Practice-Based Counselling

Overview

Acquire the knowledge and practical expertise to become an effective counsellor.

Counselling provides clients with a safe, confidential space to explore personal challenges through talking therapy with a trained professional. This practice-based course prepares you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to become an ethical and reflective counsellor. Through hands-on learning, you’ll develop cultural awareness and relational insights, completing 100 clinical hours to be eligible to independently apply for individual membership with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

Why Regent’s?

• Small class sizes: allowing for more individual attention, support and guidance  
• NCPS accreditation: eligible to apply for individual accreditation by the NCPS*
• Clinical placements: help to secure placements in professional practices  
• Industry connections: hear from industry experts in counselling and psychotherapy  
• Prime location: located in the heart of London’s Royal Regent’s Park  
• Study trips: from London field trips to visiting relevant mental health institutions

*100 clinical hours are required to independently apply for individual membership with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

What to expect

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of diverse therapeutic approaches through a research-informed curriculum. You'll explore core counselling skills and contemporary therapies, as well as key areas such as ethical practices, the classification and treatment of mental health conditions, and therapeutic techniques across the lifespan – from infancy to adulthood.

Through immersive, practice-based modules, you’ll develop the essential skills to become a reflective practitioner. Active learning, including simulations and role-plays with peers and tutors, will help you to cultivate your own professional identity and prepare you for your supervised placements. By conducting evidence-based research, you’ll also acquire valuable experience in evaluating, critically analysing and drawing conclusions from empirical data and disseminating findings.  

During your second year, we will support you in securing a placement/s to complete the 100 clinical hours required to apply for individual accreditation with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Alongside your placement, you’ll participate in regular group discussions, workshops and peer supervision guided by our expert interdisciplinary team, dedicated to helping you refine your intellectual and practical skills.

Successful completion of this course will enable you to meet one of the main entry requirements for the MA Psychotherapy and Counselling. You'l also be eligible to apply as an Accredited Registrant (MNCPS Acc.), meet the SCoPEd Column A requirements or continue your studies with programmes such as the BPS-accredited MSc Psychology (Conversion).

London-centric learning

With London on your doorstep, you’ll have opportunities to engage with leading practitioners – gaining practical experience and networking opportunities that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-life application. Field trips may include:

• Guided tours at the Freud Museum London  
• Exploring the history of mental health at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind
• Understanding how identity shapes mental health at the Wellcome Collection 

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
• Flexible modules: personalise your course with a choice of elective modules
• Additional language classes: prepare for domestic and international opportunities

Optional Foundation year

If you opt for a Foundation year, you'll gain a solid grounding in academic skills and principles, as well as an introduction to your chosen subject area. It will provide a rich and varied experience to ensure you’re prepared for degree-level study in the UK – ready to develop specialist knowledge and confidently make the most of your course.

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
• Through UCAS  (The Regent’s UCAS code is R18)

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

• A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
• Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies
• A 300-500 word personal statement (view guidance)
• If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency (take our test)

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. Here's how to pay. This will confirm your place. 

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.

Fees

Tuition fee:

• £23,000 per year for the intake starting in September 2025

Non-refundable advance deposit:

• UK students: £1,000
• Non-UK 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 two 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, collaborative environment with regular one-to one contact with academics and personal tutors, hands-on classes, specialist facilities, industry opportunities and tailored careers advice – helping you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to succeed.

You’ll pair deep industry knowledge with practical experiences – exploring current issues and proposing solutions to real problems as you take part in a blend of formats to give your studies context:  

• Seminars and guest lectures
• Practical workshops and simulations
• Industry masterclasses
• Case study analysis
• Peer group participation
• Field trips
• Group research projects

Working with classmates, you’ll learn how to implement theoretical knowledge into practical skills to become a reflective counsellor. Based in London, you'll also have opportunities to meet potential employers through guest lectures, field trips and industry visits – giving you insights into the world of counselling and how and enabling you to put theory into practice. 

Contact hours

14 hours of timetabled classes per week.

Teaching staff

You'll be taught by academics who all practice professional 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 practice a wide range of therapy approaches – ensuring you’ll study contrasting views in an open and constructively critical arena.

You'll also be allocated a personal tutor, who you’ll meet with regularly on a one-to-one basis, and you’ll attend guest lectures with leading brands – networking and developing close relationships with industry figures and potential employers.  

We're proud of the international nature of our courses and our staff also reflect this ethos, representing a wide range of countries and cultures. In every way, you'll feel part of a global network.

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.

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.

• 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. Please speak with us as early as possible so we can support you as best we can. Get in touch.

Academic requirements: Year 1 entry

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

One of the following qualifications:

Careers

Successful completion of this degree will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to pursue a diverse range of career opportunities in counselling, including:

• Private Practice  
• Non-Governmental Organisations  
• Employee Assistance Programs  
• Mental Health Charities  
• NHS Counselling Posts
• Further study – e.g., MSc Psychology (Conversion), MA Psychotherapy and Counselling, Professional Doctorate)

You'll graduate with the transferable skills needed to choose any career that aligns with your interests.

Graduate visa

After you've completed your course, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa. This enables you to work, or look for work, in the UK for up to two years after you leave Regent's, without the pressure of having to secure a job immediately – applying your skills and advancing your career with valuable experiences and industry connections.

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