Professional Doctorate in Doctorate of Counselling Psychology DCounsPsy

The 3-year, full-time programme places an emphasis on both cognitive-behavioural and humanistic approaches to the development of counselling and psychotherapy skills. The programme includes training in psychological assessment; psychotherapeutic interventions over the lifespan; clinical research methods; ethics and professional practice; a doctoral research dissertation; and requires a minimum of 450 hours of placement in clinical settings. 

Students also undertake modules that develop the professional skills required of leaders and supervisors, and for working in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.

Course structure

Year 1 of the programme includes six coursework modules (three modules in each semester). Year 2 and 3 of the programme comprise a coursework module, a clinical placement and independent research work towards a dissertation, each semester.

Year 1:

• Counselling & Psychotherapy Skills (30 credits)
• Psychological Assessment Theories & Practice (30 credits)
• Professional Practice in Counselling Psychology (30 credits)
• Individual Psychotherapy (30 credits)
• Research Methods in Counselling Psychology (30 credits)
• Psychological Interventions Over the Lifespan (30 credits)

Year 2:

• Group Psychotherapy (30 credits)
• Doctoral Dissertation 1 (30 credits)
• Placement 1 (30 credits)
• Psychological Interventions for Couples & Families (30 credits)
• Doctoral Dissertation 2 (30 credits)
• Placement 2 (30 credits)

Year 3:

• Psychopathology & Advanced Psychotherapy Process (30 credits)
• Doctoral Dissertation 3 (30 credits)
• Placement 3 (30 credits)
• Professional Counselling Psychology (30 credits)
• Doctoral Dissertation 4 (30 credits)
• Placement 4 (30 credits)

Teaching and assessment

Students develop the professional skills required of practitioner psychologists through small group class-work, and supervised placements in public health and community-based settings. Working with a research advisor, students also conduct an applied research project relevant to Counselling Psychology. Moodle, the University’s virtual learning environment, allows access to all supporting materials, resources, readings, and activities, and provides the platform for students’ e-portfolios (i.e., log of clinical placement activities). 

Each of the 18 modules in the programme have separate assessments, for example a mix of: case reports, oral presentations, written reports, demonstrations of skills, and examinations. Requirements for each assessment are mapped to the BPS competencies and HCPC standards of proficiency, for a Counselling Psychologist.

York St John University works hard to create an inclusive environment for all our students. We offer a range of learning support services to assist students throughout their studies.