Introduction
Examine the philosophy, theories, and research concerning the person-centred approach while developing a deeper understanding of the role counselling plays in society. This degree is grounded in the Person-Centred Counselling MSc but in the final year, it has a different outcome with students studying our Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People. This certificate can also be completed as a stand-alone course for qualified practitioners.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- Blended Learning or On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- Certificate or MSc
- Duration
- 6 months, 18 months or 36 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Our Person-Centred Counselling programmes offer the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career providing life-changing therapy. The PgDip stage (120 credits) of this MSc, is validated by and meets the professional training requirements of COSCA, (Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy) with the diploma consisting of a minimum of 400 tutor contact hours and 100 client hours.
Our full-time route allows you to gain an MSc in 18 months, completing the final 60 credits by undertaking a combination of a shorter Dissertation/Counselling Related Research Study and our Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People. Our part-time options give you more flexibility over 3 years for an MSc.
Our stand-alone specialist certificate allows the counsellor/psychotherapist to gain the knowledge, skills and expertise to work with children and young people in various settings.
We aim to ensure counsellors have the professional skills and competence to work with children and young people ethically and effectively. You will examine the philosophy, theories, and research concerning the person-centred approach, while exploring courses in ethical and professional practice, child protection and safeguarding, child and adolescent development, and working with diversity to develop your professional practice.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake practical assessment at our research centre for Person-Centred Counselling, The Bounds and within school settings, giving you valuable practical experience to build your confidence in the profession.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Person-Centred Counselling (Children and Young People)
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 18 months or 36 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £23,430 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year The fee quoted is for full time study. Part time students will pay a rate of £3905 per 30 credits in the academic year 2023/24. UK £11,700 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year The fee quoted is for full time study. Part time students will pay a rate of £1950 per 30 credits in the academic year 2023/24. - Certificate
-
Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationCertificate 6 months Blended Learning Part Time September Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Costs
Supervision: A minimum of 17 hours of professional supervision. Reduced rates for students are typically in the region of £30 to £40 per hour, while full supervision rates are in the region of £45 to £60 per hour.
Personal Therapy: Although not a compulsory component of this programme personal therapy is highly recommended. Costs between £30-£80 per session. Some agencies run a donation-based service.
Residential weekend at the Burn – costs available on request.
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- 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 Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students 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
Throughout the course, peer feedback and self-assessment will be encouraged, a significant aim of the course is to support and encourage the development of ‘reflective practitioners, able to offer and use constructive feedback.
Discussion boards will be part of the course content, along with regular group supervision meetings, offering opportunities to engage and reflect on your learning and personal development.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Peer Learning
- Professional Placements
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
We require two summative assessments to be completed successfully for the award of the certificate and 60 client hours logged.
Why Study Person - Centred Counselling (Children, Young People and Adults)?
- Our aim at Aberdeen is for students to come to know themselves well enough to be able to offer the deep connectedness vital for successful therapeutic relationships
- To develop self-awareness, reflective ability and an in-depth understanding of the person-centred therapeutic process.
- To enhance the wellbeing of people and communities within our society.
- To develop a sound foundation for ethical practice, based on the COSCA Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Individuals on this course will need a high level of critical self-awareness and a willingness to reflect on their own process. Readiness to enter a programme which has at its centre the student’s own personal development is desirable. Voluntary or professional experience of support work with adults is also desirable.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 or above from a recognised university or body. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without this qualification may be admitted by achieving Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Please contact the programme director for guidance. Applicants must also prove they have relevant, credit-bearing counselling skills, totalling 60 credits, ideally from completion of Aberdeen University’s Counselling and Listening Skills courses 1 to 4.
Student membership of Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA) is advised and a PVG check and certificate will be required at the start of the programme.
Applicants must have completed a Validated Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy. The preference is for a postgraduate diploma, but undergraduate qualifications will also be considered. It is an advantage for applicants to have had the experience working with children/young people and be open to the humanistic values of this course.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English 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
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
On completion of the validated diploma, students can register as qualified counsellors with professional bodies. There are growing opportunities for employment in the third sector, in Employee Assistance Programme companies and for working in private practice. There are also opportunities in human resources, occupational health and in the NHS as counsellors or wellbeing practitioners.
The Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People provides evidence of expertise to work with Children and Young People in all settings; Schools, Mental Health Services and Private Practice.
Career Opportunities
- Counsellor
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by COSCA.
Our Experts
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Education
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 5UA