Scholarships
The scholarship below is open to those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course. It's paid in two instalments, in December and March.
Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
Part-time: 36 monthsAward Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
Develop your theoretical understanding, hone your practical skills and achieve a higher level of personal awareness and resilience by studying counselling at a postgraduate level. This MSc equips you with the skills you need to offer emotional support for people experiencing problems in their lives.
Join the only Scottish BACP accredited Master’s programme providing comprehensive training in the pluralistic framework for counselling and psychotherapy integration. This means you’ll absorb a wide range of theories and interventions, learning how best to adapt your approach to the needs of your clients.
As this programme is accredited to teach online and in-person therapy you'll also benefit from specialist training in these areas equipping you to work effectively, ethically and flexibly with clients in a variety of settings.
We enjoy a rich tradition of providing training in counselling and counselling skills. Our teaching staff are highly respected leaders in their field, and you’ll be joining a vibrant community of practitioners and past and current students.
Abertay has a strong research orientation, and the Tayside Centre for Counselling (TCC) is based on campus. There are opportunities for you to be involved in projects that are influencing and developing the role and effectiveness of counselling interventions in modern society.
If you’re a Scottish student, or if you meet the residency requirements, and are planning to study this course, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan. Find out more here.
This programme is not available to students who require a visa to study in the UK.
Frequently asked questions about our MSc Counselling.
Important Information for prospective MSc Counselling students.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have:
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An undergraduate degree (2:2 or better in any subject) which may be supplemented with professional experience and evidence of ability to study at postgraduate level
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Interest in counselling as a profession or career/personal enhancement
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Some experience in helping professionally or voluntarily. Suitable experience here would include paid or voluntary work that involves working closely with others in a helping capacity and undertaking activities such as interpersonal/relational support, pastoral care, mentoring, or assisting with improvement of health and wellbeing.
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One relevant reference that highlights your suitability for the course.
All new entrants are required to undertake a criminal records check (PVG) at the point of entry to the programme. All applicants who meet the entry requirements are invited to interview as part of the two-step selection process. The interview looks to examine suitability to enter the programme in line with BACP criteria.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants around the world. Please select your country from the list below to view Postgraduate entry requirements. If your qualification is not listed, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk
Select Your Country
Academic Requirements
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
English Language Requirements
All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.
For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare/Bachelor degree score of 7.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Specialist/Bachelor degree score of 70% or 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Bachelor degree / Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) score of 3.0 (on the 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Bakalavr/Diplomu score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Bachelors Degree of 4 years or more with a minimum score of 60% or 2.6 GPA (on a four point scale). Degree must have been awarded from the following institutions (including affiliated colleges):
- North South University
- Independent University, Bangladesh
- American International University, Bangladesh
- East West University
- Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology
- University of Asia Pacific
- BRAC University
- Daffodil International University
- United International University
- International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
- Bangladesh University of Professionals
- University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
- Jagannath University
- National University
- University of Dhaka
- Port City Chittagong University
- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
- Jahanginaga University (JU)
- Southeast University
- Eastern University
- Bangladesh University of Business & Technology
- Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET)
- Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET)
- Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET)
- University of Rajshahi (RU)
- Chittagong University (CU)
Or a Bachelor of Science in Egineering with a minimum score of 55% or 2.2 GPA (on a four point scale), awarded by Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) or awarded 2012 onwards by a private university and accredited by IEB with independent research as part of the course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licentiaat / Licencié with a minimum score of 12 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Licenciado/Título score of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (5-6 years) with a minimum score of 70%, or a Master's degree with a minimum score of 60%, in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado, Titulo de Bacharel or Titulo de (subject area) will be required to pass with 6.0 (on a 10 point scale), in a related subject where required.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 4.0 (out of 6) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of C+, 65% or 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants wil typically require one of: a 4-year Bachelor Degree/Licence; Diplome d’Etudues Supérieures de Commerce; Diplôme d'Ingénieur; Maîtrise / Master sans thèse; with a minimum score of 11, or a GPA of 2.7 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Baccalauréat with a minimum score of 2.5 (4-point scale), 62% or C+ average in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Qualification: PG Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies / PG Diplome d’Etudes Superiures Specialisees / PG Matrise with Independent Research/Project
Applicants will typically be required to pass the PG Diplome d’Etudes with a minimum of 13 (on the 20 point scale) in a relevant subject.
20 Point Scale:
1st Classification: 17
2:1 Classification: 15
2:2 Classification: 13
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically be required to pass the Grado de Licenciado in the essential subject with a 5.5 GPA (7-point scale).
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado/Título/Maestro with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea or Diploma - Visoko obrazovanje (4-6 years) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/Ingeniero/Máster with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum score of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalář degree with a minimum score of 2.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Candidatus Philosophiae / Professionsbachelor with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado or Título with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (from a university) with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado, Título or Título de Maestro/Maestria with a minimum score of 6.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalaurusekraad (Bachelor degree) or Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma) with a minimum score of 3 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants from an Ethiopian university will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of 2.75 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Kandidaatti / Kandidat with a minimum score of 1 (4-point scale) or 2.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplôme d'Ingénieur / Licence / Grade de Licence / Licence Professionnelle / Grade de Licence Professionnelle with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist degree with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor or Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) with a score of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale), or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Ptychio (AEA or TEI) degree with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree (Honours) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or Lower Second Class (2:2) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Bakkalárpróf with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (with Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is included.
Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (NO Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 65-70% or 6.5-6.9 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is NOT included.
Bachelor Degree in Professional Subject*
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor Degree in a Professional Subject with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale).
*Professional subjects include: Agriculture, Architecture, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications, Engineering, Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Technology.
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree Sarjana I (S1) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree with a minimum score of 13 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a 2.2 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Diploma de Mediatore Linguistico, Laurea, or Licenza de Accademia de Belle Arti with a minimum score of 94 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 55%, 2.0, or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Advanced Diploma with a minimum GPA of 60% or 2.2 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 65% or 2.5 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/ Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 70%, 2.3 (4-point scale), or 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA percentage of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalaura Diploms with a minimum score of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Licence with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (4-point scale), score of 12 (French 20-point scale), or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalauro Diplomas with a minimum overall score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum overall score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically be require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (4-point scale), 4.5 (6-point scale) or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course. Applicants with a professional Bachelor's degree may be considered, though this must be in a related subject area.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 55% (lower second classification) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado or Titulo Profesional de (subject area) will be required to pass with 7.0 (on a 10 point scale).
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma de Licenta (Bachelor degree) or Diploma de Magistru (Master's degree) with a minimum score of 8.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Grau de Licenciado/a with a minimum score of 14, or Grau de Maestre with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree / Professional Bachelor degree (competed after 2009) or Master's degree with a minimum score of 60% or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will require either:
- A four-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60% in a related subject from one of the following universities: Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, Tribhuvan University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Purbanchal Universite, Lumbini Buddhist University, Mid Western University, Far Western University, Nepal Sanskrit University, or
- A Masters degree following a three-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60%.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications and references.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum grade of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelorgrad (Bachelor degree) or a Candidatus/a Magisterii with a minimum overall grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (4-5 years) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree from a well-ranked university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (5-point scale), 2.5 (4-point scale), or 82% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licencjat / Inżynier with a minimum score of 4 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado with a minimum score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplomă de Licenţă (Bachelor degree) with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (Honours) with a minimum score of 12/20 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4-point scale), 3.25 (5-point scale), or 73% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplomirani (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (4-point scale) or 3.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalár (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (4-point scale) or 72% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) with a minimum GPA of 7.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Professional Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado / Título Universitario Oficial de Licenciado with a minimum GPA of 6.0 (10-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (Special or Honours) at 2:1 classification or 3.3 GPA minimum in a related field.
Applicants will also be required to have undertaken Independent Research.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications, and references.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a good Bachelor's degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen with a majority of credits at G in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma/Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (6-point scale), 6.0 (10-point scale), or 3.0 (reverse 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 60-70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Specialist Diploma or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Yokary bilim Hakynda Sahadatnama (Diploma of HE) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 56%, or grade C+ in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree with a minimum GPA of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
How the Course Works
The course offers a comprehensive selection of topics on talking therapies, interventions and professional practice, with core areas including:
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A range of theoretical approaches to counselling, such as Person Centred and Experiential, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Existential, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies
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Personal development and self-awareness
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Evidence-based practice and research methods
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Ethical and professional issues in counselling
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Working with children and young people
There are three exit points on this programme:
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End of the first year: Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies
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End of second year: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies
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End of third year: Masters (MSc) in Counselling
Learning
From the outset you’re engaged in skills learning, as the first year of this MSc introduces you to counselling and practical training in the application of helping interventions. This foundation year provides counselling skills, and the experience you need to undertake a practice placement. As the course is accredited to teach both in-person and online therapy, Year 1 is blended so that you can develop skills in both these disciplines.
The subsequent two years involve a fascinating combination of teaching in theory, research, practice and professional issues, and self-development, all of which are designed to be directly linked to practice placement. In Year 3 you'll also look at working therapeutically with children and young people, and work on a practice-based project.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in workshops to introduce and develop your understanding of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, addictions, and loss and bereavement, along with specific approaches such as solution-focused, narrative and psychodynamic therapy.
In combination with the one day a week attendance on campus, in Years 2 and 3 you’ll take a placement as a counsellor – an essential part of your professional training.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by using case-studies, theory essays, literature reviews, practice observations, and reflective accounts, along with reports from supervisors and practice placement. Assessment tasks are integrated into the course and spread through the three years.
Formative assessment is ongoing and the programme team provide feedback on practice skills and activities in class.
Modules
Introduction to Counselling and Theory Skills (CNS501)
This module provides you with core counselling skills, theoretical knowledge and opportunities for personal and professional development.
The Process of Counselling (CNS502)
An introduction to the process of using counselling skills in practice and strategies for facilitating therapeutic change within the pluralistic framework. This module will allow students to conceptualise counselling within professional and supervisory contexts.
Foundations Of Counselling Practice (CNS503)
Provides students with essential learning in counselling theory. This module addresses key areas of practice including counselling contracts, ethical issues, personal soundness, supervision and professional skills.
Professional Practice 1 (CNS012)
Provides students with a supportive and critically challenging arena to reflect on and explore theoretical, ethical, professional and personal issues arising from the research and the application in practice of theory and interventions.
Theories and Approaches in Counselling (CNS010)
An in-depth examination of the skills, concepts and professional knowledge required to use a pluralistic framework for counselling practice. It covers the framework and common interventions and approaches which are used in conjunction with it. Teaching also involves practice skills in goal collaboration, case-formulation and client process monitoring.
Advanced Theories and Approaches (CNS011)
Provides students with a deepened and extended understanding of theoretical models of counselling to develop their capacity to use theory to facilitate change in clients.
Professional Practice 2 (CNS507)
This module focuses on practice placement, monitoring and supervision. In addition it provides the student with an opportunity to explore critical issues around the relationship between theory, practice and research in relation to a collaborative pluralistic framework through a collaborative project.
Professional Challenge and Personal Resilience (CNS508)
The module allows the student to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in order to demonstrate their effectiveness as a counsellor and begin preparation for their subsequent career.
Counselling Children and Young People (CNS510)
This module focuses on the skills, concepts and professional knowledge required to work with children and young people (CYP) in counselling practice (aged 11 -18 years). It examines contextual and ethical issues and introduces the core competencies required to work with this client group using the pluralistic framework.
Counselling FAQs
Can I apply if I have a Certificate in Counselling, but no degree?
If you have a counselling certificate, without a degree, your application may still be considered. We would be looking for you to have extensive experience (over five years) within a counselling setting. Interview would be at the discretion of the Programme Leader. We’d also require evidence of the ability to study at level 11 (postgraduate).
There are a number of ways that this might be demonstrated. It could be evidence of studying at level 10 (degree level), an OU course or similar, or a part-time Counselling skills course at level 9/10. We may also consider those who are employed in a graduate role, for example, a nurse who has not obtained a degree.
In some cases we may ask you to provide an essay to demonstrate evidence of critical argument and literacy skills. Often it may be a combination of achievements and experience that demonstrate this ability.
When do the placements take place?
During Year 2 and Year 3. You are required to organise your own placement.
Do I have to pay for the placements?
No, but you are required to have monthly private supervision. This can cost between £20-£60 per fortnight.
Are students required to undertake self-therapy?
No, we do not require you to undertake self-therapy, but it may be helpful, and we offer a free, confidential counselling service.
Is the programme accredited?
As it is a professional counselling qualification, the programme is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This accreditation enables those who complete all 3 years to enter the BACP Register as a qualified online or in-person counsellor. The course is not accredited by the BPS as it is a counselling programme.
Is the programme full-time or part-time?
The programme is part-time and runs over three years.
Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus
All Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering you to enhance digital skills with industry-leading tools.
In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.
The Adobe Creative Campus programme is an initiative involving a select group of colleges and universities dedicated to empowering staff and students across all disciplines with essential digital skills for success in both the workplace and the classroom.
Fees and Funding
The tuition fees you’ll pay and the funding available depend on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you’re studying. If you’re studying a postgraduate taught (PGT) degree, your fee status will be classed as one of the following:
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Scotland
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England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland
-
International
Fee Status
Your fee status is typically based on the country where you’ve lived on a regular, non-temporary basis for the three years prior to the start of your course.
We’ll confirm your tuition fees once you’ve applied.
International
International includes applicants from EU countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK. (Students from the Republic of Ireland are not included.)
Annual Tuition Fees
|
Fee Status |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
|
£7,900 |
£7,900* |
|
|
£10,400 |
£10,400* |
|
|
£17,000 |
£18,950** |
*Tuition fees for 2026/27 are still under review and may be subject to change.
**Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £3,000-£7,000 over the duration of their course.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Career Opportunities
By providing both foundational and professional training in a single programme, this course gives you the opportunity to undergo a three year part-time postgraduate qualification that provides direct entry into a counselling career.
Our graduates have moved on to work within the field of counselling, psychotherapy, social care, research and education. Some graduates choose to enter private practice, while others go on to work in the NHS, in schools or in the voluntary sector. In addition, it’s possible to go on to train in counselling supervision.
An MSc in Counselling also provides transferable skills and can considerably enhance career prospects for people working in health, education, the church, criminal justice, human resource management, and the voluntary sector.
Industry Links
Our counselling programme has strong links with a number of counselling and social care agencies within Scotland. These relationships ensure the smooth management of student placements and professional development.
All staff are qualified practitioners and registered or accredited members of the BACP, with one currently representative at BACP governance level.
Get inspired
Meet some of our Counselling graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.
Paul Matthew
Paul founded counselling hub 'Harmony' and also works as a counsellor within Abertay's Student Services Team.
Maheen Saeed
Maheen studied MSc Counselling and one day hopes to open up her own counselling practice in Pakistan.
Roxanne Kerr
Roxanne is the Co-Founder of Cyber First Aid and Founder | CEO of the charity Trauma Healing Together.
Ashleigh Cormack
Ashleigh is Head of Counselling and Supervision at Rowan Consultancy. She is also a Private Practice Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Coach.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community. Specially designed to promote integration and inculcation of interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers, postgraduates study and learn together at Abertay – from Environmental Management to Law, Psychology, Bioscience, Economics and Business, Cybersecurity and Computer Games Development.
When joining as a post-graduate, you will
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll be joining a community of creative likeminded scholars and will automatically be provided with access to our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
Programme Leader
Mrs Sally Lumsdaine
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences | Lecturer
s.lumsdaine@abertay.ac.uk
01382 308384
Explore all undergraduate and postgraduate courses
