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MPsy Psychotherapy and Counselling Interviews

MPsy Psychotherapy and Counselling Interviews

One-to-one counselling session

We look forward to welcoming you to your interview at Plymouth Marjon University. The interview is an important part of the application process - it allows us to assess your suitability for the programme you have applied for, and it also gives you the opportunity to decide whether Marjon is the right place for you to study. Our Psychotherapy and Counselling Interview Days are in person; this is our preference to see you in action during the group task. However, if you require a virtual interview, please contact interviews@marjon.ac.uk 

During your in-person interview, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Have a tour of the university campus 
  • Welcome Talk from Academic Director 
  • Find out more about the course with Lucy Cooper 
  • Complete a 15-minute interactive group task followed by a 20-minute individual interview 
  • Meet current Students and learn about student life at Marjon 

Important Information

Interview tasks

Throughout the interview process, applicants will be rated on their demonstration of the following skills and values: 

  • Capacity to study 
  • Commitment to the profession 
  • Oral and written communication skills 
  • Analytical ability  
  • Self-reflection 
  • Knowledge and demonstration of selected NHS core values (see www.nhs.uk) such as compassion, respect and dignity 

Schedule for the day (in person)

Please note timings can vary depending on how many candidates are in attendance. 

8:30-9:00 - Arrive at The Welcome Desk and register with our Student Ambassadors 

9:00-9:45 - Campus tour led by our Student Ambassadors 

9:45-10:00 - Department Welcome Talk with Academic Director 

10:00-10:30 - Course Introduction Talk with Lucy Cooper 

10:30-10:45 - Comfort break with provided refreshments 

10:45-11:30 - Group task 

11:30 - onwards - Individual interviews (once your interview has been conducted you are free to leave) 

Schedule for the day (virtual)

Please note timings can vary depending on how many candidates are in attendance. 

10:00 - Join the Teams link that has been emailed to you 

10:00-10:15 - Virtual campus tour 

10:15-11:00 - Course Introduction Talk with Lucy Cooper 

11:00-11:30 - Group task 

11:30 onwards - Individual interviews (once your interview has been conducted you are free to leave) 

Meet the Team

Lucy Cooper 

I am a lecturer on the BSc (Hons) Psychotherapy and Counselling degree at Plymouth Marjon University, as well as a BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist. 

The majority of my clinical experience is in supporting students within Higher Education; as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist, a Specialist Mental Health Mentor, or in other Student Support and Welfare roles. 

Other than Higher Education settings, I have worked for several mental health charities and services across South Yorkshire. I have also volunteered as an external ethics reviewer for universities. These different, but often related experiences have helped inform my research interests.

Meet the Team

Anne Bentley 

I am a lecturer on the MPsy Psychotherapy and Counselling degree at Plymouth Marjon University and a BACP Accredited Counsellor. 

From 2012-2021, I was Manager of the Student Wellbeing Services at the University of Plymouth, managing 3 teams of counsellors, mental health advisors and the Pastoral & Spiritual Support Team.  I was Chair of HUCS (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Heads of University Counselling Services) and a member of AMOSSHE (Association of Managers of Student Services in Higher Education).  

Recommended preparation

To prepare for your interview, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the following ethical frameworks that underpin MPsy: 

Things to Note


What to bring with you or have ready

What to bring with you (in person)

  • Photo ID 

What to have ready (virtual)

  • Photo ID 
  • A suitable device with a microphone and a webcam 
  • A stable internet connection 
  • A quiet place where you will be undisturbed 
  • If your interview is held online, and you have not used Microsoft Teams before, please download the free software here, and take some time to familiarise yourself with it. 


What happens next?

If you are successful in securing a place on our MPsy programme, you will be notified via UCAS. 

  • Note: All MPsy students are required to obtain the Disclosure and Barring Service record (DBS). If you accept an offer with us, you will be required to complete a DBS check within the first two years of the degree. 

Unsuccessful candidates will be made an alternative offer, where suitable.