MPsy Psychotherapy and Counselling Interviews
MPsy Psychotherapy and Counselling Interviews
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 from the teaching staff
- Complete a 30-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 engage with personal development and professional training
- Emotional resilience
- Communication skills
- Analytical ability
- Self-awareness
- Knowledge and demonstration of BACP ethical values and principles, such as honesty, compassion, respect, anti-oppression, and working ethically within relationships.
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
9:45-10:15 - Department Welcome Talk with Academic Director
10:15-10:45 - Course Introduction Talk with Lucy Cooper
10:45-11:30 - Group task
11:30-11:45 - Comfort break with provided refreshments
11:45-onwards - Individual interviews: 20mins each (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 senior lecturer and the admissions tutor for the MPsy 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 the Programme Leader for 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
The MPsy is both academically challenging and personally demanding. The interview process allows us to assess your capacity to undertake training of this nature, as well as giving yourself the oppourtunity to decide whether this is the right training, or right time, for you.
Although there is no formal preparation required, however, you may find it helpful to 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.