1. University of Aberdeen
  2. Program
  3. Bachelors
  4. MA Psychology with Counselling Skills

MA Psychology with Counselling Skills

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

Program Overview:
This program blends core psychology knowledge with practical counselling skills, preparing students for roles in mental health, social care, and related fields. It’s ideal if you want both theoretical grounding and hands-on experience in counselling techniques.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
You’ll begin with foundational modules like Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, and Introduction to Counselling Skills, building essential psychological knowledge alongside basic counselling practice.

Second Year
In year two, you’ll deepen your understanding through modules such as Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Counselling Skills in Practice, combining theory with practical application in communication and support skills.

Third Year
The final year focuses on advanced counselling techniques, ethical practice, and an independent Research Project. Modules like Counselling Skills: Advanced Practice and Psychological Theory prepare you for professional work or further training.

Focus areas:
Psychological theory, counselling skills, mental health support, research methods.

Learning outcomes:
Develop practical counselling competencies, understand psychological theories, conduct research, apply ethical practice in counselling settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and supports further professional training in counselling.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Aberdeen is respected for its applied psychology courses and strong focus on student support and employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This unique program at Aberdeen blends a full psychology degree with practical counselling training. You’ll not only explore core areas like cognitive and developmental psychology, but also build essential interpersonal and reflective skills through hands-on counselling workshops. The course is designed to help you apply theory directly to human interaction, making it ideal for anyone interested in mental health and support-focused careers.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world skills:

  • Specialist counselling skills training embedded in Year 2 and Year 3, focusing on listening, empathy, ethics, and self-awareness
  • Practical workshops with role-play, supervised feedback, and group reflection sessions
  • Psychology lab access for cognitive testing, behavioural observation, and statistical research
  • Software training in SPSS and R to support psychological research and data analysis
  • A final-year supervised research project where you can explore mental health or counselling-related topics
  • Opportunities to assist in staff-led research or apply for volunteer roles in local support organisations
  • Access to Aberdeen’s psychology and counselling-focused collections in the Sir Duncan Rice Library
  • Supportive academic environment with digital tools, peer study groups, and mentoring schemes

Progression & Future Opportunities

This degree prepares graduates for a wide range of people-focused roles in psychology, mental health, and social care. Combining BPS-accredited psychology with applied counselling skills gives you a head start in both graduate employment and further professional training.

Typical roles include:
Mental Health Support Worker, Assistant Psychologist, Counsellor in Training, Youth Support Worker

You’ll be supported through:

  • University of Aberdeen’s Careers and Employability Service, offering counselling-specific career support and internships
  • Links with NHS Grampian, local charities, and mental health providers for voluntary and placement opportunities
  • High rates of graduate satisfaction and successful transition to postgraduate study or employment
  • BPS accreditation — a required step for most postgraduate psychology and counselling routes
  • Guest speakers and events featuring practicing therapists, psychologists, and wellbeing professionals

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates go on to pursue postgraduate counselling qualifications (such as a PG Diploma in Counselling or MSc Counselling), or training in Clinical or Health Psychology — with several choosing to stay at Aberdeen for further study within its active research and mental health training community.

Program Key Stats

£20800 (Annual cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


78 %

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.0
32
75

1250
26
6.0
78

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Counseling psychologist
  • Mental health counselor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Support worker
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • School counselor
  • Rehabilitation counselor
  • Wellbeing practitioner
  • Academic researcher

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