MSc Counselling

University of Aberdeen

The programme is structured into three integrated stages, allowing you to advance through the professional standards to achieve the doctorate. We offer the following designated exit points:MSc – consists of core learning required to become a practicing therapist.We have a robust, contemporary curriculum, built on a pluralistic model which ensures creative collaboration and responsiveness to client needs when undertaking therapeutic practice through a social justice lens. You will discover and deploy different interventions and methods for working with diverse client groups while enhancing your personal and professional development as an ethical, self-aware therapist.You will learn from leading academics in pluralistic practice within a vibrant, inclusive community of practitioners, opening diverse perspectives to share and explore. You will engage in client practice under supervision using a pluralistic approach to counselling and therapy at advanced levels of competence.Our tutors will support you in establishing your philosophical and operational approach to therapy based on key principles of pluralism. We emphasise linking research to practice, enabling you to complete an initial project in year 2 (full time) or year 3 (part-time) before progressing onto the doctoral dissertation from year 3 (full-time) or year 5 (part-time).To complete the doctorate, you will undertake a total of 450 client hours minimum to develop your practice. At the MSc stage, you will complete 100 client hours of voluntary placement within the Bounds research clinic or approved placement providers. After completing your first 100 hours and registering with a professional body, you will undertake a further 350 paid or voluntary client hours at the MPhil and DCouns stage at an organisation of your choice.

Education