Psychotherapy & Counselling

Overview

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 online course follows the same structure as our Intensive Foundation, with two 6.5-hour sessions per week over one 10-week term. This is perfect for those who:

• Aren’t based in London or can’t easily commute
• Prefer flexible, online learning to fit around work or study
• Want a concise introduction to psychotherapy
• Are keen to advance into further professional training

You’ll experience

• Virtual learning that encourages connection and collaboration from home
• A broad overview of the fundamentals of psychotherapy, lasting just 10 weeks
• An introduction to therapeutic approaches applied across diverse contexts
• Immersive classes incorporating debates, discussions, role plays and simulations
• Access to campus resources, networks and events if you’re ever in the area

Why Regent’s?

• Unparalleled global connections with leading practicing professionals
• Small classes: championing tailored attention, support, and guidance

Discover more about what makes Regent's special.

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What to expect

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. 

A tailored experience

We put you in the driving seat – shaping your education from day one:    

• Your own support officer: receive tailored advice and support when needed    
• Academic guidance: access regular one-to-one sessions and a unique open-door policy  

Course is subject to validation. 

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

• On our website, details here

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

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

Tuition fee: 

• September 2026 or Jan/April/May 2027 start: £6,000 per year, fixed for the duration of the course

Non-refundable advance deposit:

September 2026 or Jan/April/May 2027 start:

• UK students: £1,500
• Non-UK students: £5,000

Read more about tuition fees.

When do I need to pay?

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 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:

• Seminars, lectures, tutorials
• Practical simulations and debates
• Peer group participation
• Therapeutic intervention skills groups
• Access to guest lectures

Contact hours

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.

Teaching staff

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.  

Method of assessment

• Your skills and knowledge will be assessed via two pieces of coursework including:
• A theoretical paper discussing one approach you've learned
• A reflective essay about your personal and professional development

Disability support

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.

Academic requirements:

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:

• 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

For more guidance on international entry requirements, visit our international students page.

English language requirements 

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

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.

Careers

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.  

Careers support

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.

• 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

Influential alumni

Dr Maria Luca – psychotherapist and lecturer with three internationally-recognised books