Counselling Studies PhD Level: Postgraduate research Subject: Counselling and Psychotherapy Year of entry: 2027 Study options Part-time PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates Full-time PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates Key facts School School of Health in Social Science College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences PhD by Distance Available School location Central Area Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme This PhD programme is an advanced research degree enabling you to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of your choice, thereby making a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of counselling and psychotherapy and related disciplines. Our programme offers the possibility to work with and be supervised by expert academics whose background in both therapeutic practice and research is compatible with the student's proposed area of research.We have a longstanding commitment to original empirical and theoretical research that engages critically and creatively with the practices of counselling and psychotherapy. We are especially keen to encourage research concerned with the interface between counselling and psychotherapy and social, cultural and political life, and research that draws directly on practitioners’ own therapeutic work.The PhD offers the opportunity to gain advanced understanding of a range of research designs, approaches to data collection and data analysis within qualitative methodologies in the context of counselling and psychotherapy. The programme will enable you to develop your understanding of debates about research, evidence and practice in relation to counselling studies and related disciplines. Alongside taught courses, the PhD programme allows you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. Over the course of your studies, you will gain experience in designing and conducting research and writing up and critically reflecting on your work and that of others in the field.Our academics in Counselling and Psychotherapy specialise in qualitative, reflexive, and critical approaches to research, and have particular expertise in practice-based research that draws directly on practitioners' own therapeutic work, on the client's experience of therapy, and in narrative, reflexive, critical, autoethnographic, creative, and arts-based methodologies.Find out more about our supervisors' specialties Counselling and psychotherapy specialise in qualitative, reflexive and critical approaches to research, and have particular expertise in practice-based research that draws directly on practitioners' own therapeutic work, on the client's experience of therapy, and in narrative, reflexive and auto-ethnographic methods.We are especially keen to encourage research concerned with the interface between counselling, psychotherapy and social, cultural and political life. Study options This PhD programme is normally undertaken over either: 3 years full-time6 years part-timePhD study involves substantial independent research supported by two academic supervisors.If you are unsure about committing to this kind of study, you might prefer to consider completing the MSc by Research in Counselling Studies first.MScR Counselling StudiesHowever, an MScR degree is not a prerequisite for PhD study.If you have previous research experience or a high degree of motivation, you may wish to proceed direct to this PhD programme pathway. PhD by DistanceThe PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes: Clinical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health in Social Science and Nursing Studies (see our website for further information).A PhD by Distance may be appropriate for a wide range of candidates who cannot commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh for the duration of their programme, to study either part-time (6 years) or full-time (3 years).It is recommended (but not a requirement) that students enrolled on the PhD by Distance programme will come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study in order to meet with supervisors. The visit could also be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also recommended (but not a requirement) that PhD by Distance students return to Edinburgh for their oral examination.More information on our PhD by Distance options Why choose this programme Students on this programme will become part of an active and diverse research community in the School of Health in Social Science and will have access to the wide-range of learning environments and outstanding resources that the University has to offer.Our postgraduate researchers work in close proximity to each other, enabling them to pool their expertise and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of discovery. You will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of seminars, talks, and events, and often have the opportunity to present your own research at national and international conferences.Current PhD student research Applying How to apply Before you applyCheck that you meet the entry requirementsContact your potential supervisor(s)Discuss a draft version of your research proposal form with your proposed supervisor(s) and/or with the Programme DirectorApplication processTo apply for this programme you must submit the following:a completed research proposal form (Word)2 referencesan online application formAfter you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply The School of Health in Social Science operates a gathered field approach to postgraduate research applications. This means that all complete applications which satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline, at which point applications received will be considered on a competitive basis by our subject area specific academic review panels.The application deadlines and dates for decision are listed below. In order to ensure full consideration of your application we ask that you submit your complete application including all supporting documentation by these dates.If you are planning to apply for the University’s funding opportunities, you must apply before the first deadline in November.RoundApplication deadlinePlaces awarded19 November 2026mid-January219 April 2027mid-June Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide:a personal statementrelevant knowledge/training skillsname of supervisorand, if applicable:your research topicdetails of any published workDocuments you will need to provideYou will need:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksResearch proposal based on the criteria for the programme you are applying for. You must use the form template below for your proposal, otherwise it will not be considered.Research proposal form (Word document)Research proposal guidancetwo referencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishIf you are applying for the PhD by Distance you must also submit the PhD by Distance application formPhD by Distance application formReferencesYour references must be specific to your application, on headed paper, signed by the referee, and dated within the last 6 months. Your references can be uploaded directly by your referee, or you can upload it yourself.Guidance on uploading a reference to the Applicant HubIncomplete applicationsWe must receive all the information before the deadline for your application to be considered.If your online application is not ‘complete’ by the application deadline it will be rejected. If this happens, you can submit another application for a later application deadline. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - PhD Counselling Studies by Distance (6 years) PhD Counselling Studies (6 years) PhD Counselling Studies by Distance (3 years) PhD Counselling Studies (3 years) After you apply After you apply, we will evaluate your application. If we are able to progress your application beyond the online stage, you will be invited to participate in an interview with your prospective first supervisor. Funding, fees and costs Funding Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Featured fundingHealth and social sciences scholarships and funding Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Part-time PhD Counselling Studies by Distance (6 years) tuition fees PhD Counselling Studies (6 years) tuition fees Full-time PhD Counselling Studies by Distance (3 years) tuition fees PhD Counselling Studies (3 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Costs Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. We will also consider your application if your degree is in another subject but you have a professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy. International equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language test (restrictions apply)a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)certain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details Research profile Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences is a small subject area which specialises in qualitative, reflexive and critical research approaches. The University of Edinburgh is a world leader in research and innovation and an international centre of academic excellence. Our research portfolio is highly interdisciplinary, integrating concepts, practices and scholarship from:counselling and psychotherapypsychologysociologyphilosophyeducationcultural studiesarts and humanitieshealth and social careother social sciencesOur interests include:disabilitygendertraumaabusecounselling children and young peopleidentities and sexualitiessocial and political issues in counselling and psychotherapyFind out more about our supervisors' specialties Our research community We have a vibrant research community made up of over 170 students from all over the world, across our four disciplines:Clinical psychologyCounselling studiesHealth in social scienceNursing studiesStudents on this programme will become part of an active and diverse research community in the School of Health in Social Science and will have access to the wide-range of learning environments and outstanding resources that the University has to offer.Our postgraduate researchers work in close proximity to each other, enabling them to pool their expertise and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of discovery. Current PhD student researchYou will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of counselling and psychotherapy research seminars and School research student seminars, talks and events throughout your studies, including the annual Counselling and Psychotherapy Postgraduate Student Research Conference.You will often have the opportunity to present your own research at national and international conferences, and we encourage students to publish their research findings in relevant journals.In addition, we have appointed Postgraduate Research (PGR) Reps who facilitate training events, working breaks, writing retreats, as well as the annual School PGR conference. They also arrange a number of social activities throughout the year, so research students have an opportunity to socialise away from their studies. Programme structure In the first year you will attend epistemological and research methods courses. You will also typically choose a number of optional taught postgraduate courses from within the School of Health in Social Science or other Schools within the University, as appropriate to your research programme, and as agreed with your supervisor. Subsequent years of the PhD programme primarily focus on recruitment of study participants, data collection and analysis of the main research, which can then be written up and completed by the end of the third year.ProgressionNormal progression for a PhD in Counselling Studies involves spending the first year preparing for the main research work:taking research training coursesreviewing literaturedeveloping your research proposalProgression to year two of the programme is dependent on a satisfactory outcome from a review board. Typically, if taking the programme full time, the second year is spent doing the body of the research, usually empirical data collection and analysis, and the third year is spent completing the analysis and writing the thesis.You will have the opportunity to attend other courses in Counselling Studies as well as a wide range of postgraduate seminar courses within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and related disciplines across the University. Find out the aims and structure for each year of study on this programme. Part-time PhD Counselling Studies by Distance (6 years) (2026-2027) PhD Counselling Studies (6 years) (2026-2027) Full-time PhD Counselling Studies by Distance (3 years) (2026-2027) PhD Counselling Studies (3 years) (2026-2027) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Support You will be assigned at least two supervisors for your PhD and you will meet with your supervisors regularly.Workshops, seminars and courses in research methods are available to postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.With close ties with other social science and humanities disciplines, and with colleagues in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, we offer PhD students excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary supervision and research project development.Along with your supervisors, the School Postgraduate Research team (including the PGR Director, Programme Directors and the administration team) will support you throughout your PhD journey. Facilities As a postgraduate student you will have access to a wide range of research resources and first-class facilities, including:our dedicated Postgraduate Research study spaceresearch labsresearch centresclinical facilitiesMore about our facilities Careers Career opportunities A PhD from the University of Edinburgh enhances the career prospects of professionally qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and practitioners using counselling skills in related fields, such as health care, social work, or education. Students with prior professional qualifications enhance their careers with the addition of highly developed conceptual, analytical and research skills.It is also of interest to social scientists and researchers specialising in the study of health and illness, and the practice and cultural significance of the talking therapies.Successful completion of the PhD opens up employment opportunities in a broad range of fields, including:education, charities and social enterprisespolicy, research and development on health and illnessemotional health and wellbeing, counsellingacademic positions in the field of counselling studies and related disciplinesStudents can return to university to attend continuing professional development (CPD) courses to support their ongoing professional development as counsellors and psychotherapists. Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Contact our Postgraduate Research Admissions Administrator about your eligibility or how to apply. PGRAdmissions.Health@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 651 5144 Academic contact Dr Edgar Rodriguez-Dorans Programme Director School of Health in Social Science College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Edinburgh
