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
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- Blended Learning
- Degree Qualification
- DCouns, MPhil or MSc
- Duration
- 18 months, 36 months, 48 months, 72 months or 78 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The programme is structured into three integrated stages, allowing you to advance through the professional standards to achieve the doctorate. We offer the following designated exit points:
- MSc – consists of core learning required to become a practicing therapist.
- MPhil – gain advanced therapist training required to achieve accredited status as a practitioner.
- DCouns – 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 the MSc stage, 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 at the MPhil and DCouns stage at an organisation of your choice.
Available Programmes of 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.
- Delivery platforms and modalities including online and phone therapy, group therapy and nature-based approaches.
- An opportunity to study in depth a topic of your choice leading to an empirical doctoral dissertation
- MPhil
-
Counselling
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMPhil 36 months or 72 months Blended Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More - MSc
-
Counselling
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 18 months or 36 months Blended Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More - DCouns
-
Counselling
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationDCouns 48 months or 78 months Blended Learning Full Time or 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 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.
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
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.
- A flexible structure with multiple exit points to obtain MSc, MPhil or DCouns in Counselling.
- Engage in voluntary and paid placements to build your practice working with clients in diverse contexts.
- Learn from leading academics in pluralistic practice.
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 Interview to assess suitability for personal development and professional practice working.
PVG in place before entry.
Proficiency in English language (spoken and literate) IELTS.
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
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
- Other Expert
- Mrs Julia McLeod, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Kate Smith, The University of Aberdeen
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
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 moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX