Last modified: 22 Jul 2026 13:42
A capacity to use research evidence to inform practice represents a crucial aspect of contemporary thinking around the nature of counsellor and psychotherapist competence. In this course, students read and discuss research studies that have used different methodological approaches to explore critical issues in therapy practice. Dialogue within the group specifically focuses on how each study can contribute to both practice and self-awareness. The course also reviews the historical development of research in counselling and psychotherapy, and current debates.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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An appreciation of the nature of research-informed practice is a key aspect of employability as a counsellor. This class begins with a review of the history and current landscape of research in counselling and psychotherapy, and the development of practical skills around critical analysis of research papers. The focus then turns to small group discussion of sets of articles that have used contrasting methodologies (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, case study, autoethnography, systematic review, co-produced) in relation to producing knowledge in specific areas of practice (e.g., working with suicide, supporting survivors of sexual abuse, anti-racist approaches, etc).
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 45 | Feedback Weeks | 48 | |
| Feedback |
3,000-word portfolio. Research engagement reflections. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically analysing the strengths, limitations and contribution of different research methodologies in relation to understanding critical issues in counselling and psychotherapy practice. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understanding how cultural, political and historical factors have influenced the development of strategies for researching the processes and outcomes of counselling and psychotherapy. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Read, understand and critically evaluate research articles relevant to mental health and therapy. |
| Reflection | Create | Work effectively as a member of a inquiry team. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 39 | Feedback Weeks | 42 | |
| Feedback |
Critical analysis of a research paper selected by the student as relevant to their practice or intended future project. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically analysing the strengths, limitations and contribution of different research methodologies in relation to understanding critical issues in counselling and psychotherapy practice. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understanding how cultural, political and historical factors have influenced the development of strategies for researching the processes and outcomes of counselling and psychotherapy. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Read, understand and critically evaluate research articles relevant to mental health and therapy. |
| Reflection | Create | Work effectively as a member of a inquiry team. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 49 | Feedback Weeks | 52 | |
| Feedback |
Passed elements are carried forward. Individual live presentation of critical analysis of set research paper Duration: 15 mins
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 49 | Feedback Weeks | 52 | |
| Feedback |
Passed elements are carried forward Word Count: 2,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understanding how cultural, political and historical factors have influenced the development of strategies for researching the processes and outcomes of counselling and psychotherapy. |
| Reflection | Create | Work effectively as a member of a inquiry team. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Critically analysing the strengths, limitations and contribution of different research methodologies in relation to understanding critical issues in counselling and psychotherapy practice. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Read, understand and critically evaluate research articles relevant to mental health and therapy. |
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