MSc Counselling

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Lincoln

Program Overview

The MSc Counselling at the University of Lincoln equips students with both theoretical understanding and practical counselling skills through a blend of academic learning and hands-on placement. It suits graduates who have experience in caring or helping roles and want to become professional counsellors.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1 Students start with counselling theory and ethics, building foundational skills such as person-centred counselling and reflective practice. Through modules like Counselling Skills & Theory, they develop communication, empathy and self-awareness while engaging with core therapeutic models. Counselling in Context , this module is concerned with developing skills for working inclusively in counselling.
Final Integration: Throughout, students prepare a portfolio including case studies, reflective logs, and role-play assessments, integrating theory, experience and self-reflection.

Focus areas:
“therapeutic skills; counselling theory & ethics; applied placement; self-reflection; empirical research”

Learning outcomes:
“develop competent, ethically aware counsellors; integrate theory into practice; reflect professionally and personally; conduct independent counselling research; deliver and evaluate therapeutic work.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While not explicitly BPS-accredited for a chartered psychologist route, the course is closely aligned with professional counselling standards, and students are required to complete supervised clinical hours.

Reputation (employability):
Graduates are well-placed to work as professional counsellors (e.g., in NHS, third sector, private practice), leveraging Lincoln’s strong training emphasis and professional placement component.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop advanced neuroimaging and data analysis skills through hands-on projects using the School of Psychology's specialist facilities, including the Lincoln Brain and Behaviour Laboratory. This practical training is delivered through:

Brain and Behaviour Laboratory: Access to neuroimaging facilities including EEG and brain stimulation equipment
Research Project: A dissertation focused on clinical or cognitive neuroscience
Software Training: Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and neuroimaging analysis tools
Technical Equipment: Hands-on experience with TMS, tDCS, and eye-tracking systems
Data Analysis: Advanced training in computational neuroscience and brain data processing methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Lincoln MSc Clinical Psychology program are equipped for careers across mental health services, research, and policy sectors, with roles such as Trainee Clinical Psychologist, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Clinical Research Assistant, and Mental Health Advisor. The program develops applied clinical skills, evidence-based intervention practice, and expertise in psychological assessment, laying a foundation for both practical employment and further training.

Key employability and progression details include:

University support includes one-to-one career mentoring, advanced clinical placements, employability workshops, and ongoing guidance from NHS trust stakeholders.
Graduate employment statistics are positive, with a majority entering professional roles or doctoral-level training in clinical psychology soon after graduation; salaries for early-career clinical psychology roles average around £24,000–£35,000 in the UK.
Strategic partnerships with local NHS trusts, mental health services, and research organisations ensure authentic placement and project opportunities, enhancing professional readiness.
The MSc aligns with professional development standards for clinical psychology and supports long-term value for students seeking chartered practitioner status or further specialization.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates typically progress to Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training or undertake PhD research in applied, clinical, or health psychology to enhance specialization and chartered status prospects.

Additional Information & Requirements

- First or upper second class honours degree. All offers made to those still completing a BA/BSc are contingent upon applicants meeting these requirements.

India- Bachelor degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5

USA- Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution with a minimum 2.7/4.0 GPA

IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.

TOEFL- 100 overall Reading: 24 Listening: 24 Speaking: 23 Writing: 27

Candidates are required to have experience of working in a helping and caring role in either a paid or voluntary capacity.

Evidence must be provided of previous counselling skills practice, including one of the following: -Level 2 or 3 counselling certificate

Candidates who meet the entry requirements will be invited to the University of Lincoln for an interview with two members of the programme team.

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