Counselling Studies MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Counselling and Psychotherapy Year of entry: 2027 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027 Part-time MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2027 Key facts School School of Health in Social Science College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study 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 The MSc Counselling Studies offers advanced academic study of counselling and psychotherapeutic theories and practices, with a focus on non-directive, relational approaches particularly within psychodynamic and person-centred frameworks. It aims to connect theoretical learning with real-world concerns, encouraging critical reflection on counselling in both professional and personal contexts.This programme is most suitable for people whose background may not include clinical counselling training, but who want to deepen their understanding of relational, psychodynamic or person-centred therapeutic frameworks. It is also suitable for those seeking a critical base in counselling and psychotherapy before getting into placement-based training, providing an enhanced understanding of the theoretical, social, cultural and contextual dimensions of counselling and psychotherapy.It 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.The curriculum includes:core training for the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studiesa core research coursetwo optional coursesa research dissertationPostgraduate Certificate in Counselling StudiesDissertations may focus on any topic related to counselling or psychotherapy and may take the form of either empirical research or critical scholarship.This programme is not a placement-based training in counselling and psychotherapy. We offer the latter through our:Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue), two years full-timeMaster of Counselling, four years part-timeDoctor of Psychotherapy and Counselling, which may be taken full-time or part-time Study options This programme is a comprehensive and flexible programme, delivered over either:one year full-time two years part-time Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time MSc Counselling Studies (1 year) tuition fees Part-time MSc Counselling Studies (2 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 Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. 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 Funding opportunities 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 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 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, or a UK 2:2 honours degree with a strong personal statement, relevant experience and/or references confirming your aptitude to study at postgraduate level.You should demonstrate a high level of motivation through your personal statement, indicating why you wish to study counselling and demonstrating an understanding of counselling and the capacity to reflect on personal aptitude for work in this field.We may also consider your application if you have professional qualifications equivalent to an honours degree; please contact us to check before you apply.Students who have successfully completed a counselling qualification elsewhere which is equivalent to our Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies can apply for Entry with Advanced Standing to allow them to complete the MSc in Counselling Studies without having to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies.Your existing qualification must carry 60 academic credits at Postgraduate level and should have covered similar content in order to be eligible. 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 What you will study 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.The Postgraduate Certificate component involves experiential group work, practice-skills workshops and individual tutorials, with self and peer assessment and portfolio work, complementing essay-based assessment. Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Full-time MSc Counselling Studies (1 year) (2026-2027) Part-time MSc Counselling Studies (2 years) (2026-2027) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Teaching and assessment Teaching Teaching and learning methods include:lecturestheory seminarsindependent study Assessment Assessment is through essays and the dissertation. Learning outcomes The MSc in Counselling Studies provides:in-depth knowledge of the theories informing counselling and psychotherapysocial-science perspectives on debates about counselling and psychotherapycritical appreciation of the key debates, research methods and professional issues in counselling and related fieldstransferable interpersonal, conceptual and analytical skills, including critical thinking, self-evaluation and researcha professionally-validated Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies, opening pathways to further academic and career advancement Support for your studies The programme provides a high level of student-tutor contact and close supervision of both listening practice and research, in line with professional and academic requirements. You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Careers and further study Career opportunities The programme equips students with a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies and supports the development of meaningful careers in mental health and related fields, while also providing a pathway to further professional qualifying training in counselling.Successful completion of the MSc Counselling Studies opens up employment opportunities in a broad range of fields, including:education, policy, research and development on health and illnessemotional health and wellbeingcounselling. The degree enhances career prospects of professionally qualified counsellors and practitioners using counselling skills in related fields, such as health care, social work or education.Examples include careers as:mental health assistantssupport workerssocial care practitionersproject workers in governmental or third-sector settings.This MSc programme provides you with a solid foundation for pursuing further specialist therapeutic training in the field, if you wish to build advanced knowledge and skill sets ideal for your professional aspirations.You may also leverage your newly developed conceptual, analytical, and research skills to enhance your academic pursuits, with some using the MSc as a stepping stone to embark on doctoral research. Further study 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.We recommend the following programmes if you wish to advance to full professional training in counselling upon the completion of the MSc. You will need to meet specific entry requirements and apply separately:Postgraduate Diploma in CounsellingMaster of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue), a two-year full-time programmeMaster of Counselling, a four-year part-time programmeProfessional Doctorate in Psychotherapy and Counselling, 4 years full-time, 7 years part-time After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) 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 Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After 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 Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application and selection deadlines as noted below. We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1. Selection deadlinesRoundApply byReceive decision no later than1Monday 14 December 2026Thursday 18 March 20272Monday 31 May 2027Wednesday 30 June 2027Please note that these are the latest dates by when you will receive a decision. We expect many applicants will receive a decision sooner than these published deadlines. We will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis. When to submit supporting documents For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirement, please submit this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met the English language requirement, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 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 statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit one reference with your application. 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 - MSc Counselling Studies (1 year) MSc Counselling Studies (2 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents 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 enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply. Contact us Academic contact Nini Kerr Programme Director School of Health in Social Science College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: n.kerr@ed.ac.uk Chat to our students on Unibuddy
