About the Course
- Available Study Modes
Course Description
The PgDip in Psychotherapy Studies is a distinctive online programme offering comprehensive theoretical insight into the practice of psychotherapy. Rooted in an existential approach, the course draws primarily from philosophical traditions, focusing on what it means to be human and alive in the world. Rather than prescribing fixed answers, existential psychotherapy embraces a spirit of openness, encouraging inquiry into questions of meaning, truth, and personal experience.
While grounded in the existential tradition, this programme also offers a broad and in-depth view of psychotherapy and counselling. It draws on contemporary research from a range of related disciplines - including psychology, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and medical science - providing students with a rich and interdisciplinary learning experience.
Entirely online, the course requires no travel and is delivered via our user-friendly virtual learning environment, using the latest version of Moodle, the world-leading education platform. Students can expect to commit approximately 12–15 hours per week, including engaging with reading and video materials, participating in online forums at times that suit them, and attending a weekly live seminar (one hour), scheduled in collaboration with a small peer group and led by an experienced tutor.
While not a clinical qualification in itself, this diploma supports both personal and professional development and is ideal for those undertaking or considering further training in psychotherapy, counselling, or related helping professions. It offers a unique opportunity to deepen understanding, enhance reflective practice, and cultivate the critical and ethical awareness necessary for therapeutic work in diverse contexts.
The programme aims to:
Develop expertise in existential philosophy and psychotherapy.
Familiarise students with the range of interdisciplinary ideas and theories that are common among psychotherapy modalities and enable students to critically evaluate the ideas encountered.
Develop an advanced ability to communicate theoretical understanding from a variety of perspectives and critically apply this understanding to themselves and their work with others including the therapeutic relationship.
Deepen knowledge and the ability to apply accurate and appropriate interpersonal, ethical, and cultural sensitivity and empathic understanding.
Application Deadlines
January Cohorts - application deadline is the 30th November
September Cohorts - application deadline is the 1st August
This course follows the Middlesex Research Degree Regulations available here: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/policies/
Information on our open days can be found here: nspc.org.uk/course-directory/open-days/
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Programme of Study
The PgDip Psychotherapy Studies is designed for flexibility and depth. Modules are self-contained and can be taken in any order (depending on your start term), allowing you to shape your learning pathway in a way that suits your interests and goals. Each module combines academic rigour with practical relevance, encouraging reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth.
- Existential Perspectives on Human Issues
Explore what it means to be human.
This module introduces the foundations of existential thought, exploring the philosophical and psychological roots of human values, meaning-making, and our creative responses to anxiety. You'll examine key existential themes through a therapeutic lens, gaining insight into the rich tradition underpinning existential psychotherapy.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
- Theories of Personal Change
What does it really mean to change?
In this module, you'll dive into various perspectives on personal change, developing your own understanding while critically evaluating modern concepts of personality. This reflective journey encourages you to question assumptions and consider alternative ways of viewing transformation and growth.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
- Wellbeing and Health
Enhance your understanding of what it means to live well.
Focusing on positive psychology and other key theories, this module explores how concepts of wellbeing can be integrated into practices that promote a higher quality of life. You'll learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world strategies for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
- Development Through the Lifespan
Understand human development across the ages.
This comprehensive module examines the interaction between physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development across the whole lifespan. You'll evaluate classic and contemporary developmental theories, enriched by existential reflections on growth, purpose, and the unfolding human journey.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
Overview of Research Methods
Lay the foundation for impactful research.
Gain a clear, practical understanding of how research informs both theory and practice in psychotherapy. You'll be introduced to key research methods, with a balanced focus on qualitative and quantitative approaches, preparing you for your final project.
Assignment: 2,000-word research proposal
- Conflict and Reconciliation
Explore the roots of conflict - and pathways to healing.
This module examines conflict in its many forms, from interpersonal to global. You'll learn a typology of conflict and explore resolution strategies including therapy, mediation, and reconciliation, while also reflecting on the darker possibilities of violence, genocide, and legal force.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
- Social, Cultural and Ethical Issues
Navigate the complexities of ethical practice.
This module equips you with the insight and practical tools needed to navigate ethical decision-making in professional practice. You’ll explore key topics including consent, confidentiality, discrimination, and cultural difference, while also developing awareness of unconscious bias and the importance of cultural competence. Throughout, you’ll begin to reflect deeply on what it means to work respectfully and effectively within difference and diversity.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
Optional Modules
As part of your programme, you’ll have the opportunity to personalise your learning by choosing one elective module from the options below. Each module offers a unique lens through which to deepen your understanding of key issues in psychotherapy and society.
- Gender, Sex and Sexuality
Challenging norms, expanding perspectives
Explore contemporary debates around gender, sex, and sexuality through cultural, biological, and social lenses, all grounded in a phenomenological approach. This module invites you to reflect critically and compassionately, challenging assumptions and addressing discrimination in both theory and practice.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
- Ethical Dilemmas and Ethical Practice
Navigating the grey areas of professional life
This module blends philosophical depth with practical application, helping you engage confidently with ethical dilemmas in professional settings. You’ll revisit major ethical frameworks - such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics—and apply them through thought experiments to clarify your personal ethical stance and professional boundaries.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
- Mothers and Society
Exploring matrescence, identity, and societal pressures
Delve into the lived experience of motherhood, from pre-conception through to later life. This module explores how motherhood intersects with identity and social structures, addressing themes like the “perfect mother” ideal, maternal silence, and the impact of capitalism and climate change. Perspectives from feminist, queer, and cross-cultural theories enrich this inclusive and reflective exploration.
Assignment: 2,000-word essay
Accreditation and Careers
This course is suited to those who already have a professional qualification such as the UKCP, BACP, NCS or COSCA and who wish to add a post-graduate degree to their qualifications and develop their knowledge further.
However, it is also suited to those who are meeting the training requirements of other training organisations or who have some experience in psychotherapy, counselling, advice, or guidance work
On its own, the programme is not a practice qualification and will not confer registration with a counselling or psychotherapy regulatory body.
This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University (subject to review) and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion. You can view the Middlesex Research Degree Regulations here.
Fees 2024-25
Fees are subject to annual inflationary increases
Year of course | Units to be completed in year | Fee payable per year (if no units have to be repeated) |
1 | 4 units over 3 terms | £4560 |
2 | 4 units over 3 terms | £4560 |
Validated Courses Additional Charges
Application Fee | £50 non-refundable |
Acceptance Deposit | £100 which will be deducted from the initial invoice when you start the course. It is non-refundable if you do not start. |
APEL Fee is only applicable if your claim for prior learning is approved and will replace the tuition fee for that unit. | £200 per submission |
Instalment Plan | £20 per Unit |
Late changes to Course Plan | £50 |
Professional registration | At own expense |
Books | At own expense |
Please note: Students on validated programmes are not eligible for Student Finance or DSA
Entry Requirements
- A good Bachelors degree in any field, or a higher degree such as a PGDip (equivalent experience may be acceptable)
- Practical experience in psychotherapy, counselling, advice, or guidance work, alternatively the student must be in training as a counsellor, psychotherapeutic counsellor or psychotherapist, as appropriate to their chosen training route..
- Personal suitability, to be demonstrated at interview and through personal statement
- If the student has not studied in English then evidence of English language ability is needed on application. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is needed (with minimum 6.0 in all components).
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and accreditation of prior experience and learning (APEL) is permitted.
For further information on possible learning adaptions we can offer neurodivergent students and students with a disability or chronic health condition, contact [email protected]
How You Study
The PgDip Psychotherapy Studies is delivered entirely online, offering the flexibility to study from anywhere without the need for travel. Rooted in existential thought, the programme invites you to explore what it means to be human—drawing on philosophy, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and medical science to enrich your understanding of psychotherapy and counselling from multiple perspectives.
You’ll study through a combination of engaging readings, multimedia resources, online discussion forums (accessed at your convenience), and weekly live seminars led by an experienced tutor. These one-hour seminars are scheduled collaboratively with your small peer group. Expect to commit approximately 12–15 hours per week, balancing structure with flexibility to suit your lifestyle.
Throughout the programme, you’ll:
Deepen your understanding of existential philosophy and its application to psychotherapy
Engage critically with diverse psychological and interdisciplinary theories
Reflect on your personal and professional development through an experiential learning approach
Develop cultural competence, ethical sensitivity, and research skills relevant to contemporary therapeutic practice
The course structure allows you to shape your learning journey, with self-contained modules that can be taken in any order (subject to your start date).
Students may take up to 4 years to complete should they need additional time.
It is possible to exit the programme early with either a PGCert award.
