Program Overview

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Person-Centred Counselling (Children, Young People and Adults), Certificate or MSc

Introduction

Examine the philosophy, theories, and research concerning the person-centred approach while developing a deeper understanding of the role counselling plays in society. This degree is grounded in the Person-Centred Counselling MSc but in the final year, it has a different outcome with students studying our Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People. This certificate can also be completed as a stand-alone course for qualified practitioners.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: Blended Learning or On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: Certificate or MSc
• Duration: 6 months, 18 months or 36 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee Information

Fee Category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£12,300

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Foundations and Therapeutic Process in Person-Centred Counselling (ED50NE)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Masters Dissertation - Person-Centred Counselling (ED50NH)
• Development of Professional Practice, Reflexivity and Enquiry (ED55NF)
• Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People (ED50SC)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
• Certificate

MSc

• Person-Centred Counselling (Children and Young People)
  • Qualification: MSc
  • Duration: 18 months or 36 months
  • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
  • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
  • Start Month: September
  • Location: Aberdeen

Certificate

• Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People
  • Qualification: Certificate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Learning Mode: Blended Learning
  • Study Mode: Part Time
  • Start Month: September
  • Location: Aberdeen

Fee Information

• Additional Costs
  • Supervision: A minimum of 17 hours of professional supervision. Reduced rates for students are typically in the region of £30 to £40 per hour, while full supervision rates are in the region of £45 to £60 per hour.
  • Personal Therapy: Although not a compulsory component of this programme personal therapy is highly recommended. Costs between £30-£80 per session. Some agencies run a donation-based service.
  • Residential weekend at the Burn – costs available on request.

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.

Related Programmes

• Health and Wellbeing Education
• Person-Centred Counselling
• Studies in Mindfulness

How You'll Study

• Throughout the course, peer feedback and self-assessment will be encouraged, a significant aim of the course is to support and encourage the development of ‘reflective practitioners, able to offer and use constructive feedback.
• Discussion boards will be part of the course content, along with regular group supervision meetings, offering opportunities to engage and reflect on your learning and personal development.

Learning Methods

• Clinical Learning
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Peer Learning
• Professional Placements
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

• We require two summative assessments to be completed successfully for the award of the certificate and 60 client hours logged.

Why Study Person-Centred Counselling (Children, Young People and Adults)?

• Our aim at Aberdeen is for students to come to know themselves well enough to be able to offer the deep connectedness vital for successful therapeutic relationships
• To develop self-awareness, reflective ability and an in-depth understanding of the person-centred therapeutic process.
• To enhance the wellbeing of people and communities within our society.
• To develop a sound foundation for ethical practice, based on the COSCA Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
• Individuals on this course will need a high level of critical self-awareness and a willingness to reflect on their own process. Readiness to enter a programme which has at its centre the student’s own personal development is desirable. Voluntary or professional experience of support work with adults is also desirable.
• Qualifications
  • Applicants will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 or above from a recognised university or body. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without this qualification may be admitted by achieving Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Please contact the programme director for guidance.
  • Applicants must also prove they have relevant, credit-bearing counselling skills, totalling 60 credits, ideally from completion of Aberdeen University’s Counselling and Listening Skills courses 1 to 4.
  • Student membership of Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA) is advised and a PVG check and certificate will be required at the start of the programme.
  • Applicants must have completed a Validated Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy. The preference is for a postgraduate diploma, but undergraduate qualifications will also be considered. It is an advantage for applicants to have had the experience working with children/young people and be open to the humanistic values of this course.

English Language Requirements

• To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
  • Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
  • Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

• On completion of the validated diploma, students can register as qualified counsellors with professional bodies. There are growing opportunities for employment in the third sector, in Employee Assistance Programme companies and for working in private practice. There are also opportunities in human resources, occupational health and in the NHS as counsellors or wellbeing practitioners.
• The Specialist Certificate for Counselling Children and Young People provides evidence of expertise to work with Children and Young People in all settings; Schools, Mental Health Services and Private Practice.

Career Opportunities

• Counsellor

Accreditation

• This programme is accredited by COSCA.