Course summary
The MSc in Psychotherapy Studies is a unique, online programme designed to provide in-depth theoretical knowledge about the practice of psychotherapy. This course is based on an existential approach which is first and foremost philosophical. It is concerned with the understanding of people’s position in the world and with the clarification of what it means to be alive. Existential psychotherapists are committed to exploring issues of truth and meaning with a receptive attitude, rather than a dogmatic one. As such, this programme explores psychotherapy and counselling widely and deeply, by considering the research evidence in related fields of psychology, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and medical science. Professor Digby Tantam and Professor Emmy van Deurzen created the programme alongside other colleagues at NSPC in 2003 and new units have been added and old units revised continuously since then. The programme has been taught in 13 Universities, in 11 different European countries, and 10 training institutes with the teachers being taught and supervised by NSPC staff. 600 students have been enrolled so far, from 38 countries around the world. The programme is wholly online and so no travel is required. Material is presented on our virtual learning environment based on the latest version of Moodle, the most widely used content management system for education in the world. There has been substantial research on the impact of the programme, and on students’ satisfaction with it that have shown that even students who have little previous experience of using the internet have been able to make use of the online materials, particularly as they are backed up by intensive online tutoring. Students have been more satisfied with the programme than with comparable face to face programmes.
Modules
Existential & Human Issues This module will provide students with an overview of the existential approach and the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of human values, meaning and creative responses to anxiety. Wellbeing and Health This module will provide students with an understanding of the role of positive psychology and other theoretical approaches to well-being within an overall strategy of improvement of quality of living. Development Through the Lifespan To provide an overview of developmental theories, demonstrating how physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development interact and how theories of development, and developmental stages, can be applied to counselling psychology. Development stage theories will be evaluated in the context of the existential reflections on the purpose of development and an unfolding project. Overview of Research Methods This module will provide an understanding of the contribution of research to the growth of knowledge and the effectiveness of practice. It will give the student a grounding in research approaches, with particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Conflict and Reconciliation This module will provide students with a typology of conflict and conflict resolution. Students will consider methods of conflict resolution or termination through mediation, reconciliation, therapy, arbitration, legal force, and murder or genocide. Social, Cultural and Ethical Issues This module will enable students to be able to make appropriate decisions about consent, confidentiality, discrimination, exploitation, fairness, duty of care, and other ethical and moral quandaries in professional practice. Theories of Personal Change This module will enable students to develop a common theory of personal change, with special relevance to psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, and self-development. Studies will also identify the aims and methods of some of the main Western approaches to symptomatic, short-term, motivational, and longer-term psychotherapies. Finally students will critically evaluate the modern concept of personality as an explanation for many Western theories of personal change. Research Supervision and Final Project (15,000 words) NSPC will provide supervision of the student’s independent research towards their final project. Students will research an aspect of Psychotherapy Studies that is of personal and professional interest to them and to produce a well written final project of 15.000 words to Masters’ standards, which makes a contribution to the psychotherapy literature.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree in any subject (equivalent experience may be acceptable), Fluent in English, Personal suitability to be determined at interview, Reliable internet connection.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
EU | £1140 | Module |
International | £1140 | Module |
England | £1140 | Module |
Northern Ireland | £1140 | Module |
Scotland | £1140 | Module |
Wales | £1140 | Module |
Channel Islands | £1140 | Module |
Republic of Ireland | £1140 | Module |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Existential Academy
61-63 Fortune Green Road
London
NW6 1DR