Course summary
There are many different types of counselling, each based on their own concepts and orientations. Psychodynamic counselling offers a model for understanding the human personality and how it develops, our network of relationships and how we interact with others, how psychological problems may originate and the repetitive patterns that maintain them, and how personal change takes place. Our MSc Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy establishes an understanding of psychoanalytic-based theory and covers the technical processes of counselling, while developing the personal and professional awareness required for effective practice as defined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. By the end of the course, you will have the ability to work as a psychodynamic counsellor or psychotherapist at an appropriate professional standard. You will understand, and know how to use, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles to increase knowledge of theory and practice, of personality development, and of the institutional and group influences on personal development. You will possess high-level skills in thinking psychodynamically about counselling issues, and making professional communications about counselling work, and display a capacity for self-reflection, especially knowledge of your inner world and how it impacts on counselling work, and your role in groups and institutions. This course benefits from group relations conferences as a way to explore the impact of group and organisational dynamics on individual behaviour and experience. Highlights
- Birkbeck has 50 years' experience of teaching psychodynamic counselling and practice and an excellent reputation with employers.
- Emphasis on how organisations and groups function, which will enable you to understand and manage professional settings and relationships.
- Accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and the British Psychoanalytical Council.
- Attracts people from a range of backgrounds, including educational, medical, field and residential social work, youth work and voluntary agencies.
- counsellor
- psychotherapist
- careers adviser
- human resources officer
- market researcher.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Year 1: two theoretical essays (total 5500 words), a take-away examination (3000 words) and student review (assessment of professional development). Year 2: two theoretical essays (total 5500 words), a case study (5000 words) and student review. Year 3: two theoretical/clinical essays (total 10,000 words), a case study (5000 words) and student review.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Entry requirements
Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) or an equivalent international qualification, however, professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience are taken into consideration positively and may be accepted in place of a degree. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners. You will need to have a minimum of six months' full-time experience in a helping/listening role or equivalent experience. You should also have completed a counselling/psychotherapy course at Certificate of Higher Education level or equivalent. We will request a short assignment from non-standard entrants.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8130 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8130 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8130 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8130 | Year 1 |
| International | £12000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
As well as fees, you should expect to pay other study-related expenses, for travel to and from College, books, stationery, etc. Birkbeck provides advice and financial support for students who experience hardship in meeting the travel costs of essential fieldwork or study visits.
Students must be seeing a personal therapist at least once a week for the duration of this course. You will need to find your own therapist, although the course tutors can help you with this, and you will have to fund your therapy yourself. The cost of therapy can vary widely, depending on location, availability and income, but you should expect to pay £45-90 per therapy session.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700