Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences

Structure

The Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue) consists of eleven taught courses, a supervised practice placement, and a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words.

Year 1 courses

  • Beginnings in Counselling Practice
  • Ethics in Counselling Practice
  • Between Counselling and Research 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates
  • The Counselling Relationship: Theory, Practice and Process
  • Developing Narratives of Self
  • The Group in the Development of Self and Others: A person-centred experience
  • Difference, Diversity and Power in Counselling Practice

Year 2 courses

  • From Two Person to Three Person to the Group: A Psychodynamic Perspective
  • Psychological Vulnerabilities and Distress in Counselling Practice
  • Between Counselling and Research 2: Qualitative Methodologies
  • Transitions, Endings and Beginnings

Practice components

Students are required to complete 150 hours of supervised client work in a practice placement to gain this qualification. We guarantee Master of Counsellilng Interpersonal Dialogue) students a first placement in our own dedicated counselling service. We also have excellent links with a range of agencies across Soctland, and support students to find their second practice placement within one of these agencies. 

While the majority of placement experience will be with individual adult clients, our Diploma also offers opportunities for students to gain experience of working with couples and/or with children and young people.

Other components

Masters Dissertation (approximately 15,000 words in length)

Teaching and learning methods include small and large experiential group work, supervised practice, theory seminars, personal reflection, and independent study.

Assessment methods combine essays with seminar presentations, self and peer assessment, placement-based assessment, the professional portfolio, and the Masters dissertation. Students will receive ongoing feedback on their development from tutors and peers throughout the programme.

The programme provides a high level of student-tutor contact and close supervision of counselling practice, in line with both professional and academic requirements. In addition, students will benefit from studying at a world-class research University which is recognised as a centre of academic excellence.