Masters in Counselling
A Masters in Counselling is a postgraduate degree aimed at those students wishing to deepen their knowledge of counselling and its related subjects such as psychotherapy. It is often taken by those students who know they want to be a professional counsellor.
Studying Counselling
The course length differs depending on the university you choose to study at, but it is common for the course to take two years full-time and three years part time.
Topics Covered
Depending on the type of course you choose to study, and the university you choose to study at, the topics covered will differ. Generally speaking, you will be taught a range of modules to further deepen your knowledge of counselling and its surrounding topics. You will normally also be required to write a dissertation of around 10,000 to 15,000 words.
Modules studied throughout the degree can include, but are not limited to:
- Counselling Theory
- Counselling Practice
- Self Awareness
- Psychotherapy
- Psychoanalysis
As part of the course you will also be required to undertake clinical placements.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements to a Masters in Counselling will differ from university to university so you are advised to check with the institution you are applying to for a full break down of entry requirements. Normally, students will be required to have already gained a bachelors degree in counselling or a related subject, with at least a 2:1 certificate.
Some universities will also require applicants to demonstrate their competency through previous work experience/ placements and attend an entrance interview. To help you understand postgraduate interviews we have put together an article for the top 10 questions that are likely to pop up and the best ways that you can answer them: Top 10 Postgraduate Interview Questions.
Career Prospects
Upon completion of a Masters in Counselling, students will be equipped with many skills including critical thinking, therapeutic skills, written communication and spoken communication. These skills are transferable into many job roles; however, most graduates tend to work as Counsellors.
Counselling roles are available in a range of setting such as:
- The NHS
- Private Hospitals
- Mental Health Nursing
- HMPS
Job roles also available to counselling graduates include:
- Teaching
- Welfare Officer
- Support Officer
