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Master of Science in Counselling Psychology

The Master of Science in Counselling Psychology is a graduate program designed to cultivate a deep understanding of adult mental health and foster careers as licensed counselling psychologists. The program is offered by the College of Natural and Health Sciences.

Program Overview

The program aims to provide students with the knowledge, competencies, and advanced research skills necessary to work as counselling psychologists within adult mental health settings. The curriculum is designed to promote excellence in the field, with a focus on theoretical and conceptual knowledge, critical and analytical thinking, and research capacity.

Key Facts

Program Duration

• 4 Semesters (On Average)

Location

• Abu Dhabi

Language of Instruction

• English

Credit Hours

• 48

Cost Per Credit Hour

• AED 2,500

Application Deadline

• 4 May 2026

Program Structure and Content

The program requires 48 credit hours, which include:

• PSY600 Cultural Competency, Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology
• PSY610 Psychological Disorders
• PSY620 Theories and Models of Psychotherapy
• PSY630 Psychological Assessment: Tests and Measurement
• PSY640 Foundations of Psychological Interventions: Interviewing, Counseling and Prevention Strategies
• PSY655 Advanced Research Methods
• PSY621 Professional Development and Competency to Practice
• PSY641 Special Population Focus: Public Health
• PSY681 Special Topics: Mindfulness and Cognitive-based Approaches to Trauma and Grief
• PSY675 Addiction Preventions and Interventions
• PSY635 Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience, or PSY671 Advances in Positive Psychology, Prevention, and Community Wellbeing
• PSY660 Motivational Interviewing, Group and Family Counseling and Psychotherapy
• PSY690 Counseling Internship I
• PSY695 Counseling Internship II
• PSY699 Master's Thesis

What Will You Learn?

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

Contextual Application of Knowledge

• Critically analyze, critique, summarize, and discuss psychological concerns and interventions related to the diverse cultural context of the UAE and other communities.

Knowledge and Practice of Ethics

• Demonstrate knowledge of, appraise, and apply the major principles that govern professional and ethical standards in counselling and psychology.

Professional Development

• Demonstrate a commitment to develop as a scientist-practitioner through engagement in academic courses and practical and applied training.

Theoretical and Conceptual Knowledge

• Identify and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of mental health issues, compare and summarize psychological theories, assessment, and intervention techniques utilized in clinical/counselling psychology.

Critical and Analytical Thinking

• Effectively analyze, assess, and apply appropriate and relevant prevention or intervention strategies related to the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, groups, or communities.

Research Capacity

• Independently evaluate current research in psychology, invent, design, and develop and engage in research studies in psychology, and engage in academic writing.

Who Should Pursue a Master of Science in Counselling Psychology?

The program is suitable for:

• Job seekers with bachelor's degrees who want to enter the workforce after graduation.
• Mid-career professionals who want to make a career change, use the degree for career advancement, enhance their skills in their current positions, or pursue a doctoral degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities. Applicants must have:

• Earned a four-year baccalaureate degree in psychology with a CGPA of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) or higher from an accredited university.
• Demonstrated sufficient English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced graduate program.
• Completed an Applicant Consent Form, Applicant Internship Consent Form, and Employer Internship Consent Form (if employed).
• Provided a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• Undergone an admissions interview to explore academic and professional experience, interpersonal skills, and motivation.

Career Opportunities

The program will prepare students for a variety of careers in adult mental health settings in both public and private sectors, such as:

• Clinical Director in Mental Health Care Facilities
• Counselling Therapist/Psychologist
• Allied Healthcare Professional
• Mental Health Worker/Specialist
• Crisis Counsellor
• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
• Rehabilitation Counsellor/Psychology Therapist

Why Choose Zayed University's College of Natural and Health Sciences?

The program offers:

Accreditation and Recognition

• National and international accreditation guaranteeing a globally recognized graduate degree.

Research-Led Culture

• Learning from faculty with years of relevant professional experience and published research in the field.

Licensure Preparation

• The program meets the requirements for earning licensure as a psychologist.