Transactional Analysis Training Programme

Training Years & Exit Points
The Transactional Analysis Programme offers a high degree of flexibility, comprising a COSCA Diploma in TA Counselling, an MSc in TA Counselling and an MSc in TA Psychotherapy with CTA.

The training extends over four taught years. The difference between TA counselling and psychotherapy training lies principally in additional professional requirements in the psychotherapy programme that include a psychiatric placement and significantly higher practice and supervision components.

Trainees may exit from training at three points: with the Diploma in TA Counselling at the end of Advanced Year 2 (the third year of training); with an MSc in TA Counselling on completion of Advanced Year 3 (the fourth year) and an MSc project in the following year; or with an MSc in TA Psychotherapy with CTA (Certified Transactional Analyst Psychotherapy) on the completion of Advanced Year 3, an MSc project and a successful CTA examination.

Foundation Year
A pre-requisite for entering TA training is completion of the TA101: Introduction to Transactional Analysis, a two day course. The training begins in Foundation Year with a three day Introduction to Counselling Skills. Students who have already completed a recognised counselling skills course may obtain exemption from this section of training. The Introduction to Counselling Skills course is a compulsory component for those wishing to take the Diploma exam at the end of Advanced Year 2.

The complete Foundation Year training is nineteen days. Following the three day introductory course, there are eight weekends of training in Transactional Analysis theory and application, with particular reference to the development of the trainee in the group. There is an additional day allowed for the revision of theory and the practical elements of training at a postgraduate level, including essay-writing and case studies.

On successful completion of the Foundation Year training, measured by attendance, completion of projects and personal development, trainees may apply for advanced training for the Diploma in TA Counselling or an MSc.

Advanced Years
To advance to a further year, trainees must attend for a minimum 85% of course time and obtain passes in all assignments. Advanced groups meet for nine scheduled weekends in a training year. Trainees complete the year by attending an additional two days of CPD chosen from subjects in our CPD programme, according to their own developing interests. These two CPD days are included in the fee for Advanced Year training.

Supervised Practice
There is an expectation that trainees will engage in supervised practice from the second year (Advanced Year 1). Psychotherapy trainees are required to be in personal therapy for the duration of their training.

MSc Registration
On completion of the second year of training (Advanced Year 1), trainees can matriculate for the MSc in Transactional Analysis Counselling or Psychotherapy and the remaining two advanced years comprise the taught element of the MSc. The CPTI training programme is designed to meet the requirements of the TA validating bodies (ITA and EATA) and to comply with the requirements of UKCP.

Extended Training Group (ETG)
The Extended Training Group meets five times a year and provides support and supervision to students working on MSc projects and the Certified Transactional Analyst Psychotherapy (CTA). Two years of ETG costs are included in the fee for the MSc TA Psychotherapy with CTA. Please see Course Dates & Fees for more details.

Please also see FAQs about TA Training.