Foundation in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Our Graduate Certificate Foundation in Counselling and Psychotherapy is designed to provide you with a pathway to full clinical training as a counsellor or psychotherapist.

You will be able to demonstrate your readiness for academic study with an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. You will also need to be working in a related profession, such as social work, psychology, medicine/nursing, teaching or coaching, or have significant experience of direct work with people in an emotionally supportive role. Applicants with a psychology undergraduate degree that included placement experience may also be considered. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits, and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners. On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve. Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck. Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

International students: £8,400 per year

UK students: £4,890 per year

UK/Home: £4,890 per year

International: £8,400 per year

October 2026, January 2027

main deadline for international applicants requiring a Student visa

• Central London, United Kingdom