Program Overview

Professional Doctorate Counselling Psychology

Overview

The School of Psychology of Mediterranean College offers this Doctoral programme in Counselling Psychology, in collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton. The programme aims to thoroughly prepare mental health professionals for professional practice through the development of a high-level applied theoretical and practical background, research skills, and personal development, within the framework of the strict ethical and professional standards of mental health professions.

Programme Structure

Stage 1: (Yr1) MSc Level– Building Foundations.

• Learn how Psychology understands the complex interactions between the mind, emotion, motivation, and behaviour.
• Gain understanding of the historical and scientific underpinnings of psychology.
• Study person-centred/humanistic, cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic & family theory, critical psychopathology, and a research project related to your developing interests.

Stage 2 (Yr2): Doctorate Level – Growing Autonomy.

• Develop critical thinking as you refine advanced skills in the application of psychological research to everyday life.
• Gain skills in Quantitative and Qualitative Research methods.
• Modules include developmental lifespan psychology, psychodynamic therapy, working with personality issues, art therapy, supporting psychosis, cognitive analytic therapy, attachment & the Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM), and a range of professional skills such as: supervision & mentoring.

Stage 2 (Yr3): Doctorate Level – Specialist Knowledge.

• Complete your doctoral research thesis, building expertise in a chosen area of study relevant to a clinical domain.
• Modules include professional issues, and up to date training in current areas of practise.
• Topics usually include setting up a private practise, psychopharmacology, legal issues in psychology, LGBT issues, diversity & inclusion, working with clients experiencing domestic violence, assessment & treatment of sex offenders, working clinically in prisons, trauma focussed CBT.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Clinical Practice, Workshops & Development: Critical Psychopathology (Credits: 20, Period: 1, Type: Core)
• Conducting and Interpreting Research (Credits: 40, Period: 1, Type: Core)
• Psychological Theory and Therapy: CBT (Credits: 20, Period: 1, Type: Core)
• Psychological Theory & Therapy: Humanistic Approach (Credits: 20, Period: 1, Type: Core)
• Research Project (Counselling) (Credits: 60, Period: 1, Type: Core)
• Systemic & Contextual Issues in Counselling Psychology (Credits: 20, Period: 1, Type: Core)

Year 2

• Advanced Practice & Development 1: Integration and Critical Application in Counselling Psychology. (Credits: 20, Period: 2, Type: Core)
• Psychological Theory & Therapy: Human Development and Psychodynamic Approaches (Credits: 20, Period: 2, Type: Core)
• Thesis (Credits: 300, Period: 2, Type: Core)

Year 3

• Advanced Practice & Development 2: Professional Issues in Counselling Psychology (Credits: 20, Period: 3, Type: Core)

Admission Criteria

• A 2.1 Honours degree in Psychology or equivalent.
• Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (GBC).
• Possession of a qualification in counselling skills to Level 3 certificate standard
• 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time) in a paid or voluntary helping role, using counselling skills with clients on a face-to-face basis.
• Submission of a personal statement outlining the experience and skills you bring, and your reasons for pursuing further study in counselling psychology.
• Submission of a brief statement of interest outlining a research proposal, or idea for further development.
• A good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent)
• 2 x reference(s) – 1x academic and 1x clinical supervisory.
• Criminal record check.

Personal Skills

• Self-awareness and psychological stability.
• Ability to make use of and reflect on life experience.
• Capacity to cope with emotional demands of the course.
• Ability to cope with intellectual and academic requirements.
• Ability to form a helping relationship.
• Ability to critically reflect upon areas of bias and use both positive and negative feedback.

Some awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression of minority groups.

Research Centre & “Carl Rogers” in-house clinic

The programme offers students the opportunity to conduct part of their practical training at the Counselling Centre of the College, which operates within the framework of the “Carl Rogers” Mediterranean Centre for Psychological Research & Counseling, under the scientific supervision of the School of Psychology at Mediterranean College.

Services Offered by the Centre

• Individual Psychotherapy/Counselling
• Group Psychotherapy/Counselling
• Parenting & Guardianship Counselling
• Relationship & Couples Counselling
• Online Sessions
• Practical Training
• Clinical Supervision
• Psychoeducation
• Seminars & Workshops
• Research Simulations & Sessions
• Diagnostic Tests
• Preparation for e-counselling certification

Sessions can be conducted remotely (online) or in other languages, primarily in English.