Course Overview
Course summary
The Counselling MSc (Top-up) is a research-based postgraduate programme designed for qualified counsellors/psychotherapists and other professionals in the mental health field who wish to deepen their academic and clinical understanding of psychotherapy through research. Whether you are aiming to pursue doctoral research or enhance your professional practice, this one-year programme provides a foundation to explore psychotherapeutic issues through empirical enquiry.
The programme is led by a team of experienced clinicians and academics who collectively have expertise in a range of psychotherapeutic modalities, including humanistic, psychodynamic, and intersectional approaches. Another distinct strength in knowledge and expertise lies in the emerging domains of sex therapy and queer psychoanalysis. With an emphasis on inclusive and decolonised perspectives, the MSc Top-up supports students in exploring themes relevant to a diverse client base and evolving therapeutic contexts.
The Counselling MSc (top-up) course is designed for students who have already completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or an equivalent qualification.
Top reasons to study with us:
- Research project - Complete a supervised independent research project in an area of your choosing
- Cutting-edge - Explore cutting-edge and influential forms of therapy, including psychodynamic and humanistic therapies as well as sex-positive, and queer informed therapies
- Inclusivity - Study in an inclusive environment dedicated to decolonising the curriculum and training therapists who are equipped to serve diverse clients
- Research - Develop a solid grounding in qualitative research methods
- Understand issues - Benefit from deep engagement with key issues in therapeutic theory and practice
- Academic opportunity - Opportunities for academic publication or progression to PhD
Course structure
To achieve the MSc (Top-up) in Counselling, you will complete a single year-long module: Research Methods and Project in Counselling. The module includes learning about a range of, primarily, qualitative research methods. It also provides comprehensive training in research design, ethics, data collection, and analysis. You will produce an original dissertation under supervision, developing a focused inquiry into a clinical or theoretical issue relevant to contemporary counselling and psychotherapy.
Core modules
This module aims to foster the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to formulate and implement research questions that are suitable to investigate a counselling-related problem. The content includes addressing issues pertaining to research philosophy; approaches to research; range of methodologies in investigating counselling-related problems; data collection and analysis for different research designs; and appropriate presentation of research findings. Key themes in research, including arguments around validity, evidence-base, representation of research participants, and the reproducibility crisis, will be explored within a decolonising perspective.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
This research-based qualification will help enhance your career prospects in addition to the clinical skills you've already developed. You'll be prepared to work in academic settings as well as clinical settings with the added benefit of your research involving a counselling population.
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping you to explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Take the first step
This programme offers a transformative space to advance your academic and clinical understanding of the therapeutic field.
Explore the cutting edge
Explore established forms of therapy alongside cutting-edge approaches like sex-positive and queer-informed therapies.
Serve a diverse range of clients
Our focus on inclusive training will prepare you to support the needs of clients from all walks of life.
Industry links
Collectively, our course team has over 50 years of experience both professionally and academically. This includes working within the NHS, charity organisations, and in therapeutic agencies as supervisors and clinical managers. The team also have links with the European Association of Counsellors, and are seeking to gain accreditation with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and Gender, Sexual and Relationships Diversity (GSRD).
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course will be equipped to work in a wide variety of settings. These include working within the NHS, university counselling services, school-based counselling, charity organisations, private practice, academic departments, and research. The course will also have equipped students, through transferable skills, to work in a wide variety of other fields such as personal and executive coaching, business fields, among many other settings.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Counsellor
- Education
- Mental health practitioner
- Personal or executive coach
- Psychotherapist
Accelerate your career at Zone29
Zone29 is our new home for student enterprise and career success, opening in spring 2026.
It will be your digital and physical destination for careers opportunities and guidance, including:
• jobs and placements
• tailored career advice and industry mentoring
• careers events led by industry experts
• help with developing your own business or freelance career
• enhancing your career planning through the Westminster Award
• connecting with Westminster graduates
Course Leaders
The importance of counselling for the wellbeing of individuals and society is being increasingly recognised.
Dr Sanjay Joban
Senior Lecturer
Sanjay has been at the University of Westminster since 1992 and is joint Course Leader for the PG Dip Counselling and MSc Counselling Top-up. He completed his first degree in Psychology at the North-East London Polytechnic (now University of East London) in 1985. This was followed by an MSc and CQSW in Applied Social Studies at Royal Holloway College, University of London. He completed his PhD in 2003, exploring the experiences of Black and Asian students studying psychology in higher education. This theme guided his research over a 20-year period.
Sanjay is a qualified, practising therapist and an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. His training was in integrative counselling and psychotherapy at the University of East London.
Sanjay’s therapeutic orientation is integrative and incorporates humanistic-existential principles, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, including compassion-focused therapy. He is also a certified coach, having received his training through the Institute of Learning and Management.
More about meSee full profile of Dr Sanjay JobanDr Nikolaos Souvlakis
Senior Lecturer
Dr Nikolaos Souvlakis is a psychoanalyst and medical anthropologist with more than 20 years of clinical practice in the UK, USA and Europe. He is the vice-president of the European Association for Counsellors and his work ranges from early trauma to sex issues and spirituality. Dr Souvlakis’ personal experiences led him to embark on his journey in psychotherapy by studying Lacanian Psychoanalysis. He then trained as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and Gestalt clinical supervisor. He is also a Personality and Occupational psychometric tester. He has many years of experience as clinical manager and supervisor, from Ealing Council, Mind and other organisations. He has also led counselling programmes previously. He is an accredited member of BACP, EAC and GSRD.
Life is full of challenges and experiences. Society emphasises positive thinking; however, we cannot be positive all the time. In my journey to become a therapist, Freud’s quote reminds me that I need to attend to all of me, as 'out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength'.
Course Team
In addition to the academics listed below, external professionals and experts in the field of counselling and psychotherapy will contribute to lectures and workshops.
Why study this course?
Diverse research opportunities
Complete an in-depth research project in an area of your choosing to enhance your career.
Learn from experts
Our course team has more than 50 years of collective experience, with several working in the field alongside teaching.
Explore influential approaches
Our focus on psychodynamic and humanistic therapies alongside cutting-edge approaches will allow you to graduate with in-depth knowledge.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2). Applicants will also be considered on the basis of previous work experience. Applicants are expected to have done some relevant work experience or further training in a counselling-related field. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be invited for an interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2). Applicants will also be considered on the basis of previous work experience. Applicants are expected to have done some relevant work experience or further training in a counselling-related field. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be invited for an interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what to include with your application
- deadlines for application and enrolment
More information
- Country-specific entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Visas and advice
- Fees and scholarship information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2). Applicants will also be considered on the basis of previous work experience. Applicants are expected to have done some relevant work experience or further training in a counselling-related field. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be invited for an interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2). Applicants will also be considered on the basis of previous work experience. Applicants are expected to have done some relevant work experience or further training in a counselling-related field. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be invited for an interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what to include with your application
- deadlines for application and enrolment
More information
- Country-specific entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Visas and advice
- Fees and scholarship information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £4,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £5,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
UK tuition fee: £4,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £5,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
CHANGES TO OUR COURSES
All content on our course pages is accurate at time of publication.
Where significant or material changes have been made, applicants will be informed of these in line with Competition and Markets Authority guidance.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
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