MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research
Swansea
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers an MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research program designed for individuals who wish to deepen their theoretical knowledge and research skills in the field of counselling. This Master's degree is distinct in that it is a non-practice based qualification, making it ideal for individuals who already hold a counselling practice qualification and seek advanced professional development, or for those aiming for an academic career in counselling. The program provides a critical understanding of the role of research and theory in improving mental health and supporting human flourishing, addressing contemporary developments and ethical debates within the field. It emphasizes the development of a range of independent research skills and critical awareness of related ethical issues, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of counselling.
Curriculum: The MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research curriculum at UWTSD is structured to advance students' theoretical knowledge and research capabilities without focusing on the acquisition of practical counselling skills. While specific module titles are not directly available, the program's description suggests it will cover cutting-edge counselling theories, advanced research methods, and contemporary ethical and professional debates within the field. The program is designed to allow students to shape their learning to best benefit their interests, with a core set of compulsory modules and a choice of additional optional modules. A strong focus is placed on developing independent research skills and critical awareness of related ethical issues. The program culminates in a substantial Master's Dissertation, where students undertake an in-depth research project, applying their theoretical and methodological understanding to a chosen area within counselling.
Research Focus: The research focus within the MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research program at UWTSD is on fostering a critical understanding of the role of research and theory in enhancing mental health and supporting human flourishing. The program aims to develop a range of independent research skills and a critical awareness of ethical considerations within the counselling field. Faculty teaching on the program are often research-active and active counselling practitioners, creating a stimulating learning environment where students can explore contemporary developments in counselling. The culminating Master's Dissertation provides a significant opportunity for students to conduct original research into specific theoretical frameworks, therapeutic outcomes, ethical dilemmas, or the impact of counselling interventions, contributing to the evidence base of the profession.
Industry Engagement: The MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research program at UWTSD is specifically designed for those already qualified as counsellors who wish to engage in professional development and research, or for those wishing to pursue an academic career. Therefore, its industry engagement is oriented towards academic and professional development rather than direct practical placements. The program benefits from staff who are accredited counsellors and research-active, providing students with insights from contemporary counselling practice and research. While the program is not practice-based, its focus on developing higher-level knowledge of cutting-edge counselling theory and applied research skills is highly valued by employers seeking professionals who can contribute to service development, evidence-based practice, or policy development in counselling and mental health.
Global Perspective: The MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective by exploring counselling theories and research that have universal applicability while also acknowledging diverse cultural and societal contexts. The study of advanced counselling theories and research methods draws upon international scholarship and best practices. This prepares graduates to understand and critically evaluate the complexities of mental health and human flourishing across different populations and settings. The program's focus on ethical and professional debates often involves considering international standards and challenges, equipping graduates to contribute to the field of counselling on a global scale, whether in academic roles, research initiatives, or in roles influencing practice and policy development in various international contexts.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
International Postgraduate Scholarships: UWTSD offers International Postgraduate Scholarships to support international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students and can provide substantial financial assistance. International students from countries outside the EU are eligible to apply, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the strength of their application.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Alumni Loyalty Scholarship: UWTSD offers an Alumni Loyalty Scholarship for international students who are returning to study at the university for a second degree or postgraduate qualification. The scholarship is a way of recognizing the continued alumni to the university, with a discount on tuition fees as a gesture of appreciation.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
An MA in Advanced Counselling Theory and Research from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is a specialized postgraduate qualification designed to deepen the theoretical understanding and research capabilities of individuals in the field of counselling. Importantly, this is a non-practice based program, making it ideal for qualified counsellors seeking to enhance their professional development through advanced academic inquiry, or for those aspiring to an academic or research career in counselling and related mental health fields. The curriculum provides a critical understanding of contemporary counselling theories, advanced research methodologies, and ethical considerations, equipping graduates to critically evaluate and contribute to the evidence base that underpins effective mental health support and human flourishing.
Counselling Researcher/Academic: Working in universities, research institutions, or think tanks to design, conduct, and publish research on counselling theories, interventions, outcomes, and ethical issues. This often involves teaching and supervising future counselling practitioners or researchers.
Counselling Supervisor: For those already qualified and experienced in practice, this MA can enhance the theoretical and ethical grounding needed to provide supervision to other counsellors, guiding their practice and professional development.
Advanced Counselling Practitioner (with existing practice qualification): While not a practice qualification itself, this MA provides a deeper theoretical understanding and research literacy that can enhance the practice of already qualified counsellors, allowing them to offer more evidence-informed and theoretically nuanced interventions.
Mental Health Policy Advisor: Working for government bodies, charities, or non-governmental organizations to inform and shape mental health policies based on current research and theoretical understanding of counselling and psychological well-being.
Training and Development Specialist (Mental Health/Counselling): Designing and delivering specialized training programs and workshops on counselling theories, research methods, or specific therapeutic approaches for mental health professionals, educators, or corporate employees.
Programme Evaluator: Assessing the effectiveness and impact of counselling services or mental health programs for healthcare providers, community organizations, or government agencies, using research methodologies learned during the MA.
Clinical Governance Lead (Counselling Services): Ensuring that counselling services adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards, often involving auditing practices, developing guidelines, and promoting continuous improvement based on research evidence.
Professional Body/Accreditation Officer: Working for professional counselling or psychotherapy bodies to develop standards, assess training programs, and manage accreditation processes, drawing on an advanced understanding of the field.
Health and Well-being Coordinator: Developing and implementing well-being strategies and initiatives in workplaces, educational institutions, or community settings, informed by psychological and counselling theories, even if not directly providing therapy.
Publishing/Editorial Roles (Academic): Working for academic publishers or journals specializing in psychology, counselling, or mental health, assisting with the peer-review process, manuscript development, and dissemination of research.
