Counselling Studies MSc
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    Counselling Studies MSc

    The University of Edinburgh
    The University of Edinburgh
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Edinburgh
    University Rank:#27
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 40,528 / year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Counselling Studies MSc

    About

    The programme provides advanced academic study of counselling and psychotherapeutic practices and theories. It introduces students to non-directive, relational approaches, particularly within the psychodynamic and person-centred frameworks. Its aim is to connect theoretical learning with real-world issues and encourage critical reflection on counselling practice and theory in both professional and personal contexts.

    This programme complements professional training in counselling by introducing key debates and professional issues in the field of counselling and psychotherapy to students from various backgrounds. It is firmly grounded in social science inquiry, addressing psychological conditions, social relations, and counselling practice with a focus on examining context and the complex interactions between the personal and the social. Please note that this programme may not be suitable for students seeking solution-focused, diagnostic, or behavioural approaches to psychological health.

    The programme includes the professionally validated Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies, which offers skill development in active listening skills, three other substantive taught courses, and a dissertation within the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

    It's important to note that this MSc programme is not a qualifying training programme and students are encouraged to align their career prospects with the professional legislation system of their home country.

    We recommend the following programmes if the student wishes to advance to full professional training in counselling upon the completion of the MSc. Students will need to meet specific entry requirements and apply separately:

    • Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
    • Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue), a two-year full-time programme
    • Master of Counselling, a four-year part-time programme
    • Professional Doctorate in Psychotherapy and Counselling, 4 years full-time, 7 years part-time

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

    A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, or a UK 2:2 honours degree with a strong personal statement, relevant experience and/or references confirming your aptitude to study at postgraduate level.

    You should demonstrate a high level of motivation through your personal statement, indicating why you wish to study counselling and demonstrating an understanding of counselling and the capacity to reflect on personal aptitude for work in this field.

    We may also consider your application if you have professional qualifications equivalent to an honours degree; please contact us to check before you apply.

    Students who have successfully completed a counselling qualification elsewhere which is equivalent to our Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies can apply for Entry with Advanced Standing to allow them to complete the MSc in Counselling Studies without having to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies.

    Your existing qualification must carry 60 academic credits at Postgraduate level and should have covered similar content in order to be eligible.

    Students from China

    This degree is Band C.

    International qualifications

    Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

    English language requirements

    Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

    English language tests

    We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

    • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
    • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
    • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
    • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
    • PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
    • Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.

    Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

    Degrees taught and assessed in English

    We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

    We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

    If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

    Find out more about our language requirements:

    Career

    Graduates of the MSc in Counselling Studies apply the degree in diverse ways. For some, it opens up employment opportunities in fields such as education, policy, research and development on health and illness, emotional health and wellbeing, and counselling - often in combination with their first degrees or other professional experiences and training. Examples include careers as mental health assistants, support workers, social care practitioners, and project workers in governmental or third-sector settings.

    The degree also enhances the career prospects of those who are already professionally qualified as counsellors or therapeutic practitioners. This MSc programme provides them with a solid foundation for pursuing further specialist therapeutic training in the field who wish to build advanced knowledge and skill sets ideal for their professional aspirations.

    Others leverage their newly developed conceptual, analytical, and research skills to enhance their academic pursuits, with some using the MSc as a stepping stone to embark on doctoral research.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    40,528 / year(s)

    Counselling Studies MSc

    The University of Edinburgh

    The University of Edinburgh

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Edinburgh

    Go to Official Website