Professional Doctorate Counselling Psychology

Applicants normally need to evidence the following entry criteria:

• A 2.1 Honours degree in Psychology or equivalent.
• Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (GBC).
• Possession of a qualification in counselling skills to Level 3 certificate standard
• 6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time) in a paid or voluntary helping role, using counselling skills with clients on a face-to-face basis.
• Submission of a personal statement outlining the experience and skills you bring, and your reasons for pursuing further study in counselling psychology.
• Submission of a brief statement of interest outlining a research proposal, or idea for further development.
• A good standard of written and spoken English (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent)
• 2 x reference(s) – 1x academic and 1x clinical supervisory.
• Criminal record check. 

Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following personal skills during the interview:

• Self-awareness and psychological stability.
• Ability to make use of and reflect on life experience.
• Capacity to cope with emotional demands of the course.
• Ability to cope with intellectual and academic requirements.
• Ability to form a helping relationship.
• Ability to critically reflect upon areas of bias and use both positive and negative feedback.

Some awareness of the nature of prejudice and oppression of minority groups.

Applicants who meet these criteria are shortlisted and then invited for admission interviews with the course team.

The selection process will incorporate two stages. Candidates successful at the first stage will progress to stage two.

Stage one: Candidates will be presented with a client case study on the day of interview; following a group discussion and role-play exercise, they will write a summary of their reflections upon the case.

Stage two: Candidates will attend a panel interview covering training and education, research experience, clinical and work experience, reflections on life experiences, and practical issues.

The programme has a maximum intake capacity of 10 students per academic year.

The School of Psychology of Mediterranean College offers this Doctoral programme in Counselling Psychology, in collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton. The programme aims to thoroughly prepare mental health professionals for professional practice through the development of a high-level applied theoretical and practical background, research skills, and personal development, within the framework of the strict ethical and professional standards of mental health professions. The programme is in accordance with the requirements of both the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council of the United Kingdon (HCPC), enabling graduates to apply for membership.

Based on humanistic values and with an emphasis on the therapist-client relationship as of central importance for mental health professionals, the doctoral programme at the University of Wolverhampton offers an integrated framework for the development of clinical, research, and reflective skills.

It prepares with applied professional knowledge of humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and systemic approaches for clinical assessment and intervention with the prospect of employment in mental institutions and as an independent profession.

It supports the development of a personalized framework, the application of which stems from the synthesis of information at both theoretical and practical-research levels. With this degree, you will acquire knowledge of applied academic psychology and practical training and counseling.

Why choose this course

• We have the most experience in Greek private education in university-level Psychology studies (since 1977), specializing in Counseling and Psychotherapy studies.
• It is designed by the public UK University of Wolverhampton and is offered as a direct franchise programme in Greece, according to the highest quality standards.
• Professional doctoral title that combines applied learning and teaching, clinical practice, and personal & professional development.
• The programme is in accordance with the requirements of both the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the UK Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Dual focus of applied academic psychology and practical application of counseling and psychotherapy skills.
• Our in-house Counselling Centre and in-house clinic ('Carl Rogers' Mediterranean Center for Psychological Research & Counseling) offers students multiple opportunities for observation, clinical practice, and research.
• Structured framework of supervised clinical practice, either in-house or through a network of partner institutions.
• Dual supervision of doctoral dissertations by experienced staff from the University of Wolverhampton and Mediterranean College, covering a wide range of research fields.
• Additional training and participation in scientific conferences.
• Opportunity for partial funding of studies through teaching work at the College and pursuit of merit scholarships.

Our programme begins with an intensive welcome-week study package, designed to facilitate your transition to postgraduate study.  It includes group contracting, forming your peer relationships, expectations of trainees & staff, roles in the training process, library & literature searching skills, project management, and resilience building.

Our course creates critical thinkers, leaders, and innovators who make real contributions to any role in which they work. Our courses are integrative and inclusive, where we focus on teaching and assessment using multiple techniques enabled by digital technologies. A variety of teaching methods enables us to develop self-directed learners, who are adaptable and well-prepared for modern workforce.  We provide a supportive learning environment for people with creative minds, who like to ask challenging questions and find out what is behind what they see in front of them.

Programme Structure
Stage 1: (Yr1) MSc Level– Building Foundations.

Learn how Psychology understands the complex interactions between the mind, emotion, motivation, and behaviour. Gain understanding of the historical and scientific underpinnings of psychology.  Study person-centred/humanistic, cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic & family theory, critical psychopathology, and a research project related to your developing interests.  You will learn skills in clinical assessment, formulation, therapeutic containment, and a range of placement-readiness skills.

Stage 2 (Yr2): Doctorate Level – Growing Autonomy.

Develop critical thinking as you refine advanced skills in the application of psychological research to everyday life.  Gain skills in Quantitative and Qualitative Research methods.  Modules include developmental lifespan psychology, psychodynamic therapy, working with personality issues, art therapy, supporting psychosis, cognitive analytic therapy, attachment & the Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM), and a range of professional skills such as: supervision & mentoring.

Stage 2 (Yr3): Doctorate Level – Specialist Knowledge.

Complete your doctoral research thesis, building expertise in a chosen area of study relevant to a clinical domain.  Modules include professional issues, and up to date training in current areas of practise.  Topics usually include setting up a private practise, psychopharmacology, legal issues in psychology, LGBT issues, diversity & inclusion, working with clients experiencing domestic violence, assessment & treatment of sex offenders, working clinically in prisons, trauma focussed CBT. Participation in additional training (seminars and workshops) and scientific conferences.

The programme is also offered through part-time attendance over a duration of 5 years.

Professional Doctorate Counselling Psychology

• The College with the most experience in Psychology studies in Greece (1977).
• Experienced teaching & research team – joint supervision by MC and UoW staff.
• “Carl Rogers” in-house clinic, with observation, clinical practice, supervision & research opportunities.
• Additional seminars, workshops, conference participation & study funding opportunities.

You will undertake a variety of clinical placements throughout your studies.   We have a network of partner providers who work with us each year, hosting trainees in placement settings.

All trainees are required to work in a supervised clinical setting and achieve 450 hours of direct clinical contact throughout the programme.

Research Centre & “Carl Rogers” in-house clinic
The programme offers students the opportunity to conduct part of their practical training at the Counselling Centre of the College, which operates within the framework of the “Carl Rogers” Mediterranean Centre for Psychological Research & Counseling, under the scientific supervision of the School of Psychology at Mediterranean College.

The Mediterranean Centre for Psychological Research and Counselling is a flagship centre that provides psychotherapy and counselling services, as well as coordinates practical training for psychology/psychotherapy students. It is closely linked with the School of Psychology at Mediterranean College and aims to host, promote, and highlight the research activities of students and faculty of Mediterranean College in the fields of Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, and broader areas of humanities and health sciences. With the primary goal of enhancing the psychology and psychotherapy programmes at Mediterranean College, it includes practical training for students through an in-house clinic, as well as coordinates practical training in external settings. Ensuring practical training and supervision for students is of particular importance for programmes that require mandatory practical experience. It guarantees them the necessary hours to complete their study programme, relieving them from the stress of finding placements through our external network of organisations and institutions. The supervision provided by the scientific staff of MC ensures the quality of practical training and learning and is offered at competitive prices.

Services Offered by the Centre:

• Individual Psychotherapy/Counselling
• Group Psychotherapy/Counselling
• Parenting & Guardianship Counselling
• Relationship & Couples Counselling
• Online Sessions
• Practical Training
• Clinical Supervision
• Psychoeducation
• Seminars & Workshops
• Research Simulations & Sessions
• Diagnostic Tests
• Preparation for e-counselling certification

Sessions can be conducted remotely (online) or in other languages, primarily in English.