacities for this role? Reflect on your learning and experience. Gain answers to questions about the role of psychodynamic practitioner through reflective group sessions, a group relations weekend and regular tutorials.

View Personal Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

The counselling relationship and counselling techniques

(30 CREDITS)

This module introduces you to the principles underlying psycho-dynamic counselling and helps you acquire relevant skills and techniques.

View The counselling relationship and counselling techniques on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Counselling Contexts

(15 CREDITS)

What do you understand about the complexities of being a counsellor? What are the settings within which counselling takes place? And what are the ethical and statutory framework within which you’ll be working? This module helps you gain an understanding of the professional environment of counselling before starting your placement.

View Counselling Contexts on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Group and Organisational Dynamics for Counsellors

(15 CREDITS)

In this module you will learn about psychodynamic and systemic ideas about organisations and how to apply them. You will learn about group dynamics and gain useful skills in understanding yourself and others in group and organisational settings.

View Group and Organisational Dynamics for Counsellors on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Psychodynamic Theory and Practice 1

(15 CREDITS)

Do you want to apply your theoretical understanding to psychodynamic counselling practice? You will develop your skills and deepen your capacity for clinical work. Examine key issues facing clients and learn how to work with them in a reflective and creative way.

View Psychodynamic Theory and Practice 1 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Psychodynamic Theory and Practice 2

(15 CREDITS)

Continue to develop your understanding of the links between theory and practice as you work on placement. Discover psychodynamic insights into further client difficulties and hone clinical skills.

View Psychodynamic Theory and Practice 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Personal Development

(15 CREDITS)

Want to develop the personal capacities needed to be a psychodynamic practitioner? Take ownership of your learning by reflecting on your own experiences. Increase your awareness of the conscious and unconscious elements at work in your personal and professional life, and in relation to your conduct as a psychodynamic practitioner.

View Personal Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Applications of Research to Psychodynamic Practice

(15 CREDITS)

What qualitative and quantitative research methods can be applied to psychodynamic counselling? How do you use routine outcome measures in your clinical work? Develop a research mindset in your approach to work. Study the key texts that illuminate the possibilities and complexities of psychodynamic practice research.

View Applications of Research to Psychodynamic Practice on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Professional Development 1

(15 CREDITS)

Want to develop your abilities as a psychodynamic practitioner on placement? Keen to implement your learning in practice? Work with approximately three clients per week and receive weekly supervision. Build a detailed case study on your placement to show how you have developed your professional identity and counselling skills.

View Professional Development 1 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(45 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Using Psychosocial and Psychodynamic Thinking in Practice

(30 CREDITS)

Broaden and deepen your insight into further issues facing clients and learn how to apply your increasing theoretical insight to your clinical work on placement. Consolidate your growing identity as a practitioner.

View Using Psychosocial and Psychodynamic Thinking in Practice on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Professional Development 2

(15 CREDITS)

Want to further develop your abilities as a psychodynamic practitioner on placement? Keen to implement your learning in more advanced practice? Work with approximately three clients per week and receive weekly supervision. Reflect on your own development as a practitioner and hone your clinical skills.

View Professional Development 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Different Approaches

(15 CREDITS)

Want to broaden your knowledge of the range of interventions available? Keen to understand how psychodynamic thinking fits within a spectrum of potential approaches? Examine applications of psychodynamic thinking in family, group and shorter-term work. Explore other orientations in work with clients. Analyse the issues that inform choice of treatment.

View Different Approaches on our Module Directory

Teaching

Postgraduate students in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies typically have 2 hours of contact time for each module per week. This consists of a two-hour seminar or workshop, or a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar.
Teaching takes place in relatively small seminars and fora, with a focus on group discussion
You also have a personal tutor who advises you about your work on an individual basis

Assessment

For most modules, assessment is by coursework only, typically an essay of between 3,000-5,000 words

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£6,930 per year

This course consists of one year Graduate Diploma study, followed by two years of Masters study. The fee displayed here is the Graduate Diploma tuition fee for the first year of your course. The fee will decrease to the Masters part-time tuition fees for the final two years of the course. As part of your course, you're required to be in personal therapy on a weekly basis and receive supervision. You'll be required to pay for this and find your own therapist. The average cost per weekly session is £40-70 per hour.

International fee

£15,015 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

We invite all applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements for this course to attend an interview.

We use this interview to ensure that applicants have a clear understanding of what studying the course will mean for them, both in terms of the opportunities it will provide them with, and of their responsibilities as a student.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have the capacity for self-awareness and self-understanding, and that they are able to understand the emotional experience of others.

The interview also provides an opportunity to meet staff who will be teaching this course, and to ask any questions about studying the course.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

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