Course summary

This UKCP-accredited programme provides in-depth professional training in Person-Centred Psychotherapy, grounded in Carl Rogers’ theory of the necessary and sufficient conditions for psychological growth. Integrating classical Person-Centred foundations with contemporary developments in the field, the course supports students to develop reflective, reflexive, and relationally attuned psychotherapeutic practice. The MSc enables students to engage deeply with the Person-Centred philosophy, which places authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. Through experiential learning and supported clinical practice, students cultivate the capacity to work therapeutically with clients from diverse backgrounds and experiences, with sensitivity to issues of power, identity, and culture. Course philosophy Rooted in Rogers’ six necessary and sufficient conditions, this course nurtures authenticity, relational presence, and belief in each individual’s inherent capacity for growth and change. It emphasises personal development and anti-oppressive practice, encouraging students to explore their own identities as practitioners and to reflect on how these intersect with clients’ lived experiences and social contexts. Teaching and learning Teaching takes place through weekend workshops that combine experiential learning, theory seminars, empathy labs, and skills development sessions. A key feature of the programme is the community encounter group, in which all students participate, fostering self-awareness, mutual understanding, and depth of relational engagement. Assessment Students are assessed through a range of methods, including multimedia portfolios, skills observations, written assignments, professional conversations, presentations, case studies, clinical supervision reports, and a final research project. Clinical placement Supervised clinical practice takes place over the duration of the programme, supported by personal therapy and ongoing clinical supervision. This practical experience is central to the integration of theory, self-awareness, and professional competence. Career pathways Graduates are eligible to register with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and practise professionally as Person-Centred Psychotherapists in private practice, healthcare, educational, or organisational settings. Programme delivery This is a part-time programme studied over three years, delivered through weekend study in a blended format combining in-person and online learning. The intake begins each September.