Introduction
Our degree aims to progress you through initial training as a counsellor or psychotherapist to a doctoral qualification in alignment with the professional standards for therapists across the UK. Drawing on contemporary approaches to therapy, you will learn how to work with clients experiencing mental health difficulties in different contexts. We focus on professional practice and competencies, offering the opportunity to undertake pluralistic practice, the fastest-growing therapy modality in the UK.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- DCouns
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The programme is structured into three stages, allowing you to advance through the professional standards to achieve the doctorate:
- Stage 1 – consists of core learning required to become a practising therapist.
- Stage 2 – gain advanced therapist training required to achieve accredited status as a practitioner.
- Stage 3 – the most advanced level of training available to practitioners.
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 Stage 1, 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 in Stage 2 and 3 at an organisation of your choice.
What You'll Study
Topics you will explore include:
- The philosophical foundations, theoretical concepts, evidence base, and methodological use of Pluralistic practice.
- Personal and professional development in key areas of competence and growth as a therapeutic practitioner.
- Contemporary models and interventions and how these are used in pluralistic therapy including person-centred and experiential therapy, cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic approaches.
- Professional issues, ethical working, and the impact of socio-cultural contexts on therapy.
- Knowledge of creative methods and cultural resources in therapy.
- An opportunity to study in depth a topic of your choice leading to an empirical doctoral dissertation
- Year 1
-
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
Therapeutic Process in Pluralistic Counselling (ED506N)
Professional Issues in Counselling (ED556Q)
Critical Issues in Practice (ED556R)
Critical Issues in Practice (ED556R)
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Foundations of Pluralistic Counselling (ED506M)
-
30 Credit Points
This course aims to enable students to develop the personal qualities and professional skills necessary to become competent and reflective practitioners within a pluralistic framework. Core elements of a pluralistic approach to therapy are explored in relation to theory, practical skills, personal and professional development, and research.
- Year 2
-
Year 2: Compulsory Courses
Professional Practice in Pluralistic Therapy (ED6508)
Advanced Therapeutic Practice in Pluralism (ED6509)
- Critical Issues in Practice (ED556R)
-
15 Credit Points
This course examines the ways that a pluralistic perspective offers creative possibilities and options for clients and therapists working together around the most widely-reported client concerns. Theory, research and clinical case examples are used to explore the nature of a flexible, collaborative pluralistic approach to issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, eating disorders, suicidality, and climate grief. The course is organised an interplay between lecture and workshop learning events on these topics, and critical choice-points encountered by students in relation to their practice with clients troubled by such issues.
- Masters Project in Pluralistic Therapy (ED506T)
-
60 Credit Points
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.
- Year 3
-
Year 3: Compulsory Courses
Literature Review and Project Proposal (ED6012)
Research Methodologies for Counselling and Psychotherapy (ED6016)
- Year 4
-
Year 4: Compulsory Courses
- Research Dissertation (180 Credit Points)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £5,238
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £21,700
Fee Information
Students are required to cover their costs for practice supervision during their studies. The cost reflects a requirement for one hour of supervision for each six client hours in practice. Supervision costs range from £40 to £80 per hour.
Please note that the fees apply to the full-time year only. As the programme runs for 18 months, an additional fee equivalent of 50% will be payable in the second year.
Scholarships
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Assessment Methods
A range of inclusive assessment methods are used for example, essays, case-studies, reflective accounts, portfolios of training experiences, and client work.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Professional Placements
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Why Study Counselling?
- Explore philosophical and operational approaches to therapy based on key principles of pluralism.
- Engage in voluntary placements to build your practice working with clients in diverse contexts.
- Learn from leading academics in pluralistic practice.
- We are ranked 2nd in Scotland for Education in the Complete University Guide 2027.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
SCQF Level 10 degree (any subject) or equivalent.
All applicants considered for the programme will be interviewed to assess suitability to become a therapist with a focus on interpersonal skills, personal development, and professional practice working.
A PVG will be required before practice placement starts.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
The programme opens professional pathways for graduates to enter counselling and psychotherapy practice in a range of contexts including education, the healthcare sector, third-sector agencies, and self-employment. Our courses build your analytical and research skills, allowing you to progress into teaching and research in mental health and academia.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Kate Smith
- Other Expert
- Mrs Julia McLeod
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX