MSc Counselling

The MSc in Counselling at Bangor University offers professional-level training in adult counselling practice, integrating multiple therapeutic approaches with research and supervised placement experience. It suits graduates who wish to become evidence-based practitioners and seek eligibility for membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a career in counselling or psychotherapy. 

Curriculum structure:
In the first year, students cover core modules such as Empirical Research Skills (developing abilities to review literature and use qualitative & quantitative methods), Communication and Counselling Skills (gaining practical competence in client interaction), and Therapeutic Process and Context (exploring ethical, legal and contextual factors in counselling). In the second year, the focus shifts to specialisation and application: students choose optional modules across clinical psychology, neuropsychology or applied behaviour analysis, complete a substantial Research Project (empirical thesis) and complete the required 100 hour supervised adult counselling placement plus 50 hours work-based practice. 

Focus areas:
“integrative counselling approaches; humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural therapies; empirical research methods; supervised placement and professional practice”

Learning outcomes:
“develop competence in core counselling theories and modalities; apply ethical, reflective and evidence-based practice; design and conduct independent research in counselling; engage in supervised client-work and professional development”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is designed to meet the requirements of the BACP for individual membership and the Certificate of Proficiency needed for registration as a counsellor or psychotherapist. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
According to What Uni?, the Counselling MSc at Bangor is ranked 36th in the UK (Complete University Guide Subject Ranking 2026).