Counselling MCouns, PgCert, PgDip

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Counselling and Psychotherapy

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Part-time
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2027
  • PgDip | 3 years | Start date: September 2027
  • MCouns | 4 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

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

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About the degree programme

Our Counselling programmes aim to develop critically reflective and ethically aware practitioners who can work effectively across a variety of settings with diverse individuals and communities. They are founded on a dialogue between the person-centred approach and psychodynamic approaches in counselling and psychotherapy.

The programmes offer a flexible, student-centred learning experience with a strong emphasis on practice, including counselling placements. Students are encouraged to develop cultural awareness, critically engage with issues of inequality and discrimination, and work in ways that promote inclusion, empowerment, and social justice throughout their studies, placements, and future professional practice.

The programmes provide a high level of relational student-tutor contact, alongside close supervision of counselling and psychotherapy practice and research, in line with professional and academic requirements. It also equips you with valuable transferable skills, including research, critical thinking, communication, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.

Programme changes

We are committed to providing the best possible learning and student experience, and as such, we are introducing changes to our professional training programmes in Counselling and Psychotherapy from 2028/29.

The revised programmes will continue to align with COSCA standards and requirements, ensuring that graduates remain eligible for COSCA certification.

The changes will not impact you if you enrol on the 2027/28 Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies. However, if you plan to progress to the PgDip or Master of Counselling in 2028/29 you will be transferred onto the revised programme structure.

If you join the Postgradute Diploma in Counselling in 2027/28 you will transition to the new programme structure in the second year of the programme (2028/29). This change will not affect the length of the programme, and the content will continue to reflect COSCA requirements.

If you join the Master of Counselling in 2027/28 you will transition to the new programme structure in the second year of the programme (2028/29). This change will not affect the length of the programme, and the content will continue to reflect COSCA requirements.

We are updating the programme structure in response to student feedback, to improve the overall learning experience. We believe that these changes will bring benefits to our students, and we are excited to introduce the revised programme structure.

More detailed information about the revised programmes will be available in Spring 2027.

Please contact our programme team if you have questions about the programme changes:

Counselling.Studies@ed.ac.uk

Study options

You can apply to three different pathways:

  • PgCert Counselling Studies: a one-year, part-time programme
  • PgDip Counselling: a three-year, part-time programme
  • Master of Counselling: a four-year, part-time programme

All three pathways include experiential group work, theory seminars, personal reflection, and independent study. Assessment methods include essays, seminar presentations, self- and peer-assessment, professional portfolios, and, where applicable, placement-based assessments.

Students on the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling complete taught courses and supervised client work through practice placements. The placements take place during Years 2 and 3 of the programme and meet the accrediting body requirement for supervised client hours.

The Master of Counselling comprises taught courses, supervised practice placements, and an independent research dissertation. The placements take place during Years 2 and 3 of the programme and meet the accrediting body requirement for supervised client hours.

We also offer a separate full-time, two-year Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue) programme, which is also accredited:

Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue)

Programme pathways

Postgraduate Certificate

The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies (PgCert) is an introduction to the dynamic world of counselling and psychotherapy, offering an opportunity to engage in a rich learning environment. Students develop interpersonal skills and theoretical understandings that enable them to engage in helping relationships. 

Professional and personal development are central, with students actively participating in self-reflective practice. This includes exploring internal and external experiences of oppression and discrimination and relational experiences of power. 

It offers an entry point for professional training and education to become a counsellor or psychotherapist. The skills gained through this course can also be used in a range of other contexts such as teaching, social work, nursing, management, and voluntary sector mental health work. 

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will attain a COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate.

Postgraduate Diploma

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling (PgDip) brings together rich theoretical perspectives of the psychodynamic and person-centred traditions with extensive practical experience gained through placements in a range of counselling settings. 

Delivered over three years of part-time study (including the Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies in the first year), the programme supports students in developing a thoughtful, responsive, and critically informed approach to therapeutic practice. 

Validated by COSCA, the professional counselling body for Scotland, successful graduates will also receive a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills and a COSCA Diploma in Counselling. The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling is a recognised professional qualification that prepares graduates for professional counselling practice and progression towards accreditation with relevant professional bodies.

Master of Counselling

The Master of Counselling (MCouns) is a professional part-time training in counselling and psychotherapy and is a recognised qualification for counselling practice. 

Building on the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, the masters degree offers students the opportunity to engage with research, explore experience-near approaches to inquiry and undertake an independent research project. 

This advanced qualification supports the development of critically informed practitioners who can contribute to the evolving knowledge and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. 

This programme is accredited by COSCA and successful graduates will receive a COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills and a COSCA Diploma in Counselling alongside their Master in Counselling degree.

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

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

Additional programme costs

Students undertaking the PgDip or MCouns in Counselling are required to undertake a minimum of 25 hours of professional supervision in relation to their placement practice. You may need to pay for this supervision of your counselling practice.

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 money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore 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

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.

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 will also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with a strong personal statement and relevant experience or references confirming aptitude for study at postgraduate level.

We may also consider your application if you have other professional qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.  

As this is a professional training programme, students are subject to the University's Fitness to Practise policies and processes while on programme.

Progression from the first year of the programme requires an assessment of readiness for counselling training. This includes successfully completing a written self assessment, a reference and an oral assessment.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

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 6.5 with at least 6.0 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 92 with 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 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The 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 Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All 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 countries

We 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-MESC

How old your degree can be

If 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

What you will study

Disclaimer

We are committed to providing the best possible learning and student experience, and as such, we are introducing changes to our professional training programmes in Counselling and Psychotherapy from 2028/29.

The revised programmes will continue to align with COSCA standards and requirements, ensuring that graduates remain eligible for COSCA certification.

We are updating the programme structure in response to student feedback, to improve the overall learning experience. We believe that these changes will bring benefits to our students, and we are excited to introduce the revised programme structure.

More detailed information about the revised programmes will be available in Spring 2027.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through:

  • experiential group work
  • counselling practice
  • supervision of counselling practice
  • theory seminars
  • independent study
  • mentorship
  • academic support

Assessment

Your assessments will include:

  • essays
  • seminar presentations
  • self and peer assessments
  • placement-based assessment
  • the professional portfolio
  • a dissertation (for relevant programmes)

You will be required to demonstrate readiness for counselling practice before you can commence you first placement which starts in Semester 2 of Year 2. This is assessed via listening practice, an oral presentation and self-reflection. 

Students who are unable to demonstrate readiness for counselling practice will not be able to continue on the programme.

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete the programme will:

  • be reflective, self-aware, safe, accountable and competent counsellors
  • have a sound knowledge base of theories and research on the development of the person, group process, therapeutic relationships and processes, and the role of counselling in society
  • possess highly developed and transferable interpersonal, conceptual and analytical skills, including critical thinking, self-evaluation and research skills

Support for your studies

The programme provides a high level of student-tutor contact and close supervision of both counselling 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

Accreditation

The Master of Counselling is professionally validated by Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA). In addition to their University award, students graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma receive the corresponding COSCA Certificate or COSCA Diploma.

Career opportunities

The PgCert, PgDip and Master of Counselling qualify students to be eligible for employment in a variety of contexts where this unique combination of interpersonal, therapeutic, self-reflective and analytical skills is highly valued. This includes counselling in the UK.

Postgraduate Certificate

The Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies enhances your career prospects in a variety of fields that use listening skills, such as healthcare, social work or education. It is also an excellent foundation for further specialist therapeutic training in the UK or abroad. In addition, the general skills you gain will be of use in any professional or academic role.

Postgraduate Diploma

The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling is a professionally validated programme that qualifies you to practise counselling and psychotherapy in the UK, and in other countries where equivalence in qualifications is recognised.

Successful completion of this programme, followed by post-qualification practice and supervision, enables you to apply for individual accreditation as a counsellor or psychotherapist with a UK professional body.

Masters in Counselling

Many employers today require masters-level qualifications for management positions in counselling and psychotherapy. With the Master of Counselling, you can join the many Edinburgh graduates who now hold senior positions in the field, and contribute to the development of counselling and psychotherapy in the UK and across the world.

As a graduate, you could also gain employment as a counsellor and psychotherapist working in the statutory, voluntary/non-government and private sectors.

You can enter private practice, or use your counselling training and allied skills in communication and project management to enhance your career in a related profession, such as healthcare, social work, nursing or education.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving 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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

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 deadlines

RoundApply byReceive decision no later than
1Monday 14 December 2026Thursday 18 March 2027
2Monday 31 May 2027Wednesday 30 June 2027

Please 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: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You 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.

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 application

We 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 decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

If we give you an offer, you will need to join Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme before you start this degree programme.

We will send you information on how to join the PVG scheme.

PVG scheme information on the Scottish Government website

If you live outside the UK

If you live outside the UK, or have spent more than one year living outside the UK, then you will need to provide proof from the relevant national authority.

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 programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If 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.

Societies

Sport 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

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 adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 4086

Academic contact

Contact for PGCert enquiries:

Elaine Goldie

Teaching Fellow in Counselling and Psychotherapy

  • School of Health in Social Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Contact for all other enquiries:

Mariya Levitanus

Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy

  • School of Health in Social Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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