MA Psychology with Counselling Skills
About this course
MA in Psychology with Counselling Skills, a psychology degree combining core psychological theory with specialised counselling practices and research methods. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Psychological Assessment, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students may optionally undertake a period of study abroad during the degree. The first year introduces major concepts and theories in psychology alongside fundamental research methods and applications. The second year expands upon these concepts while covering advanced methods in psychological research and data analysis. The third year deepens understanding through compulsory modules such as Psychological Assessment, Perception, Biological Psychology, Methodology A, Developmental Psychology, Memory and Language, Social Psychology, and Methodology B. The fourth year centers on the Psychology Thesis, an empirical research project involving data collection and analysis, alongside optional project choices exploring theory from the world of counselling.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 7%
- South East: 3%
- Scotland: 81%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 45%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 50%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Introductory Psychology I: Concepts and Theory
- Introductory Psychology I: Methods and Applications
- Introductory Psychology II: Concepts and Theory
- Introductory Psychology II: Methods and Applications
- Advanced Psychology A - Concepts and Theory
- Advanced Psychology 1 - Methods and Applications
- Advanced Psychology B - Concepts and Theory
- Advanced Psychology 2 - Methods and Applications
- Psychological Assessment
- Perception
- Biological Psychology
- Methodology A
- Developmental Psychology
- Memory and Language
- Social Psychology
- Methodology B
- Psychology Thesis
- Project: Exploring Theory from the World of Counselling
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £34,500. The £29,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Counselling, psychotherapy and occupational therapy.
What do graduates of MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.
Is MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen accredited?
Yes. Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Does MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Psychology with Counselling Skills at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.