Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
Full-time: 12 months or part-time: 24 monthsAward Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
Our MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies is a rigorous, academic Master’s at SCQF Level 11 (180 credits). It’s designed with flexibility in mind and is aimed at those who want an advanced, research-led programme of study focusing on counselling and psychotherapy. The course does not contain a placement element, so would suit either qualified counsellors wishing to continue their professional development, or those interested in gaining a critical appreciation of the theoretical aspects of the discipline, ahead of potentially committing to a full practitioner training route.
A pluralistic, integrative approach
The programme is grounded in a pluralistic framework. Rather than committing to a single therapeutic school, you’ll study a range of counselling and psychotherapy approaches and think critically about how they can be integrated. You’ll examine the counselling process, the therapeutic relationship, interactional and listening skills, and the ethical and professional frameworks that support safe, effective practice.
You’ll also explore mental health and distress in context, including diverse perspectives, power, culture, social justice and critical views of diagnosis and services. The aim is to help you understand not only what works, but for whom, in which contexts, and on whose terms.
Research-led learning
Research is threaded throughout. You’ll build research literacy in a dedicated methods module, then design and complete a 60-credit independent project in counselling, psychotherapy or mental health – for example, an empirical study, case-based project or systematic review.
Relevant skills modules are aligned to the completion of the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate, widely recognised in people-facing roles and a key requirement of many practitioner training programmes.
Who this MSc is for
Typical MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies students include:
- Practising counsellors seeking relevant Level 11 study and the opportunity to complete a substantial counselling research project.
- Students interested in the advanced study of counselling ahead of potentially moving towards an accredited training route.
- Professionals in high people-contact roles (education, health, social care, HR, third sector).
- Graduates in psychology, counselling or related subjects drawn to research, policy or service design.
- International students seeking a theory- and research-focused MSc without a placement requirements.
If you’re unsure whether this is the right route for you, you can use your application to explain your background, current role and future plans.
Careers and Progression
This MSc is deliberately flexible. It supports different career trajectories depending on your starting point and goals.
Practising counsellors and therapists
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If you’re already working as a counsellor or in closely related helping roles, the degree can:
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Deepen your theoretical and conceptual understanding of counselling and psychotherapy.
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Strengthen your ability to appraise and use research in practice.
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Provide further study including a substantial Level 11 research project that supports potential progression towards senior / advanced roles.
Professionals in other people-focused roles
If you work in education, healthcare, social care, HR, employability, pastoral or third-sector roles, you’ll:
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Develop advanced relational, listening and communication skills informed by counselling theory.
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Learn how to use counselling-informed skills ethically within your professional boundaries.
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Be better equipped to support wellbeing, manage difficult conversations and respond to distress in your context.
Research- and academically-oriented graduates
If you’re drawn to the academic side of counselling and psychotherapy, this MSc offers:
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Training in research methods and critical engagement with evidence.
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Experience of designing and completing an independent project.
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A strong platform for doctoral study, research assistant roles, and work in policy, service development or quality improvement in mental health and related fields.
Key Highlights
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Study counselling and psychotherapy in depth without committing to full practitioner training or a clinical placement.
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Learn within a pluralistic framework, integrating different approaches with an emphasis on collaboration, social justice and co-created meaning.
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Build strong research skills and complete a 60-credit independent project tailored to your interests and career plans.
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Get the opportunity to gain the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate alongside your MSc.
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Choose full-time (one-year) or part-time study.
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Strengthen counselling-informed skills you can use ethically in education, health, social care, HR, community and third-sector roles.
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Support SCoPED-aligned progression for experienced counsellors who need a Level 11, research-rich qualification.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is seminar-based and discussion-led, with small groups that allow you to engage closely with staff and peers. You’ll learn through:
- Interactive seminars and case-based discussions.
- Counselling skills workshops and structured practice.
- Group work, peer feedback and reflective activities.
- Guided independent reading and online resources.
You’ll be encouraged to think critically and reflect on your own assumptions, values and responses. Although there is no formal clinical placement, the skills components are demanding as they align to COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate requirements.
Assessment is varied and authentic, so you can show what you’ve learned in different ways. Depending on the module, this may include:
- Analytical and reflective essays.
- Skills portfolios and case studies.
- Presentations and small-group projects.
- Critical engagement with research and policy.
- A substantial independent research dissertation (60 credits).
This mix is designed to build both academic confidence and practical competence in working with complex, people-centred material.
Modules
The modules listed are a guide to the current academic year only. We review and update modules annually. The exact modules available to your entry year may change for reasons such as staff availability, student demand, professional/accreditation requirements, or updates to legislation and curriculum.
If you've already completed CNS404: Diverse Perspectives in Mental Health at Abertay, you'll be required to complete another module in its place.
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll send you a Programme document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.
Introduction to Counselling Theory and Skills
This module provides you with core counselling skills, theoretical knowledge and opportunities for personal and professional development.
Research Methods
This module provides you with the theoretical underpinning required to pursue a detailed investigation of a research topic of choice in the subject discipline aligned to your studies. It explores research methodologies, ethics, and a range of mainly qualitative analysis techniques used in conducting an MSc research project.
Theories and Approaches in Counselling
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.
The Process of Counselling
This is an introduction to the process of using counselling skills in practice and strategies for facilitating therapeutic change within the pluralistic framework. It'll allow you to conceptualise counselling within professional and supervisory contexts.
Diverse Perspectives in Mental Health
Engage with theories from a variety of cultures, models, and philosophies to complement, expand and challenge therapeutic concepts. The content of this module includes critical issues in mental health policy and practice, contemporary debates and critical analysis of diverse perspectives.
Advanced Theories and Approaches
This module provides you with a deepened and extended understanding of theoretical models of counselling. It's designed to develop your capacity to use theory to facilitate change in clients.
MSc Research Project
This is an in-depth investigation relevant to your discipline of study. It's supported by an academic supervisor from the subject area.
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from people with a range of academic and professional backgrounds who can demonstrate a serious interest in counselling, psychotherapy and mental health.
Choosing the right Master’s is about both fit and eligibility.
You will normally need:
- At least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent)
Relevant subjects typically include:
- Psychology.
- Counselling or counselling-related studies.
- Social sciences (e.g. sociology, social policy, criminology).
- Health, nursing, medicine or allied health professions.
- Education or related fields.
We’ll also consider:
- Applicants with degrees in other disciplines who can show relevant experience in helping, support or people-facing roles.
- Applicants with substantial professional experience in counselling, mental health, health, education, social care, HR or third-sector roles, who can evidence the ability to work at master’s level.
Professional experience is valued and will be taken into account in our decision-making.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Use the UK and International entry tabs to check the qualifications we accept, then use your application to tell us about your academic background, any counselling-related or helping roles you’ve held, and why you want to study counselling and psychotherapy in depth at this stage.
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.
Fees and Funding
Please note: this course will run over 16 months full-time and 28 months part-time if you begin your studies in January.
Postgraduate study is a significant investment, so it’s important to understand the full picture.
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
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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 |
£19,950** |
**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.
The Data Lab Scholarship
A fully funded fee scholarship available for those applying for the Applied Artificial Intelligence & User Experience MSc, and the MSc Fintech.
Abertay International Scholarship
An award of up to £3,000 per year for up to a maximum of four years, for prospective new international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.
How to Apply
You apply directly to Abertay using our online form.
To make a strong application:
- Explain why you want to study counselling and psychotherapy in depth at this point in your life and career.
- Summarise your academic background in relevant subjects (for example, psychology, counselling, social sciences, health, education or related fields).
- Describe any helping, support or people-facing roles you’ve held – paid or voluntary – and what you learned from them.
- Reflect briefly on how you look after your own wellbeing when working with distressing material or supporting others.
- Clarify your longer-term direction (for example, advanced practice, practitioner training, research, policy or service development) and how this MSc fits into it.
If your degree is in a different discipline, it’s especially important to spell out your relevant experience and why this programme is the right fit for you now.
International applicants should apply as early as they can to allow time for visa processes and relocation.
Counselling Practitioner Status - FAQs
This section answers common queries about how this academic MSc relates to BACP requirements, SCoPED frameworks, and routes to becoming a registered practitioner.
Will this degree qualify me to work as a counsellor?
No. This MSc alone does not lead to practitioner status as it does not include a clinical placement. However, it can serve to advance the practice of those that are already active in the field.
How does this relate to BACP and SCoPED?
The programme complements SCoPED-aligned progression for experienced counsellors by providing:
- A Level SCQF level 11 Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy studies. This is equivalent to qualification level 7 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which provides progression training for qualified counsellors wishing to advance their practice.
- The opportunity to complete a substantial, supervised research project.
Please note: This programme is not a shortcut to practitioner status. You'll still need to complete recognised practitioner training which will include practice placement to become a registered counsellor.
Can I use this as a stepping stone to an accredited counselling qualification?
Yes – as part of a broader pathway. The MSc:
- Strengthens your academic foundation in counselling and psychotherapy.
- Builds research literacy and critical thinking.
- Develops counselling-informed skills and self-reflection (with potential COSCA skills certification on the Abertay on-campus route).
Many graduates may go on to apply for practitioner training. Admission to such programmes is always at the discretion of the provider and will involve additional entry criteria.
If you’re unsure about full practitioner training, this MSc offers a serious alternative: you can study counselling and psychotherapy in depth, gain recognised skills and complete meaningful research, without taking on the full attendance, emotional and placement demands of a clinical training.
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.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
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.
Joining our Postgraduate Community
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.
Make the most of your Masters
The 'Making the Most of Masters' project provides opportunities for master’s students to undertake work based projects, enhancing your employability at the same time as studying for your master’s degree.
Working with external organisations and employers, the projects are an integral part of your academic programme, and address real needs within an organisation, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to add valuable experience to your CV.
Explore our Dundee Campus
Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
Why Abertay?
We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.
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