Last modified: 10 Feb 2026 12:47
The Masters project offers an opportunity for students to develop their own ideas, by exploring a specific topic or question in depth with the aim of producing an output that has practical relevance. The project may result in an evidence-based tool, technique or materials designed to be utilised within counselling training or practice. Alternatively, it may take the form of a small-scale research study or research review. The class will begin with group sessions that explore possible project formats, leading to submission of a project proposal and application for ethical approval. Individual and small group tutorial support will then lead to the presentation of the final product to the class as a whole, along with a written report.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Full Year | Credit Points | 60 credits (30 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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The counselling masters project is an opportunity to explore a topic that is of special interest to the student, in greater depth, while also making a contribution to the professional community as a whole. The project may comprise a tool, technique or materials designed to be utilised within counselling training or practice. Examples of such project outputs might be the creation of an on-line learning research for counsellors interested in working pluralistically with neurodiverse clients, or a self-help workbook for clients who have experienced workplace bullying. Alternatively, the project may take the form of a small-scale research study or research review. This kind of research output may be in response to a practical issue faced by the counselling agency where the student sees clients (i.e., what does research tell us about the best ways to reduce the proportion of clients who do not attend sessions?, or it may comprise a pilot study in preparation for later Doctoral work. The class will begin with group sessions that explore possible project formats, leading to submission of a project proposal and application for ethical approval. Individual and small group tutorial support will then lead to the presentation of the final product to the class as a whole, along with a written report.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 75 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 21 | Feedback Weeks | 24 | |
| Feedback |
Project report. Includes Appendix outlining procedures used to consult with professional colleagues and service users. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical appraisal of existing research and theoretical knowledge for mental health therapy and interventions |
| Procedural | Apply | Professional communication and capacity to use this to link knowledge to practice |
| Procedural | Create | Identifying problems in therapy and designing potential solutions |
| Reflection | Create | Undertake independent review of existing literature to create a novel project |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 16 | Feedback Weeks | 19 | |
| Feedback |
30-minute powerpoint presentation and responding to questions, at Course Conference Informal feedback will be provided by the conference attendees and written feedback will be provided by course tutors |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical appraisal of existing research and theoretical knowledge for mental health therapy and interventions |
| Procedural | Apply | Professional communication and capacity to use this to link knowledge to practice |
| Procedural | Create | Identifying problems in therapy and designing potential solutions |
| Reflection | Create | Undertake independent review of existing literature to create a novel project |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 75 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 49 | Feedback Weeks | 52 | |
| Feedback |
Word Count: 8,000 This is an amended submission in the light of tutor feedback on the first, failed submission Written tutor feedback will be provided |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 49 | Feedback Weeks | 52 | |
| Feedback |
Passed elements are carried forward 30-minute powerpoint presentation and responding to questions, at Course Conference Written feedback will be provided by tutors |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Create | Identifying problems in therapy and designing potential solutions |
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical appraisal of existing research and theoretical knowledge for mental health therapy and interventions |
| Reflection | Create | Undertake independent review of existing literature to create a novel project |
| Procedural | Apply | Professional communication and capacity to use this to link knowledge to practice |
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