Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy & Counselling

Intensive Foundation Certificate

Programme details

  • Next start date: Jan 2025
  • Duration: 5 weeks / 3 months

Overview

*Please note that we are not able to sponsor students for a Student visa.*

Develop a grounding in psychotherapy and counselling theory and skills – combining academic and practical components in a supportive and challenging environment. 

As well as providing a solid background for those wishing to apply for further training, this certificate offers those who already work in the helping professions the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills. You'll build your understanding of a range of theories, with a focus on existential, psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives – though cognitive behavioural approaches are also considered.

You’ll also be introduced to the practical and ethical issues of working with clients in a variety of situations and develop essential communication and counselling skills – examining your own beliefs, assumptions and prejudices in order to help others do the same. Alongside this, you’ll develop your capacity to reflect on your own interpersonal and emotional processes, patterns and experiences. 

In class you’ll debate with peers and join simulations, skills practice sessions and self-development workshops (usually in triads of ‘counsellor’, ‘client’ and ‘observer’) – learning to apply academic theory in practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with Regent’s Careers, Enterprise & Industry team to find professional placements.

Successful completion of this certificate will enable you to meet one of the main entry requirements for the MA Psychotherapy and Counselling.

Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent's

Regent’s is a leading training institution for psychotherapy, with a reputation for innovation and critical thinking. Our courses offer training routes to professional practice and accredited professional status for students of all levels – so, no matter whether you’re just beginning your training or are part-way through, we have the right course for you. 

Course handbooks

How to apply

Applying to Regent's is quick and easy. We accept direct applications year-round and there's no application fee. If you haven't received your exam results, you can still apply and we'll issue you with a conditional offer. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you're currently studying for.

Step 1: Apply

During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:

  • A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
  • A copy of your CV/resume
  • One letter of academic or professional recommendation
  • A 500-700 word personal statement*
  • If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency

*Outlining your background, your reasons for applying, how you feel you'd benefit from this course and why you feel you'd make a suitable candidate.

Credit transfer

If you’ve already studied part of your degree elsewhere, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and join your new course at an advanced entry point. To apply for RPL, you'll need to state this clearly in your application and provide us with the certificates, transcripts and module descriptions for your previous course.

Step 2: Receive a response

You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days. We'll assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of our decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.

For some of our courses, the selection process may include an interview or audition. They can take the form of a one-to-one interview, a group interview or a portfolio review, which may be conducted by telephone or online. Arrangements of these are made between you and the Admissions department.

Step 3: Accept your offer

If you wish to accept your offer, you must pay your (non-refundable) advance tuition fee deposit. This will confirm your place. Here's how.

Step 4: Register 

Closer to the start of term, our Admissions team will send instructions regarding your registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment before you arrive, as well as a checklist of documents you'll need to bring with you to campus.

Information for international students

If you're an overseas student, you'll likely require a visa to study in the UK. Here's how to apply.

Scholarships and funding

If you start your Intensive Foundation Certificate in September 2024, you can progress to our MA Psychotherapy & Counselling course in January 2025 – and receive 10% off your tuition fees every year for the full three years! Discover more.

There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies. For more information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.

Fees

  • £5,500 for the intake starting in September 2024 or January 2025
  • £5,700 for the intake starting in September 2025 or January 2026

Non-refundable advance deposit:

  • UK students: £1,000
  • International students: £4,000

Read more about tuition fees.

If you receive an offer for a course, you’ll receive a pro forma invoice. To accept your offer and secure your place, pay your deposit payment as soon as possible. The remaining portion of your first year’s tuition fees will be due when you enrol. At this time, you’ll receive your invoice for the full year. You can choose to pay for the year in full before the start of your first academic year or in three instalments, spread out across the academic year. The dates of these instalments will be determined by when your course starts.

What do fees include?

Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms. 

What other costs should I budget for?

You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of your course.

The library holds a limited number of copies of core textbooks and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own textbooks and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your course.

How you'll learn

At Regent's you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a supportive and nurturing environment with interactive classes, regular one-to-one contact with tutors, specialist facilities, industry opportunities and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to succeed.

We centre our teaching around your individual goals, identifying the support you need to thrive. You’ll be part of a collaborative environment, that brings all the nuances of psychotherapy to life in the classroom as you learn the most current approaches and gain the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to pursue a career in this life-changing field. 

Rather than promote a single approach, we teach a range of perspectives (covering existential, psychoanalytic, humanistic and integrative) via debates, simulations and placements – preparing you to make informed choices in your practice and meet the professional challenges of this rapidly-evolving field.

You’ll pair deep industry knowledge with hands-on experiences, taking part in a blend of learning formats to give your studies context: 

  • Seminars, lectures, tutorials
  • Practical simulations and debates
  • Peer group participation
  • Therapeutic intervention skills groups
  • Guest lectures with industry

Contact hours: each intake will have around 120 hours of contact time. This will be split roughly as follows:

  • 30% lectures and seminars, including experiential exercises
  • 70% practical exercised in groups

Teaching staff 

You'll be taught by academics who all practice professionally and are recognised for excellence in their fields. They frequently speak at international conferences, so you can feel confident that you’re being taught the most cutting-edge methodology and thinking, and practice a wide range of therapy approaches – ensuring you’ll study contrasting views in an open and constructively critical arena. 

You'll be allocated a personal tutor too, who'll meet you on a one-to-one basis at various stages throughout the year to support your personal and professional development.

We're really proud of the global nature of our courses, and our tutors also reflect this ethos – coming from a wide variety of countries and cultures across the world. In every way, you'll feel part of a global family.

Independent learning

Throughout the course, you'll be expected to undertake extra reading, research, revision and reflection, as well as preparing work for workshops, and working collaboratively with other students in preparation for assessment.

You do not need to be in personal therapy during the programme, nor is there a requirement for you to complete clinical practice hour but you may wish to do so voluntarily alongside your studies.

Method of assessment

Your skills and knowledge will be assessed via academic essays, case study analysis, clinical portfolio, training supervision, process reports, reflections on skills practice and presentations. Two pieces of coursework include:

  • An essay about your personal and professional development
  • A theoretical paper discussing any approach you've learned

It's important to us that your learning and assessment is:

  • Inclusive – fostering a student-focused approach
  • Engaging – encouraging interaction and participation
  • Authentic – based on real business challenges

Disability support

We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns, including learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism conditions, mobility difficulties and temporary or chronic health conditions. 

Our Student Support & Welfare team is here to support you. We ask that you speak with us as early as possible to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us.

Academic requirements: Level 7

We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and review each application comprehensively on its own merit.

The following qualifications:

  • A CV outlining your academic, professional and voluntary history
  • A letter of academic or professional recommendation
  • A 500-700 word personal statement outlining your experience and ambitions
  • If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency

English language requirements 

Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):

QualificationSubjectGrade
GSCE*EnglishB (6)
IB SL or HL*English A5
IB HL*English B5
US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)*Grade 11 and above EnglishB
IELTS*AcademicOverall score of 7.0, with 6.0 or above in each component
UG degreeFrom English-speaking countries – defined by the UKVISecond class

Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.

*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.

We also offer conditional students a free, online diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This must be booked in advance. Discover more.

Careers

For most of our students, the next step is to take a Master's. Successful completion of this certificate will enable you to meet one of the main entry requirements for our MA Psychotherapy & Counselling, among others.

Direct progression, however, will depend on your academic background – as well as your professional and voluntary experience. Please see the entry requirements for MA Psychotherapy & Counselling for further information.

Careers support

Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – our Careers, Enterprise and Industry team are here to provide personalised advice and access to resources for life!

  • 24/7 access to online guidance and resources
  • Exclusive internships, networking opportunities and industry events
  • Personalised consultations – from interview and CV prep to business advice
  • Access to Handshake, connecting you with 650k+ global employers

Structure

This follows the same course as the one-year Certificate, but is offered in a condensed format. Sessions last from 10:00–16:30 each day. There are four intake periods each year:

  • Autumn: Sept – Nov/Dec (two cohorts, week and weekend classes)
  • Winter: January – March (two cohorts, week and weekend classes)
  • Spring: April/May – August (two cohorts, week and weekend classes)
  • Summer: July – August

Upcoming dates for 2024/25

January 2025

Weekday intensive
Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00-16:30
Starting 20 January

Weekend Intensive
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00-16:30
Starting 18 January

April 2025

Weekday intensive
Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00-16:30
Starting 28 April

Weekend Intensive
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00-16:30
Starting 26 April

July 2025

5-week Intensive
Mon, Tues, Weds and Thurs, 10.00-16.30
Starting 21 July

The full 2024-25 academic calendar will be released here shortly.

Apply now

Weekend cohort

Weekday cohort

5 week July intensive

Fern Dickinson

Fern Dickinson
'I've done all my professional training at Regent’s. I chose to do the Certificate course because, of all the equivalent courses, this was the most comprehensive and well-structured. It also has an excellent reputation'. Fern Dickinson, Certificate Psychotherapy & Counselling alumna