Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
2 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Gain a deep understanding of relational theory and practice and learn how to apply your therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy skills with clients.
Accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), this course will enable you to develop the skills you’ll need as a professional counsellor or psychotherapist. It will provide you with the training required to become registered with the BACP and be professionally recognised as a counsellor.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Identify your strengths and areas for development through clinical practice, ensuring you become a capable and self-reflective practitioner
- Be trained to deliver therapy using online platforms, including video conferencing, and over the phone
- Experience a variety of learning approaches from full class lectures, to small group skills development where you can record your practice in our communications suite
- Study appropriate methods of research to form a research proposal and complete a dissertation in a subject area or specialism of your choice
Hands-on experience
We'll help you find a suitable work placement where you’ll have client contact on a regular basis totalling 100 hours. You’ll also undertake 20 hours of personal counselling from a network of professional counsellors approved by our university.
Teaching and learning
In addition to on-campus teaching sessions, you’ll need access to a private space to attend occasional online training sessions. This will require the use of a personal computer or equivalent device, and access to the internet.
Improving mental health support for BAME communities Maryam Riaz, lecturer in Counselling and Mental Health at Leeds Beckett University, is breaking down barriers to mental health support for BAME communities. Here she talks about her work to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider the counselling profession, and how she is training her students to become culturally aware so they can work confidently with diversity and difference.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree and have completed a face to face Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent counselling skills training. Counselling Skills training must include face-to-face counselling skills practice. Training in an allied health profession, such as coaching or social work will not be accepted as meeting this requirement.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Applicants are advised to read the course information booklet before submitting their application.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree and have completed a face to face Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills or equivalent counselling skills training. Counselling Skills training must include face-to-face counselling skills practice. Training in an allied health profession, such as coaching or social work will not be accepted as meeting this requirement.
All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Applicants are advised to read the course information booklet before submitting their application.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
This module focuses on your personal and professional development. We'll equip you to work effectively as a reflective practitioner, using a relational approach to counselling. Throughout your studies, you'll evaluate and plan your developmental needs while critically reflecting on your own professional knowledge, skills acquisition and expertise. Upon completion, you'll be able to assess and integrate a range of different theories into a clear plan for improving your practice.
Build a sound theoretical base, enabling you to begin safe and effective clinical practice under appropriate supervision. This module provides opportunities for you to learn about counselling practice through lectures and seminars. These sessions will address counselling theory and empirical evidence linked to professional frameworks. You'll also explore the therapy process and the suitability and effectiveness of counselling approaches for common mental health conditions.
Understand what it takes to establish and maintain effective, collaborative and therapeutic relationships appropriate for professional practice. Through regular peer practice sessions, observation, feedback, and supervisory support, you'll develop the skills necessary for therapeutic encounters with clients. Throughout the module, you'll also be encouraged to engage in personal development and theory to promote a strong understanding and observable progress in your skills development.
Gain a grounding in the theoretical, methodological and practical approaches to social research, enabling you to act as a social researcher and resolve practice-based problems. This module enables you to select, devise, analyse and synthesise research and evidence-based practice findings. You'll investigate sources and the nature of evidence, ethical considerations and research theories and approaches as you formulate a research proposal and working hypothesis. We'll consider things like design options, methodologies, project planning, fieldwork preparation, validity and reliability and data analysis. We'll also cover a range of research methodologies, linking these with problem appraisal and appropriate design choices.
This module builds on your learning from Personal & Professional Development 1. You'll gain greater awareness and proficiency in both personal and professional competencies. You'll develop a reflexive understanding and the ability to critically appraise and integrate a range of theoretical approaches into a coherent model for advancing your own practice. This will enable you to work effectively as a reflective practitioner and employ a relational approach to counselling.
Develop your critical understanding of counselling and theoretical skills. This module builds on the supervision and framework for practice covered in year one. You'll extend your knowledge of integrative practice, focusing on complex client issues and therapeutic concepts. We'll learn about the significance of working with other professionals to meet clients' needs more effectively. Overall, you'll maintain a critical, analytical and reflective perspective towards the available theories and evidence.
Gain an appreciation of the value of supervision in your work with clients. In this module, you'll participate in regular group sessions with your tutors and fellow students. These meetings provide opportunities for feedback and will help you make further links between counselling theory and practice. We'll encourage you to reflect on how your learning applies to working therapeutically with a range of issues. By the end of the module, you'll be able to identify ways to further enhance your practice skills.
Plan, implement and report on an independent piece of original advanced research in an area of your choice. With guidance from a supervisor, you'll demonstrate your initiative and responsibility in this process, as well as your capacity to reflect on evidence and connect research theory with practice. This project will boost your individual knowledge and develop key intellectual skills appropriate for master's level study, while also fostering personal and professional development.
Fees and funding
£5,200
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £5200. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£9,220
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £9220. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£5,200
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £5200. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.The fee quoted is charged in each year of the course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Membership of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (£86 per year).
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel costs (£10 per week).
- One hour of supervision is required for every eight hours of client work or fortnightly in accordance with BACP guidelines (£30-70 per hour, costs will vary).
- A minimum of 20 sessions of personal therapy sessions (£30-70 per hour).
- Recording device (£25).
- You’ll need access to a private space, personal computer/device and the internet to attend occasional online training sessions.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or occupational health (OH) check. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fee, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£9,220
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £9220. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.The fee quoted is charged in each year of the course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
Essential Costs
- Membership of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (£86 per year).
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel costs (£10 per week).
- One hour of supervision is required for every eight hours of client work or fortnightly in accordance with BACP guidelines (£30-70 per hour, costs will vary).
- A minimum of 20 sessions of personal therapy sessions (£30-70 per hour).
- Recording device (£25).
- You’ll need access to a private space, personal computer/device and the internet to attend occasional online training sessions.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or occupational health (OH) check. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fee, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
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