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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course Overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
1 Year -
16 Sep 2024
In response to the growing demand for effective counselling and psychotherapeutic practices, we offer a course through which qualified therapists can build knowledge within certain areas of interest, supporting the development of specialism and identity within the profession.
If you already hold a postgraduate diploma in counselling or psychotherapy, this one-year top-up course gives you the opportunity to obtain a masters qualification by studying two research modules.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Look at the relationship between research and the development of practice in the field
- Be introduced to the appropriate methods of research in psychotherapy and use this knowledge to form a research proposal
- Understand how to use techniques and tools from different modalities to tailor an individual approach to your research topic
- Complete a dissertation detailing your own research process and findings on a subject area of your choice relating to counselling practice
This course will give you the opportunity to undertake in-depth research in an area of your own interest. You'll build on your existing academic knowledge and practice experience to build an advanced critical and reflexive understanding of the theory, practice and established methods of counselling and psychotherapy for use in professional practice.
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 a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy or Professional Training at Postgraduate level in Clinical Supervision and a relevant degree.
Applicants are asked to complete a research topic proposal and submit this with their application, this will require approval by the course team before a place on the course can be offered. For further details please refer to the MA Integrative Counselling Guidance.
An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain projects involving specific groups of participants and this will be decided on receipt of the research topic proposal. If required, the DBS check can only be processed through the University. 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. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
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 a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy or Professional Training at Postgraduate level in Clinical Supervision and a relevant degree.
Applicants are asked to complete a research topic proposal and submit this with their application, this will require approval by the course team before a place on the course can be offered. For further details please refer to the MA Integrative Counselling Guidance.
An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain projects involving specific groups of participants and this will be decided on receipt of the research topic proposal. If required, the DBS check can only be processed through the University. 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. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
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.
International baccalaureate
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
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
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.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
Fees & Funding hellooo
£3,500
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £3500. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£3,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £3500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£3,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £3500. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
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.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study via distance learning, you’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
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.
£3,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £3500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your 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.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study via distance learning, you’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
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.
Why Leeds for health? Employing over 196,000 health and science professionals, Leeds is the UK’s leading centre for healthcare and innovation. Find out why studying here is the right choice for you.
Through study into the integrative world of modern counselling research, our course provides the opportunity to develop research skills to explore issues of contemporary significance, making this MA top-up award a comprehensive conclusion for those who have become recognised, professional counsellors at postgraduate level.
Paul Nicholson
Course Director
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Paul Nicholson
Course Director / School Of Health
Paul Nicholson is a BACP accredited relational psychotherapist, training supervisor, senior lecturer and postgraduate Course Director. He has worked in mental health since 1997 and as a therapist in the NHS, voluntary sector and in private practice since 2005.
Career Prospects
Psychotherapists and counsellors are employed in the NHS, education, social services and private industry, and many in the health sector draw on psychotherapy skills and theory to enhance their primary role. Our course can assist in advancing your career in related counselling and psychotherapy fields.
- Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Mental health practitioner
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
