Taught course

Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy

Institution
Birkbeck, University of London · Birkbeck Centre for Counselling
Qualifications
MSc

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.

Months of entry

January, October

Course content

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.
Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in counselling, human resources or education. Possible professions include:

  • counsellor
  • psychotherapist
  • careers adviser
  • human resources officer
  • market researcher.

Read about how you can become a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

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.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    36 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Advice Service
Email
studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3907 0700