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 Psychology, MSci
Introduction
Our 5-year integrated master's degree, accredited by the BPS, encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The programme prepares practitioners for professional counselling roles, enabling them to work with diverse groups in various settings, such as healthcare, education, and beyond. This course broadens employability prospects and opens opportunities for further development across counselling, education, and psychology. We emphasise developing cross-disciplinary competencies to enhance your ability to adapt and excel in evolving professional landscapes. After the fifth year you will exit with a validated qualification as a professional counsellor, allowing you to progress to become a counselling psychologist.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSci
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
- UCAS Code
- C9B9
Our degree aims to meet the rising demand for mental health support in today's diverse and complex societies. We deliver an integrated learning experience of theory and practice, focusing on reflective, professional, and ethical work in cross-cultural and multidisciplinary settings.
You will explore various human experiences from the individual to the societal level, enabling you to support individuals from different cultural backgrounds and diverse identities. Our programme emphasises the development of your interpersonal skills and personal growth. We encourage a deeper understanding of the inner self and the outer environment through exploration and reflection. You will also examine psychological theories and counselling practices while gaining insights into child development, health, and well-being from an educational context.
There are opportunities to gain practical experience in third-sector organisations, schools and healthcare settings, encompassing a range of roles from pastoral care to counselling. You will work with diverse individuals, including children, young people, and adults. You will acquire specialist knowledge and transferable skills in ethical decision-making, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, and cultural competence, equipping you to thrive in a dynamic professional environment.
The programme facilitates building your proficiency in research skills within psychology and education. Our courses offer to enhance your analytical and research capabilities, providing excellent preparation for a doctoral qualification in psychology or other areas in counselling and psychotherapy.
Once you have graduated from the 5-year programme, you will have the relevant registration to become a qualified counsellor holding a psychology degree, allowing you to undertake further training to become an HCPC-accredited Counselling Psychologist. The programme also opens pathways to study the PGDE in primary or secondary education.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
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Compulsory Courses
- ED151F Mindfulness in the Classroom (15 Credit Points)
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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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 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Introduction to Listening Skills 1: Introduction to Listening Skills (CO101A)
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15 Credit Points
Due to professional body requirements for a minimum number of practice hours and the nature of the practical work entry to the course is not permitted after week one of teaching unless under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Course Co-ordinator.
Our counselling and listening skills courses provide comprehensive training for use in many settings where effective communication is essential. This is also a suitable foundation for further training in the areas of counselling and psychotherapy. This is the first of four courses, that adhere to BACP's Counselling skills competence framework; ensuring high standards. BACP is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy the largest professional body in the UK.
Topics covered: Mental Health Awareness; UPR, Congruence and Empathy; Active Listening Skills; Contracts and Confidentiality; Beginnings, Middles and Endings; Self-awareness
Assessment:
Candidates should note that to achieve credit for the course overall :
- a pass in each element of in course assessment is required
- attendance at 85% of the weekly seminars is required
Resit:
Essay (30%). Candidates should note that a resit is not permitted of the other two elements of the course.
To achieve credit for the course overall, a pass in each element is required.
- Global Perspectives on Education (ED101B)
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15 Credit Points
This course will give students an opportunity to reflect on their understanding of education through an examination of the origins, purpose and nature of education, both as it currently exists in Scotland and elsewhere. This course will allow students, through the study of comparative education, to consider the historical and political context of Scottish Education and gain insight into current issues, policy drivers and practices.
- Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory (PS1009)
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15 Credit Points
PS1009 introduces you to major concepts and theories in psychology to provide you with a strong understanding of the human mind and behaviour. You will attend lectures on biological, social and cognitive psychology and participate in tutorials where you will work with peers to discuss topics related to the lecture materials. Studying psychology is beneficial to a wide range of careers including management, education, and counselling, to name a few.
- Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications (PS1011)
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15 Credit Points
PS1011 is the perfect combination of subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills. In weekly lectures and practicals you will learn how various research methods are applied across a variety of Psychology sub-fields. As you do so, you will learn to read scientific articles and will begin to critically evaluate them. Knowledge and skills will be practiced and assessed using a variety of methods: Critical reviews, close-reading exercises and oral presentations. The strong emphasis on developing critical thinking skills means that this course will be a valuable addition to any degree.
- Introduction to Listening Skills 2: Theoretical Approaches (CO151A)
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15 Credit Points
Due to professional body requirements for a minimum number of practice hours and the nature of the practical work entry to the course is not permitted after week one of teaching unless under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Course Co-ordinator.
Our counselling and listening skills courses provide comprehensive training for use in many settings where effective communication is essential. This is also a suitable foundation for further training in the areas of counselling and psychotherapy. This is the second of four courses that adhere to BACP’s Counselling skills competence framework; ensuring high standards. BACP is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy the largest professional body in the UK.
Topics covered:
Theoretical Approaches: Person-Centred Approach; Pluralistic Approach; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Psychodynamic Approach; Attachment Styles; Power and Boundaries; Self as Listener
Assessment:
Candidates should note that to achieve credit for the course overall :
- a pass in each element of in course assessment is required
- attendance at 85% of the weekly seminars is required
Resit:
Essay (30%).
Candidates should note that a resit is not permitted of the other two elements of the course.
To achieve credit for the course overall, a pass in each element is required.
- Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory (PS1509)
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15 Credit Points
PS1509 introduces you to major concepts and theories in psychology to provide you with a strong understanding of human mind and behaviour. You will attend lectures on evolution & emotion, lifespan development, and sensation & perception and participate in tutorials where you will work with peers to discuss topics related to the lecture materials. Studying psychology is beneficial to a wide range of careers including management, education, and counselling, to name a few.
- Introductory Psychology II: Methods and Applications (PS1511)
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15 Credit Points
PS1511 builds onto PS1011. You will learn more about research methods in Psychology through lectures, practicals and taking part in research. You will also learn how to set up and conduct a Psychology study yourself. Part of the lectures will focus on statistics, to equip you with the skills to analyze and interpret your own data. In doing so, you will also learn about the role of ethics in research. The main assessments are two research reports and and MCQ test about the lectures.
- Year 2
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Compulsory Courses
- ED251F Child Development in Practice (15 Credit Points)
- ED201E Health and Well-Being (15 Credit Points)
- Introduction to Listening Skills 3: Applications and Issues (CO201A)
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15 Credit Points
Due to professional body requirements for a minimum number of practice hours and the nature of the practical work entry to the course is not permitted after week one of teaching unless under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Course Co-ordinator.
Overview of arenas for support - what areas interest you?
Different diagnoses - Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis
Gender - Binary vs Gender Fluidity, LGBTQI
Bereavement and Suicide
Addiction
Race and Culture - immigrant; trafficking
Abuse
Children and young people - self harm, ACEs and Trauma
Safeguarding and agency policies
Assessment:
Candidates should note that to achieve credit for the course overall :
- a pass in each element of in course assessment is required
- attendance at 85% of the weekly seminars is required
Resit:
Essay (30%).
Candidates should note that a resit is not permitted of the other two elements of the course.
To achieve credit for the course overall, a pass in each element is required.
- Advanced Psychology A - Concepts and Theory (PS2017)
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15 Credit Points
This course builds on the material covered in the 1st-year courses, expanding on psychology’s concepts and theories. The course covers three core areas of psychology: language and cognition, perception, and individual differences.
- Advanced Psychology 1 - Methods and Applications (PS2018)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts and methods in psychological research and data analysis. Lectures cover distributions and probability, null hypothesis significance testing, t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlations. Practical classes involve the application of these methods to research examples from different areas of psychology, using the statistical software package SPSS.
- Introduction to Listening Skills 4: Self - Care, Support and Supervision (CO251A)
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15 Credit Points
Due to professional body requirements for a minimum number of practice hours and the nature of the practical work entry to the course is not permitted after week one of teaching unless under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Course Co-ordinator.
Ongoing support vs formal counselling
CPD and self-development
Mental Health Awareness – own and others
Working with groups
Self-care, support and burnout
Support through technology
Supervision
Awareness of Research
Reflection on self as a listener
Assessment:
Candidates should note that to achieve credit for the course overall :
- a pass in each element of in course assessment is required
- attendance at 85% of the weekly seminars is required
Resit:
Essay (30%).
Candidates should note that a resit is not permitted of the other two elements of the course.
To achieve credit for the course overall, a pass in each element is required.
- Advanced Psychology B - Concepts and Theory (PS2517)
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15 Credit Points
This course builds on the material covered in the 1st-year courses, expanding on psychology’s concepts and theories. The course covers four core areas of psychology: social psychology, behavioural neuroscience and developmental psychology.
- Advanced Psychology 2 - Methods and Applications (PS2518)
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15 Credit Points
This course covers a broad range of data collection and analysis methods used in psychological research. Lectures cover survey and observational methods, regression analysis, ANOVA, and qualitative research methods. Practical classes involve the application of these methods to research examples from different areas of psychology.
- Year 3
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Compulsory Courses
- ED301R Mental Health in Education - Critical Perspectives (15 Credit Points)
- ED351T Counselling and Psychotherapy Theory and Research (15 Credit Points)
- ED301S Inclusive Practice and Policy in Scotland (15 Credit Points)
- ED 351U Expressive Arts Education and Therapies (15 Credit Points)
Candidates seeking entry to the Junior Honours programme must have accumulated, by award or recognition, or been exempted from, at least 240 credit points at levels 1 and 2, including those compulsory courses required to enter programme year 3.
- Psychological Assessment (PS3011)
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15 Credit Points
Psychological assessment is used by chartered psychologists in a number of areas, including clinical, occupational and forensic applications. The aim of this course is to introduce students to psychometric theory, real life applications of psychological assessment and the legal and ethical issues surrounding test administration.
Topics covered on this lecture based course include: IQ and mood assessment; clinical neuropsychological tests of cognitive dysfunction and memory; assessment of dementia and forensic aspects of assessment (legal malingering).
An ideal course for students intending to secure a career in applied psychology.
- Methodology A (PS3015)
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15 Credit Points
The main aim of this course is to help students prepare, evaluate and run their own Psychological research. As such this is a ‘hands-on’ course, where students will have the opportunity to conduct a small qualitative research project and practice using SPSS for a variety of statistical analyses. The course provides a thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods through a lecture series. Specific topics covered in this course include: verification and falsification of results; ANOVA and qualitative research strategies.
- Developmental Psychology (PS3518)
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15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to consolidate and extend students’ knowledge of a number of core areas of developmental psychology, focusing on the age range of young children (3 years) to adolescence. This course will examine both historical and contemporary issues and findings in (1) cognitive development and (2) social-emotional development. In one half of the course students will evaluate how some main types of memory undergo developmental changes, and how cognitive plasticity develops. In the other half students will evaluate the development of aggression and its risk factors, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of play in typical and atypical development of social interaction with a focus on autism. There will also be opportunity to learn about some intervention programmes aimed at improving cognitive and socio-emotional skills in childhood. The broad range of developmental topics makes this an ideal course for anyone with interest in working with children.
- Social Psychology (PS3520)
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15 Credit Points
Social Psychologists explore the psychological factors that influence individual behaviours within social situations. As such, the aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the range of topics within experimental social psychology, with a defined focus on social cognition.
Topics covered within this lecture based course include: Stereotypes; social perception and action; self-control; consciousness and mimicry.
This course provides a scientific explanation for social phenomena, making it ideal for students with an interest in individual and group behaviour.
- Year 4
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Compulsory Courses
- ED401L Introduction to Guidance and Pastoral Care (30 Credit Points)
- ED401M Introduction to Research Skills (15 Credit Points)
- XXXXXX Combined Thesis (30 Credit Points)
- Biological Psychology (PS3014)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with a good understanding of the biological basis of behaviour and cognition. The course is split into two sections, each featuring 5 lectures. Section 1 focuses on psychopharmacology, which is the investigation of the effect of medication on normal and abnormal brain function. Section 2 focuses on neuropsychology, examining what can be learnt about psychological processes from studying patients with brain damage.
Specific topics that will be covered include: neurotransmitters; drug effects; psychedelic drugs; impaired object and face recognition; amnesia; and disorders of motor control.
- Perception (PS3012)
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15 Credit Points
Interaction with the world around us involves perceptual processing using our three main senses : visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) and haptic (touch). The aim of this course is to consider a range of approaches to human perception, from historical beginnings to recent innovative research.
Topics covered include: colour perception; face recognition; perception of pain and age related changes in perception. Students will also engage in guided debate with their peers regarding media portrayal of recent research findings.
This course is produced by academics that specialise in this field, ensuring the most up-to-date and relevant lecture material.
- Memory and Language (PS3519)
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15 Credit Points
The memory component of this course aims to introduce students to the main theoretical components of memory (working and autobiographical memory). Psychological theories of forgetting and eyewitness memory will also be discussed.
The second component of the course, language, will introduce students to the key issues in psycholinguistics. This will include assessment of sentence processing, analysis of the processes underlying language production and factors that influence communication in different settings.
The assessment of multiple approaches within both research areas will provide all students with a good basis for developing critical thinking skills.
- Year 5
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Compulsory Courses
- Foundations and Therapeutic Process in Person - Centred Counselling (ED50NE)
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60 Credit Points
This course aims to enable students to develop the personal qualities and professional skills necessary for competent and reflective practitioners within a person centred framework. Self-awareness, counselling theory, practice and research are integrated to a level that enables course members to engage with therapeutic processes in a range of counselling relationships. Although the counselling programme is structured on a modular basis it is conceptualised as a comprehensive experience. The programme has four strands: Counselling Relationship and Therapeutic Process; Counselling Theory and Research; Personal Development; Professional Development. This course constitutes the 1st module of the fulltime counselling programme.
- Development of Professional Practice, Reflexivity and Enquiry (ED55NF)
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60 Credit Points
This course aims to enable students to develop the personal qualities and professional skills necessary for competent and reflective practitioners within a person centred framework. Self-awareness, counselling theory, practice and research are integrated to a level that enables course members to engage with therapeutic processes in a range of counselling relationships. Although the counselling programme is structured on a modular basis it is conceptualised as a comprehensive experience. The programme has four strands: Counselling Relationship and Therapeutic Process; Counselling Theory and Research; Personal Development; Professional Development. This course constitutes the 2nd module of the fulltime counselling programme.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
We utilise a mix of theoretical learning and practical application, allowing you to engage in classroom-based learning, hands-on practicum experiences, and placements in diverse settings like schools and counselling organisations.
Our Study Routes
You can tailor your educational journey to your interests through the following designated exit points:
- Exit at the end of Year 4 to obtain the MA (Hons) in Psychology, Counselling, and Education.
- Complete the 5-year programme to obtain the MSci in Counselling Psychology.
View the study routes available for this programme.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Professional Placements
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Counselling Psychology?
- An integrated approach to deepen your understanding of counselling psychology, ideal for practical counselling and academic research.
- A flexible structure with multiple exit points including an MA in Psychology, Counselling, and Education.
- Offers a solid base for various roles in mental health, education, counselling, and psychotherapy.
- Broaden your knowledge and perspective across counselling, psychology, and education, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
- Comprehensive training route to prepare you for evidence-based practice in diverse settings.
- Explore diverse research methodologies and boost your research capabilities, providing essential skills for further academic development.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
The programme presents a range of career routes to progress into, including entry into mental health professions, education, or teacher training and improves your prospects of entering varied multidisciplinary careers.
This programme is designed to meet the core training requirements for registration with professional bodies, by the ScoPEd framework.
This programme also serves as a foundational stepping stone for doctoral studies and a variety of professions in psychology.
You can also progress onto the PGDE Primary or Secondary Education programme, broadening your skillset to teach while supporting the learning and well-being of children and young people in educational settings.
Accreditation
The programme meets the competency and training hour requirements for you to register with professional bodies such as the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapists (BACP) and Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA) once you graduate.
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
- Other Expert
- Professor Kate Smith
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Shun Chen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX