Counselling and Psychotherapy (Taught)

**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.

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).**

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
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.

• Clinical Placements: Gain 100+ hours of supervised client practice, fulfilling BACP accreditation requirements.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access cutting-edge therapy simulation spaces and extensive library resources.

• Expert Teaching Staff: Learn from experienced practitioners and researchers in counselling and psychotherapy.

• Career-Focused Learning: The program integrates professional competencies, cultural competence, and research skills to prepare you for the workplace.

• Supportive Community: Enjoy 1:1 mentorship, and personalised academic guidance.

What facilities can I use?
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.

Some of the benefits of this course include:

• Bespoke Psychotherapy Clinic for Psychotherapy Placement (on-Campus)

• Therapy simulation suites for practising advanced communication techniques and therapeutic approaches

• Dedicated library resources, including e-books, journals, and databases specific to mental health and psychotherapy

• 1:1 mentoring from experienced academic staff and practicing professionals

• Access to online learning platforms and support services such as "Ask a Librarian" and laptop loan schemes

What will I study?
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.

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.

How will I be taught and assessed?
Practical sessions involving case studies, role-play, and therapy simulations. An individually designed set of mixed assessments will be used including:

• professional conversations

• written assignments

• reflective journals

• case studies

• presentations

• completion of a research dissertation

• clinical assessment of placement hours supervised by experienced therapists

What are my career prospects?
Graduates are fully prepared for careers as professional counsellors and psychotherapists in various settings, including:

• NHS and private mental health clinics

• Educational institutions and community support organizations

• Specialist roles in family therapy, addiction counselling, trauma-informed care

• Opportunities for further academic research or teaching in the field

• The BACP accreditation ensures graduates meet professional standards, significantly enhancing their employability and career advancement opportunities.

Core Modules
Fundamentals of Psychotherapeutic Theory and Practice
Advanced Communicative Techniques in Therapy
Clinical Assessment Strategies and Treatment Modalities
Integration of Psychotherapeutic Approaches
Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Considerations
Professional Practice Development and Supervisory Methods
Clinical Placement
Extended Research Project

Applicants must typically hold a bachelor’s degree with Honours in a related field like Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, or Education, with at least a lower second-class (2:2) Honours.
Non-native English speakers or those who did not have English as the language of instruction at the undergraduate level must demonstrate proficiency. This is typically evidenced by an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any category, although equivalent tests like TOEFL or Pearson PTE are also accepted.
Experienced practitioners lacking formal qualifications may apply via alternative pathways including portfolio submissions that showcase relevant professional experience and an interview process to assess their suitability.
Applicants with relevant experience may apply for Advanced Standing under the university’s Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme, potentially bypassing certain introductory modules.
Those who do not meet standard entry requirements but have relevant professional experience might still qualify through the APL process, which can provide exemptions from specific modules.
If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course. Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy