Program Overview

Doctor of Professional Studies in Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies

Overview

Our DProf course recognises the achievements of practitioners in the disciplines of counselling and psychotherapy. The DProf facilitates the generation of original knowledge that comes out of experience and practice and enables a fresh and meaningful contribution to be given to practice-based knowledge and dialogue.

Course Structure

• Years 1 & 2 Taught Phase
• Years 3 & 4 Research Phase

What You'll Study

You'll be introduced to a range of research methodologies and professional debates to further your research interests. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your own practice, write for publication and present at conferences, and to conduct dialogue with academic practitioners and researchers at the forefront of the counselling/psychotherapy professions.

You’ll undertake a research project. This will involve completing a critical literature review; choosing an appropriate methodology to address the research question; gathering and analysing the data; drawing conclusions in line with the research question and reflecting on the research and its significance, making recommendations for future practice and research.

Who You'll Learn From

• Christina Buxton, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Marie Chollier, Senior Lecturer
• Professor Peter Gubi, Professor
• Professor Andrew Reeves, Professor

How You'll Learn

• Teaching takes place in concentrated blocks and via group tutorials
• Assessment is via written work, a thesis and viva
• This course is designed around real-time online study
• All teaching and learning activities are online

Entry Requirements

• Home Students
  • 2:2 honours degree or above
  • MA/MSc in a Counselling/Psychotherapy discipline graded at 65% or above for the research dissertation
  • Experience or training in a range of research methodologies
  • Substantive therapeutic practitioner experience (in the field of counselling and psychotherapy)
• International/EU Students
  • 2:2 honours degree or above
  • MA/MSc in a Counselling/Psychotherapy discipline graded at 65% or above for the research dissertation
  • Experience or training in a range of research methodologies
  • Substantive therapeutic practitioner experience (in the field of counselling and psychotherapy)
  • Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence of IELTS level 7.00

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £3,485 per year (2025/26)
• International Students: £7,542 per year (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Students are expected to fund the cost of any CPD workshops/research conferences and other external researcher development activities in addition to the tuition fees
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships

Your Future Career

This course assists in the development of practitioner-researchers who, with a doctorate and a research reputation, can go on to fulfil therapeutic, academic and management positions in their chosen areas of work.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.