Please note we aren't able to sponsor Student visas on this course.
Develop a foundation in psychotherapy and counselling theory and skills.
Designed for anyone curious about the field of psychotherapy, this certificate offers a comprehensive introduction to core theories and approaches – and combines academic learning, practical interactions and reflective exploration in a challenging and supportive environment. Here, you’ll be given the space and support to determine whether a career in psychotherapy is right for you.
This in-person course consists of two 6.5-hour sessions per week over one 10-week term. This is perfect for those who:
Discover more about what makes Regent's special.
This professional certificate offers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to psychotherapy, ideal for those considering training as a therapist, as well as anyone with a general interest in the field. You'll build your understanding of key theories and approaches (focusing on existential, humanistic and psychodynamic perspectives, although cognitive/behavioural methods are also considered) and deepen your interpersonal skills – learning how to work therapeutically with ‘clients’ and ‘colleagues’ from different backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives.
In class, you’ll debate with peers and join simulations and skills practice sessions (held in triads of ‘counsellor’, ‘client’ and ‘observer’) – learning to apply academic theory through supportive, real-world interactions. You’ll also join self-development groups where you'll be encouraged to reflect on your beliefs, assumptions and biases, and examine your emotional responses, processes and patterns to develop the self-awareness needed to support others in doing the same.
By the end of the certificate, you’ll have developed both a conceptual and practical understanding of psychotherapy, as well as a greater understanding of your own insights, beliefs, and reflective capacity. Successful completion enables you to join Regent's MProf Psychotherapy course, which takes place on campus in London, or continue your journey somewhere closer to home.
We put you in the driving seat – shaping your education from day one:
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.
During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:
*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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're an overseas student, you'll likely require a visa to study in the UK. Here's how to apply.
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.
Tuition fee:
Non-refundable advance deposit:
September 2026 or January 2027 start:
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.
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.
At Regent's, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a dynamic, supportive and collaborative environment with engaging classes, industry opportunities, specialist facilities, and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience, and confidence you need to pursue a career in this life-changing field. You’ll learn through a blend of online:
You’ll have approximately 120 hours of timetabled teaching – roughly 30% lectures and seminars and 70% practical exercises. Outside classes, you'll work on assignments both independently and collaboratively with fellow students. This involves further reading, research and reflection, as well as preparation for workshops and assessments.
You'll be taught by academics who have worked professionally in a variety of roles and sectors, from private practice to charities, not-for-profits, businesses, and the NHS. They’ve published articles, books and journals, teach the most cutting-edge methodology and thinking, and practice a range of therapy approaches – ensuring you’ll study contrasting views in an open and constructively critical arena.
We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. Please speak to us as soon as possible, so we can provide the help you need.
We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and review each application comprehensively on its own merit. You'll need the following qualifications:
For more guidance on international entry requirements, visit our international students page.
Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):
| Qualification | Subject | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| GSCE* | English | B (6) |
| IB SL or HL* | English A | 5 |
| IB HL* | English B | 5 |
| US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)* | Grade 11 and above English | B |
| IELTS* | Academic | Overall score of 7.0, with 6.0 or above in each component |
| UG degree | From English-speaking countries – defined by the UKVI | Second class |
Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.
We also offer our conditional offer holders a free, online diagnostic test known as Password Skills Plus. This must be booked in advance. Discover more.
*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.
For most of our students, the next step is to train in either counselling or psychotherapy. Successful completion enables you to join Regent's MProf Psychotherapy course, which takes place on campus in London, or continue your journey somewhere closer to home.
Feeling overwhelmed about your career path? Our Careers team is here to provide tailored advice and support every step of the way, as well as lifelong access to invaluable resources.
Dr Maria Luca – psychotherapist and lecturer with three internationally-recognised books
The intensive certificate consists of two 6.5 hour sessions per week over one 10-week term. We typically have four intakes each year. This year, they include:
5-week intensive
Mon, Tues, Weds and Thurs, 10:00-16:30
Starting 20 July
Weekday Intensive
Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00-16:30
Starting 14 September 2026
Weekend Intensive
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00-16:30
Starting 19 September 2026
The weekend option is also available online – see here for details.
This course consists of a single module, but it covers a wide range of topics including:
'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
