Curious about studying Counselling MScat University of Worcester? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
St John's Campus
Part Time
Sep 2026
2 Year
Our MSc in Counselling is designed for those looking to develop their therapeutic skills and practice, or interested in the ideas, evidence, and contexts that shape therapeutic work. Through the academic exploration of counselling, focusing on the theories, research, and critical perspectives, you'll also have the chance to develop academically.Through this course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of psychological models and ethical considerations, whilst considering the wider social and political influences on mental health care. Take part in active discussions around diagnoses, treatment plans, and using psychology to understand individual needs.You’ll strengthen your ability to analyse complex issues, evaluate evidence‑based approaches, and consider the role of counselling in today’s society.Practical elements such as role play and case formulation help bring theory to life, giving you the chance to practice using different therapeutic models. Advanced research training will support you as you build up to your dissertation where you'll lead of a piece of research of your choice, and have a chance to contribute to research within the field of psychology and mental health.Whether studied full-time or part-time, the course offers flexibility to suit your schedule. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for roles in education, mental health support, research, and policy, as well as for progression to doctoral-level study.
This module considers the environment we live and work within which is influenced by our society and the political governance of care and how our clients may present in the therapeutic space. There is the opportunity to engage in group and class discussions on a range of topics, concepts and ideas and consider the therapeutic relationship and the cultural differences which may present.
This module delivers a range of evidence-based methods which are emerging and you will look at what 'evidence-based' means and the importance of this in practice.
You will critically evaluate the present evidence for practice, and the current interventions arriving at independent conclusions for further research and considerations.
This module introduces you to clinical practice as a therapeutic practitioner.
You will bring to life the therapeutic methods studied over the year; paying attention to safeguarding and the therapeutic contract and confidentiality.
Through role-play exercises you'll practice various therapeutic methods with constructive feedback from the team to prepare you for a summative assessment of a 15-minute counselling session which is followed by a process report.
Build on your undergraduate research skills as you develop literature searches, and use research ethics to create a research proposal in preparation for your dissertation in semester two.
Learn how to develop a research question and explore different approaches to research. Using practical examples, you’ll build the skills and confidence to design your own independent research project in the following semester.
With the support and supervision of one of our experienced team, you'll produce a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.
The ethical proposal you submit in Advanced Research Methods, will inform this module although this can be amended if you decide to change.
This module runs throughout the year across both semesters and introduces you to the professional skills of the profession.
This module is collaborated with students from the disciplines of Occupational and Business Psychology which provides the opportunity for you to experience how skills are transferable cross-discipline.
This module aims to highlight key issues in working with individuals who have mental health difficulties and diagnoses, ranging from causes of the condition to assessment, testing and psychological formulation.
You will be introduced to the core diagnostic classification system (DSM) for mental health and evaluate the use of psychometric tests and structured interviewing methods to assess and formulate mental health problems. You'll also explore the medicalisation of mental health difficulties and critically evaluate this perspective.
This module introduces you to the core methods of support within Humanism, Cognative Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Psychotherapy. You'll also discover the developing and emerging combined approaches, which underpin clinical practice. You will have the opportunity to design a conference poster as an element of this module.
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