Integrative Counselling MA

Undertake comprehensive training as a counselling practitioner to work across diverse contexts and settings. Gain a critical awareness of current problems and contemporary discourses in counselling and psychotherapy. Develop a comprehensive understanding and competence in the practical application of the clinical skills underpinning practice.

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Overview

Counsellors work across diverse contexts and settings ranging from private practice to the charitable and public sectors. If you are passionate about and have an interesting in helping others who experience difficulties in their lives, struggle with emotional or relational concerns, or experiences mental health difficulties then training as a counsellor may be for you.

There is a focus on reflexive practice as a core component throughout your studies as you gain the knowledge and skills to work with complex moral, ethical, and professional issues. Principles of anti-oppressive practice support you to work in systematic and creative ways which recognises the intersection of issues of difference and diversity and the role of self in interactions with others.

The course has several unique features including its focus on discourses in mental health and the role of the counsellor within contemporary mental health workforces. In addition, there is the option to pursue either a focus in counselling children and young people or counselling adults in year two of your studies (subject to numbers) with the name of your award reflecting this focus. Whichever option you choose you will develop the specialist skills for working with these client groups informed by experienced practitioners and current research, theory and practice.

Why us?

Benefit from a teaching team with extensive practitioner experience with additional specialist teaching input from expert staff from across the university
Our teaching team are engaged in active research and have a range of contemporary expertise to enhance your learning

We're proud to have been shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024
Psychology is located in our Murray Health building, which has benefitted from a £8 million renovation, with a 60-person IT Skills Lab, digital 1-2-1 spaces, Silent Study zones, 30-person seminar rooms, and student breakout spaces

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.

A diversity of assessments are used across the course including presentations, case studies, reports, viva’s, essays, and reflective work.

You will undertake a clinical placement of 100 hours during which you will work with real clients within a counselling organisation supervised by an experienced practitioner. This is a requirement to qualify and register with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). You will need to find your own placement but will be supported in this process.

Modules

Year 1:

A Relational Approach to Counselling (30 credits)

This module explores humanistic approaches to therapy, with a special focus on Person Centred counselling theory and practice, focusing on core relationship qualities and skills that help build a strong counselling relationship. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of humanistic approaches and their role in today’s therapy practice. As the module progresses, you’ll also explore modern developments in humanistic approaches and how these ideas are applied in NHS talking therapy services.

Preparing for Professional Placement (30 credits)

How can you prepare for the challenges of clinical placement? In this module, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the ethical and practical aspects of counselling while tracking your growth as a practitioner. This module covers the practical, ethical, and legal issues you’ll face as you prepare for your clinical placement as a counsellor. Each week, you’ll explore a different topic while working to secure your clinical practice opportunity. You’ll also keep a personal journal to reflect on your learning and development, focusing on the balance between your personal and professional selves as you grow in your counselling journey.

Year 2: MA Integrative Counselling with Adults Route

Comparative Theoretical Models in Practice (30 credits)

How can you apply Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT approaches to real-world counselling? In this module, you’ll expand your skills, deepen your understanding, and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. You’ll study psychodynamic therapy, focusing on attachment and object relations, while tracing the origins and current developments of these ideas. In CBT, you’ll explore both cognitive and behavioural approaches, alongside the latest developments in the field. As part of this module, you’ll complete 60 hours of supervised clinical practice as a trainee counsellor, where you’ll actively engage with peers to address practice issues and demonstrate ethical and professional application of your knowledge.

Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Research and Practice (30 credits)

How can research shape the treatment of mental health difficulties? In this module, you’ll learn how to connect research with real-world practice and prepare to engage with mental health studies, including a comprehensive understanding of current debates and challenges surrounding mental health care. It takes a holistic approach to mental health, exploring the concept beyond diagnostic categories and considering the client’s experience at the heart of understanding mental health concerns.

Year 2: MA Integrative Counselling with Children and Young People Route (CYP)

Foundations of Counselling Children and Young People (30 credits)

How can you tailor your counselling skills to work with children and young people? In this module, you’ll gain hands-on experience while reflecting on your practice to improve and meet professional standards. You’ll explore current research, evidence, and professional guidelines to understand various contexts for working with this age group. For this module, you must secure a placement where you can counsel children and young people under appropriate supervision to undertake this module. You’ll complete a clinical placement with children and young people, where you’ll evaluate your personal and professional growth. You’ll assess how well you meet best practice guidelines and create an action plan to address any areas for improvement.

Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Research and Practice (30 credits)

How can research shape the treatment of mental health difficulties? In this module, you’ll learn how to connect research with real-world practice and prepare to engage with mental health studies, including a comprehensive understanding of current debates and challenges surrounding mental health care. It takes a holistic approach to mental health, exploring the concept beyond diagnostic categories and considering the client’s experience at the heart of understanding mental health concerns.

Year 3 (Adult and CYP Routes)

Integrative Practice (30 credits)

This module delves into various perspectives on counselling integration, examining both traditional and modern approaches in theory and practice. A major focus is on evidence based practice where you’ll explore contemporary developments and future directions in the field of counselling. You’ll also reflect on the importance of ongoing professional development as a counsellor, ensuring you continue to grow and improve throughout your career. How can integrating different counselling approaches enhance your practice? In this module, you’ll explore the evolving landscape of counselling and the role of continuous development in becoming an effective practitioner.

Extending Practice (30 credits)

In this module, you’ll explore how to develop a deeper understanding of your counselling practice. How are you applying theory, research, and professional ethics to the challenges you face with clients? You’ll reflect on your work and how to improve your skills, considering the complexities of different client groups and situations. By the end, you’ll have gained valuable insights into your personal growth as a practitioner and the key elements of effective counselling practice.

Facilities

Psychology is based in the Murray Library on City Campus, close to the city centre and a three-minute walk from the University metro station. Teaching will take place in locations across City Campus, including in the new teaching and learning space in the Murray Library. We also have a range of excellent library resources you can access.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

The course is open to any graduate who holds a 2:2 Degree classification and has experience of using counselling skills in a helping role. 

The course is particularly suited to:

Graduates of health and social care related programmes. 
Graduates of Psychology with counselling programmes (graduates of other psychology programmes would also be considered where they can demonstrate experience of using counselling skills, e.g. clinical psychology, or forensic psychology courses where there was a skills focused element to training) 
Teachers who have pastoral roles seeking to enhance their skills. 
Social work graduates.

Other graduates with experience working in a helping role, for example, such as working as a bereavement support volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Care, a mental health support worker, a Samaritan, a listener or befriender etc. Degree holders who do not have any experience in a helping role may be required to complete a level 3 counselling certificate before being admitted onto the course.   

Your completed application will be reviewed by our Admissions team to ensure that you have the required entry qualifications. If you meet these requirements, your application will be individually assessed by the Admissions Tutor and, if successful, you'll be shortlisted for interview.

Fees and finance

Fees are £500 per 10 credits.

We are unable to accept international applicants for part-time courses who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

Additional costs for this course may include student membership fees of BACP and/or NCPS.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

Students will need to gain student membership of a professional body in counselling. This can be either the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) OR the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Both bodies offer discounted membership for students, please refer directly to these bodies for details.

Students may need to purchase their own professional indemnity insurance if their placement does not provide cover. Teaching staff can provide advice on this.

Students may need to pay for clinical supervision if not covered by their placement. The cost would be negotiation with the clinical supervisor, but fees can range from £45 - £80 per session and would need to be for a minimum of 1.5 hours per month or a ratio of 1:8 client hours whichever is applicable whilst the student is in placement.

Students would need to pay for personal therapy at a fee negotiated with their therapist. There is a requirement that students would have 20 hours of personal therapy in total. A minimum of 10 hours of personal therapy in their first year of the course and a further 10 hours spread across year 2 and 3 of the programme. The cost of personal therapy can range from £20-80 per hour.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Students graduating at the Stadium of Light

Career ready

Graduates of the MA will be qualified as professional counsellors and able to work within the voluntary or statutory sectors as well as in private practice.

Career options

With this qualification, you can work in industries such as:

Private counselling practice
Third-sector providers of psychological services
Organisations such as schools, colleges or universities
Employers who provide counselling services to staff/employee assistance programmes
Training and Education
Research
Other, broader roles related to mental health promotion and provision

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated: 29 July 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Overview

Why us?

Course structure

Modules

Year 1:

A Relational Approach to Counselling (30 credits)

Preparing for Professional Placement (30 credits)

Year 2: MA Integrative Counselling with Adults Route

Comparative Theoretical Models in Practice (30 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Research and Practice (30 credits)

Year 2: MA Integrative Counselling with Children and Young People Route (CYP)

Foundations of Counselling Children and Young People (30 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Mental Health Research and Practice (30 credits)

Year 3 (Adult and CYP Routes)

Integrative Practice (30 credits)

Extending Practice (30 credits)

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Career options

Meet the team — MA Integrative Counselling

Related courses

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