MA Counselling and Psychotherapy

Congratulations on being invited to interview.

What is the interview process?

  • Interviews for this programme will take place in-person.
  • Once you have booked your interview via the Applicant Hub, you will receive details regarding the location of your interview
  • Offers will be based on overall score from interview.

About the interview

If you request an alternative interview date via the Applicant Hub portal, we will try to accommodate this, but it cannot be guaranteed due to the volume of applications we receive. If you are unable to attend on the specified date, and we’re unable to offer an alternative, your application will be withdrawn. Should you wish to cancel your interview, you can do so via the Applicant Hub.

Alternatively, if you no longer wish for your application to be considered, please email applicantsupport@ljmu.ac.uk in order to give other candidates the opportunity for interview.

Once you arrive for your interview, please check in at reception and you will be directed to the candidate room. If you are running late and need to inform the reception desk, please call 0151 231 4400.

Interview sessions take up half a day and consist of a group discussion and an individual interview.  

Morning sessions start at 9:20 a.m. and finish about 12.30 p.m. Afternoon sessions start at 1:20 p.m. and finish about 5.30 p.m.

Interview sessions

Morning Session (AM)

9.20 - 9.30am - Welcome from the tutors

You will be given a time slot for your individual interview on the day.

9.30 - 10am - Group Discussion

You, with the other candidates will have a group discussion about topics that are related to being a counsellor – there is no need for specific preparation for this.

10am onwards - Individual Interviews will take place

After the group discussion you leave the room and return at the time you were allocated. There is a café at the ground floor.

Individual time slot - Individual interview

This will be a conversation about your motivation and skills that make you an appropriate candidate for our MA Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice programme.

12.30pm latest - The time you finish will depend on when your individual interview is.

Afternoon session (PM)

1.20-1.30pm - Welcome from the tutors

You will be given a time slot for your individual interview on the day.

1.30-2pm - Group Discussion

You, with the other candidates will have a group discussion about topics that are related to being a counsellor – there is no need for specific preparation for this.

2pm onwards - Individual Interviews will take place

After the group discussion you leave the room and return at the time you were allocated. There is a café at the ground floor.

Individual time slot - Individual interview

This will be a conversation about your motivation and skills that make you an appropriate candidate for our MA Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice programme.

5.30pm latest - The time you finish will depend on when your individual interview is.

What happens after my interview?

  • You will receive an email from the university to show our decision (although we can’t confirm an exact timescale for this, we aim to have this with you as soon as possible).
  • If we make you an offer of a place, all of the conditions and details will be provided in this communication. We ask that you confirm whether you wish to accept or decline the offer within 14 days of receiving your offer.
  • If you are unsuccessful at interview and would like feedback, please email applicantsupport@ljmu.ac.uk

Please note:
We can only accept feedback requests via email.

All offers made are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Applicants who have been made offers must also follow formal Faculty procedures informing us of any criminal convictions / bind-over orders / cautions / driving offences etc. and further details will be provided after an offer has been made.

Inclusion and Accessibility

If you have any specific access needs or additional support requirements, LJMU’s Student Advice and Wellbeing Disability Team can ensure that the appropriate support is in place. If you would like discuss your needs and how we can meet them in the most appropriate way, please contact us (in confidence) by calling 0151 231 3164 or 0151 231 3165 or emailing disability@ljmu.ac.uk.

Interview top tips from our Admissions Team

  • Don’t assume the interviewer has read your Personal Statement before your appointment; remember to mention important elements of it to help support your answers.
  • Be prepared to talk about your experiences, interests, skills, qualities and motivations in making the decision to pursue a career in this field.
  • Finally, approach your interview with confidence - you have worked hard to get this far and done well to be selected for interview, so have confidence in yourself.

We look forward to meeting you.