Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) at University of British Columbia

    Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) at University of British Columbia

    Study Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) at University of British Columbia, a PhD degree offered across its Vancouver and UBC Vancouver campuses in Canada. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 7 years 3 months to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The tuition fee is USD 7,049 / per year, with the next intake scheduled for September 1, 2026.

    About Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

    The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research-intensive University of British Columbia, creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.

    Our Doctoral Program is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association and follows the scientist-practitioner model for the education of counselling psychologists: students receive a substantial education as both researchers and professional psychologists. Designed for those with relevant experience who want to gain doctoral level competence, this program enhances research, counselling theory, and counselling skills.

    Disciplines

    Faculty of Education

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) at University of British Columbia

    Entry Requirements

    1) Check Eligibility

    Minimum Academic Requirements

    The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

    Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

    English Language Test

    Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

    Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

    TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

    Overall score requirement: 90

    Reading

    22

    Writing

    22

    Speaking

    22

    Listening

    22

    IELTS: International English Language Testing System

    Overall score requirement: 6.5

    Reading

    6.0

    Writing

    6.0

    Speaking

    6.0

    Listening

    6.0

    Other Test Scores

    Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

    The GRE is required by all applicants.

    Prior degree, course and other requirements

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 65
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    Career Opportunities after Completing Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD)

    Career Outcomes

    52 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 50 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):


    RI (Research-Intensive) Faculty: typically tenure-track faculty positions (equivalent of the North American Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor positions) in PhD-granting institutions
    TI (Teaching-Intensive) Faculty: typically full-time faculty positions in colleges or in institutions not granting PhDs, and teaching faculty at PhD-granting institutions
    Term Faculty: faculty in term appointments (e.g. sessional lecturers, visiting assistant professors, etc.)
    Sample Employers in Higher Education
    University of British Columbia (7)
    Adler University (3)
    Kwantlen Polytechnic University (2)
    Trinity Western University (2)
    Douglas College (2)
    Simon Fraser University (2)
    Smith College
    Langara College
    University of Chile
    Royal Roads University
    Sample Employers Outside Higher Education
    A.T. Malcolm and Associates (2)
    Surrey Memorial Hospital
    Simon Cunningham School
    Caribbean Mental Health Consultants
    Richmond Counseling
    Doctors of BC
    Orion Health Rehabilitation Centres
    Creative Transitions
    Campbell and Fairweather Psychology Group
    Grace Fertility
    Sample Job Titles Outside Higher Education
    Psychologist (14)
    Registered Psychologist (3)
    Senior Clinical Practice Manager
    Clinical Psychologist
    Counselling Pscyhology
    Psychologist/ Performance Consultant
    Psychotherapist
    Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant/Clinical Counsellor
    Counselor
    Practice Initiative Lead
    PhD Career Outcome Survey
    You may view the full report on career outcomes of UBC PhD graduates on outcomes.grad.ubc.ca.
    Disclaimer
    These data represent historical employment information and do not guarantee future employment prospects for graduates of this program. They are for informational purposes only. Data were collected through either alumni surveys or internet research.

    Career Options

    Students will be prepared for careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators in a wide variety of settings including academic, clinical, community, business, private practice, and research. Our graduates hold positions such as staff psychologist, research manager, professor, director, department head, clinical counsellor, vocational rehabilitation consultant, team leader, behavioural consultant, group facilitator, and psychoanalyst.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    7,049 / per year
    Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology (PhD) at University of British Columbia
    University of British Columbia
    University of British Columbia
    Canada

    Canada, Vancouver

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