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Psychosexual Therapy at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

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2026 - 2027
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Course summary

This MSc Psychosexual Therapy is a College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) accredited course which offers you the advanced theoretical and practical knowledge you need to become a professional psychosexual therapist. Why choose this course?

  • This course is run by Birkbeck together with Tavistock Relationships, a leading training and research centre in London which specialises in sex and relationship therapy.
  • You will benefit from in-depth case study research and expert professional support from leading clinicians in the field of psychosexual therapy.
  • You will have the opportunity work in an NHS or other clinical placement to further your learning experience with a diverse range of clinical presentations.
What you will learn You will study the key psychodynamics ideas in couple therapy and integrate them to conduct an in-depth psychosexual assessment. You will develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of sexual function and dysfunction, recognise and diagnose DSM-V and ICD-11 sexual dysfunctions and create an appropriate treatment plan. You will also learn the unexpected physical, emotional and relational aspects that influence sex, from illness, disability, pharmacological interventions, STIs, fertility and miscarriage to menopause, chemsex, sexual compulsion and ageing. You will also explore the complexities of working with culturally and sexually diverse and neurodivergent patients. You will be able to put what you have learnt into practice during an NHS or Tavistock Relationship clinical placement in the second year of your course. How you will learn This course is available to study part-time over two years with one or two days of classes taking place each month. You will participate in self-reflective groups for personal development and clinical seminar groups for clinical reflexivity. At the end of your second year you will follow your interests carrying out a clinical case study on a psychosexual topic of your choice. Highlights
  • This course is run by Birkbeck together with Tavistock Relationships, a pioneer in the field of psychodynamic and psychosexual therapeutic approaches.
  • You will benefit from in-depth case study research and expert professional support from leading clinicians in the field of psychosexual therapy.
  • Student loans are available for this course.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating with this MSc Psychosexual Therapy, you will be:
  • equipped to work in the statutory or voluntary sector or as a private practitioner in the field of psychosexual therapy
  • eligible to apply for CORST (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) registration once the required clinical hours have been completed
  • part of Tavistock Relationships' alumni group and able to take advantage of their high-quality CPD and conferences, helping you keep on top of recent developments in the field and develop your clinical practice further.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

The course incorporates multiple assessment methods such as couple and psychosexual research and theory paper discussions, clinical practice and case evaluations and discussions, role plays, case assessments, clinical supervised hours, a written examination and a clinical case study.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

Entry requirements

You must have: a clinical qualification in psychotherapy, counselling or counselling psychology from a nationally recognised training organisation such as UKCP, BACP or BPS; sufficient counselling and academic competencies to meet the demands of the course; a minimum of 200 hours of supervised clinical work with individuals or couples prior to application; a high degree of reflexivity, capacity to make and maintain close personal relationships, and the ability to reflect on personal experience. Successful applicants must complete 100 hours of personal therapy, of which at least 20 should ideally be conducted with a psychodynamic therapist, either prior to or during the course. A minimum of 20 hours of therapy is required during training, with sessions starting in the first term. For guidance on finding a suitable personal therapy provider, contact Tavistock Relationships. Successful applicants will also be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants with other qualifications or assessed prior (experiential) learning may also be considered.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

To be confirmed
Psychosexual Therapy at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS