MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy at the University of Strathclyde offers person-centred experiential training in therapy, combining theory, personal growth, and supervised practice. It suits students who want to become professional counsellors and work with clients in health, community, or third-sector settings.

Curriculum Structure:
In the early years, students study The Therapeutic Relationship, learning about core person-centred conditions such as empathy and genuineness, alongside Personality Theory to explore foundational understandings of human functioning.  They follow this with The Therapeutic Process, which teaches how to track and reflect on moment-by-moment client work, and Personal & Professional Development, encouraging self-awareness, resilience, and ethical practice. 

Later in the programme, students engage in Counselling Practicum, applying their learning in real client placements with external supervision, while continuing to reflect on theory and practice in personal development groups. They also complete a Counselling Research Dissertation, choosing between quantitative, qualitative, case-study, or review designs to integrate their therapeutic work with research. 

Focus areas: “Person-centred therapy; therapeutic relationship; clinical placement; counselling research”
Learning outcomes: “Demonstrate core person-centred relational skills, apply counsellor self-reflection, work with clients ethically in placements, and conduct professional research.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy).
Reputation: The University of Strathclyde is known for its strong counselling unit and research-informed person-centred training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through applied research projects and specialist training in clinical health methodologies. They utilise resources from the Department of Psychology and have access to health-related research facilities. The programme's experiential components include:

  • Research Project: A dissertation involving original research in clinical health psychology

  • Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data

  • Practical Skills: Development of professional skills for clinical health settings

  • Research Environment: Access to the Department of Psychology's research infrastructure

  • Applied Focus: Training in health psychology interventions and evidence-based practice

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Strathclyde are skilled practitioners in person-centred therapy, prepared for careers in counselling and psychotherapy across diverse health and community settings. Typical roles include Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Practitioner, and Researcher.

Key points:

  • The university provides career services featuring clinical placements, one-to-one and group supervision, and professional development workshops tailored to counselling careers.

  • Graduates engage in 150+ hours of client contact during training, with many progressing to part-time or full-time roles in NHS, voluntary, and private sectors; salaries vary widely by setting.

  • Partnerships with third-sector organisations and health services support placement and employment opportunities.

  • The programme aligns with British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation standards, supporting professional recognition.

  • Graduates demonstrate strong readiness for professional practice and engagement in research-informed therapy.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue advanced professional accreditation, clinical supervision roles, or research degrees to further develop expertise and career.​

Program Key Stats

£15,294 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
73
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Accredited Counsellor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Counselling Psychologist (with further training)
  • IAPT High-Intensity Therapist
  • University Mental Health Advisor
  • School Counsellor
  • Private Practitioner
  • Substance Misuse Therapist
  • Bereavement Counsellor
  • Supervising Counsellor
  • Palliative Care Support Therapist
  • Charity Sector Mental Health Lead

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