The Bounds
Our counselling and research centre, The Bounds, aims to respectfully promote the practice and study of relating to others, self, and the world around us.
Find out moreCounselling Supervision, PgCert
Introduction
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision is designed for qualified practitioners who are trained to diploma level (or equivalent) and are ready to extend their practice into supervision. The programme combines theory with practical learning to develop the essential skills needed to support, mentor, and guide other counselling professionals. You will build the professional skills and competence to navigate ethical and practical challenges of supervision.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- Blended Learning
- Degree Qualification
- PgCert
- Duration
- 9 months
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Through a pluralistic lens, the programme aims to enhance your skills, confidence and capability to practice as a counselling supervisor, enabling you to support experienced and trainee counselling practitioners in their professional development.
Our modules cover the supervisor relationship, collaboration with supervisees and professional and ethical working requirements, including risk management and client issues related to supervision. You will also explore theoretical approaches to pluralistic practice supervision in counselling and psychotherapy and its practical application. The programme offers insights into various supervision models, enabling you to critically examine the practical and ethical issues that arise in supervisory contexts.
We offer supervision placements at our research centre, The Bounds, providing you with 30 hours of hands-on experience to supervise experienced or trainee counsellors under the guidance and support of a qualified supervisor.
Our PgCert meets the professional training requirements of Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA) and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) competencies for practice. The programme provides ideal preparation for supervision practice or to progress into further postgraduate study, including our Doctorate in Counselling.
What You'll Study
Please contact education@abdn.ac.uk for more information about this programme.
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.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| All Students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £1,950 |
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
You will engage in experiential learning, group work, skills practice, role play, presentations and study groups.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Professional Placements
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
We undertake formative and summative assessments, including written assignments and continuous assessment of practice, along with a supervision report and log of hours.
Why Study Counselling Supervision?
- Undertake placements in supervision to build your confidence in supervised practice.
- Gain theoretical understanding of pluralistic supervision and its application across diverse contexts.
- Develop the ability to form, sustain and end a supervisory relationship with practising therapists.
- Acquire a theoretical and practice-based understanding of the processes involved in the pluralistic approach to supervision.
- Advance your knowledge to respond to ethical, theoretical and practical issues related to supervision.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants need a recognised diploma in counselling, psychotherapy, and at least two years’ post-qualifying supervised counselling practice with at least 450 hours of client contact. All applications for this course require two references: one from the applicant’s existing counselling supervisor and one from a line manager or professional peer.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
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 equips you with tools to supervise trainee and qualified counsellors in different client-facing environments and contexts.
Accreditation
The programme is validated by Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA)
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
- Other Expert
- Professor Kate Smith
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
-
School of Education
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 5UA