Advanced Counselling Theory and Research (Full-time) (MA)
Through a blend of online delivery and on-campus teaching, the MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research offers a unique non-practice Masters qualification for individuals with an already existing practice qualification or who wish to pursue a theory-based Masters.
The MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research will provide you with a critical understanding of the role of research and theory in understanding and improving mental health and supporting human flourishing. A strong focus of this programme is the development of a range of independent research skills and critical awareness of related ethical issues within the field of counselling.
Distance learning - Mainly Online delivery, also with Saturday delivery on-campus (one session per module) which students can either join in-person or online.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
This MA has been designed to develop your higher level knowledge of cutting edge counselling theory alongside applied research skills.
Exploring contemporary developments in counselling, ethical and professional debates, and advanced research methods, this course is designed so that you can shape your learning to best benefit you. There are a core set of compulsory modules and then a choice of two additional optional modules.
The MA in Advanced Counselling Theory & Research will provide you with a critical understanding of the role of research and theory in understanding and improving mental health and supporting human flourishing. A strong focus of this programme is the development of a range of independent research skills and critical awareness of related ethical issues within the field of counselling.
The programme is taught by accredited counsellors and research active staff, with expertise in counselling, understanding human behaviour, and advanced research methods within the counselling and psychology field.
Compulsory
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Course Page Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Accommodation
Further information
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This programme is open to individuals with a background in counselling. Entry criteria is normally a 2.1 honours degree, but we may consider a good 2.2 honours degree (with a strong research dissertation). Whilst we may consider applications from those with a background in a closely related area, due to the nature of this programme this would depend upon an assessment of academic writing and psychological research skills.
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The modules will be assessed using a range of assessment formats. There are no exams, instead each format focuses on a written or oral element. Each written element showcases different styles of academic writing and designed to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection. The skills demonstrated in the various assessment formats are directly relevant to a broad range of applied research professions and beyond.
- Systematic Review
- Briefing Paper
- Professional Presentation
- Practical Skills Assessment
- Reflective Essay
- Portfolio of competencies
- Research proposal
- Research papers
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You may be offered the opportunity to attend a relevant conference or external event and if so you may be expected to contribute to the costs involved.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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This programme is not a practice or skills-based programme. It is designed for those already qualified as counsellors to engage in professional development and research, or for those wishing to pursue an academic career in the area.