Diploma/MA in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy

“The MA programme is up to date, innovative, relevant and in context with human concerns such as EDI, environmental impact, and neurodiversity. The course blends the old with the new with insight and coherence whilst ensuring BCPC’s philosophical underpinning is maintained. This is not easy to do. BCPC should be congratulated for this. BCPC has a strong, relevant, and robust course which is delivered and assessed professionally and with rigour.”

External Examiner for Middlesex University, 2025

The Diploma/MA programme is a rigorous, in depth clinical training that prepares trainees to work as psychotherapists in private practice with adult clients. The structure of the training allows trainees to build their practice throughout the course leading to automatic membership of UKCP, our accrediting body, at the point of graduation. Trainees are required to set up in supervised private practice, with the support of tutors and supervisors, in order to gain the clinical hours required for UKCP Registered Member status.

The programme is quality assured by Middlesex University, London and graduates who have successfully completed all parts of the programme will receive the Middlesex University qualification of ‘MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy.’

BCPC’s training approach is based on an informed appreciation of the historical roots of psychotherapeutic theory across a spectrum from humanistic to psychoanalytic to contemporary, post-modern theory. The relational sensibility that is core to BCPC’s identity is embedded in the teaching and learning of theory and practice. Theory is approached experientially and with curiosity, encouraging trainees to reflect on their embodied responses and unconscious bias. Considering authors’ philosophical underpinnings, psychobiography and cultural context supports a critical evaluation of traditional theories in the light of contemporary ideas and diverse voices. 

Trainees develop their own relationship to theory and understanding of why they might be drawn to particular theorists and not others, through self-awareness and reflexivity. This allows trainees to form their own synthesis: an individual integration which creates a unique, coherent and considered approach to integrative psychotherapy.

The taught elements of the training take 5 years to complete. Year 1 of the Diploma serves as a preparatory year for the first module of the MA programme which commences in year 2. This is followed by 3 further MA modules over the next 3 years. At the end of Module 4 trainees have up to 2 years, if required, to submit qualifying papers but may submit as early as 4 months after completing Module 4.

We require trainees to be in individual, weekly (minimum) in-person therapy with a psychotherapist on our Approved Practitioner List throughout the duration of the course. The cost of this is not included in tuition fees. Trainees are also required to keep a personal journal. This helps develop self-reflection, and awareness of process which is necessary for the cultivation of an authentic psychotherapeutic relationship with the client.

You can view the curriculum here: Curriculum Diploma MA in Psychotherapy

Please follow the links below for details of our programme structure and learning outcomes and our Academic Regulations:

Diploma MA Programme Structure

Programme Learning Outcomes

BCPC Academic regulations

Applications for entry in September 2027 will open in January 2027 and must be submitted by 1 May 2027. The Psychotherapy Interview day is on 9 June 2027. 

In line with our aim to support greater representation in the Counselling and Psychotherapy profession, BCPC welcomes applicants from underrepresented and marginalised groups. If you have a disability or long term health condition, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate fully on the course. Our premises are partially wheelchair accessible.

For those applicants where English is not your first language, please be aware that evidence of a required level of proficiency will need to be in place at the time of application.

For detailed information about Course dates and fees, please download the Course Information Sheet via the link at the top of this page.

Before applying please ensure you read our Diploma Entry Requirements

External applicants: For applicants who have not completed our Foundation certificate please visit our Diploma Entry Requirements to find out more.

Please complete our External Application Form (available to download above) and email it, along with your essay, to officemanager@bcpc.org.uk. Please note we charge a non-refundable application fee of £60. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you following receipt of your application.

Two references, submitted on BCPC reference forms are required. One should be from a previous tutor or employer and one personal - although not from a family member or therapist. The reference form template will be emailed to you following receipt of your application. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the strength of their application.

Internal applicants: For applicants who have completed our Foundation Certificate, please complete our Internal Application Form (available to download above) and email it to officemanager@bcpc.org.ukPlease note we charge a non-refundable application fee of £60 and this should be paid when you submit your application by BACS or cheque. If we do not receive your payment at the time of your application, we will send a reminder. Otherwise, please take it that your payment has been received.

Two references are required; one from your current Foundation tutor (please let them know about your application) and one from a person other than either of your referees for Foundation. Please send this person our BCPC Reference Form 2027 and ask them to return it to the BCPC Office as soon as possible.

If you do not hear from us within 3 working days following submission of your application, please email admin@bcpc.org.uk to ensure we have received it.

Our interview day is structured as a workshop-style experience. Applicants will be short-listed for interview on the strength of their applications. Please note that there is one interview day on Wednesday 09 June 2027. We are unable to offer alternative interview dates.

Our annual survey shows that many of our psychotherapy graduates have thriving practices in their home consulting rooms or linked to a practice centre. Opportunities arise in NHS settings, asylum seeker and refugee projects, and other charitable organisations. Graduates often go on to train as supervisors or couples therapists and some return to tutor at BCPC. 

*Please note: all fees are subject to annual review