Counselling Studies

The University of Edinburgh
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year MedicineCounselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy

About this course

The programme provides advanced academic study of counselling and psychotherapeutic practices and theories. It introduces students to non-directive, relational approaches, particularly within the psychodynamic and person-centred frameworks. Its aim is to connect theoretical learning with real-world issues and encourage critical reflection on counselling practice and theory in both professional and personal contexts.

This programme complements professional training in counselling by introducing key debates and professional issues in the field of counselling and psychotherapy to students from various backgrounds. It is firmly grounded in social science inquiry, addressing psychological conditions, social relations, and counselling practice with a focus on examining context and the complex interactions between the personal and the social. Please note that this programme may not be suitable for students seeking solution-focused, diagnostic, or behavioural approaches to psychological health.

The programme includes the professionally validated Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies, which offers skill development in active listening skills, three other substantive taught courses, and a dissertation within the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

It's important to note that this MSc programme is not a qualifying training programme and students are encouraged to align their career prospects with the professional legislation system of their home country.

Full professional training in counselling is available through advancing on to one of the following programmes:

* Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling

* Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue), a two-year full-time programme

* Master of Counselling, a four-year part-time programme

Study Options

This course is available in 3 study options:

Part-time

Duration: 2 Years

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Full-time Shown above

Duration: 1 Year

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Part-time

Duration: 3 Years

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

1172 Social services managers and directors
3219 Health associate professionals
2229 Therapy professionals
1231 Health care practice managers
3214 Complementary health associate professionals
3229 Welfare and housing associate professionals

Course Details

Qualification
MSc
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Start Date
2025
Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Edinburgh
Scheme
Postgraduate
Subjects
Medicine, Counselling, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy