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Becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist

Becoming a professional counsellor or psychotherapist usually starts well before you arrive at Birkbeck. It may be something you have considered for many years, or a more recent interest. Whatever your starting point, we have put together some information about how you can reach your goal.

Before you can apply to train on one of our MSc or MA programmes, you'll need to fulfil the entry requirements.

Entry requirements

Counselling certificate

A certificate in counselling or counselling skills at level 4 or above is a prerequisite for all our MSc programmes (see below for more information).

Experience in a helping role

A ‘helping role’ means working directly with people in an emotionally supportive capacity. This may be part of your work in a related profession, such as social work or nursing, or it may be a voluntary role that you have undertaken regularly on a weekly basis for a minimum of six months (one year full-time for the child and adolescent MSc).   

Experience of personal therapy (recommended)

We ask that all applicants to the MSc establish themselves in personal therapy at least six months before starting an MSc. For a list of personal therapy requirements, please .

Which counselling certificate is right for me?

I just want a taster - Introduction to Counselling

I'm a beginner wanting to explore all types of counselling - Cert HE Counselling and Counselling Skills

I'm a beginner interested specifically in psychodynamic counselling - Cert HE Psychodynamic Counselling

I have significant experience in a related profession, eg. social work, nursing, teaching - Grad Cert Foundation for Counselling and Psychotherapy Training

We also offer an MSc/PG Dip Psychodynamics of Human Development for those wishing to undertake a foundation with a mother-infant observation.

Gaining experience

Many organisations recruit volunteers as listeners, befrienders, mentors etc, and most will offer some training specific to the role.

Here are some examples of the places our students have gained their helping experience:

  • Victim support 
  • Samaritans
  • Mind (look for opportunities in befriending or support roles in local branches)
  • Age UK  
  • Home start UK 
  • Hospices (look in your local area) 
  • The Kids Network (mentoring programme for children aged 8-11) suitable for those studying the MSc Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents

Next steps 

Once you have met the entry criteria, you are ready to apply to one of our masters-level clinical trainings. These include: