Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen MSc Person-Centred Counselling requires a relevant Honours degree at 2:2 or above, 60 credits of counselling skills, and IELTS 6.5 (with Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5). The programme is offered full-time or part-time on campus in Aberdeen starting each September. The PgDip is validated by COSCA and meets its professional training requirements. All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students receive an £8,000 scholarship. The official page does not publish separate academic entry requirements for China; applicants should use the University’s country selector tool for any China-specific equivalency information.
Available qualifications and study modes
The programme offers three exit qualifications: MSc, PgDip, and PgCert. The full-time MSc can be completed in 18 months, while the part-time route takes 36 months. The PgDip runs for 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The PgCert is available over 6 months full-time or 6 to 12 months part-time. All study is on campus in Aberdeen with a September start. The PgDip is validated by COSCA and meets the professional training requirements of Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy, with a minimum of 400 tutor contact hours and 100 client hours.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 or above from a recognised university or body. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without this qualification may be admitted by achieving Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); the programme director should be contacted for guidance. Applicants must also prove they have relevant, credit-bearing counselling skills totalling 60 credits, ideally from completion of Aberdeen University’s Counselling and Listening Skills courses 1 to 4. A student membership of COSCA is advised. The official page states that entry requirements information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
English language requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen, you must demonstrate fluency in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing English. The minimum requirements for this degree are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 with Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90 with Listening 17, Reading 21, Speaking 20, Writing 21
- PTE Academic: Overall 62 with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Overall 176 with Listening 162, Reading 169, Speaking 162, Writing 169
Documentation required with your application
You must supply the following documents as proof you meet the entry requirements:
- Degree Certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved (original and official English translation)
- Personal Statement: a detailed statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Two reference letters: one should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time, you may use your current or most recent employer, or other professional individuals
Personal qualities and professional requirements
Individuals on this course need a high level of critical self-awareness and a willingness to reflect on their own process. Readiness to enter a programme that has personal development at its centre is desirable. Voluntary or professional experience of support work with adults is also desirable. A PVG check and certificate will be required at the start of the programme. Full registration on the programme is required alongside readiness to practise and a current PVG certificate before undertaking a practice placement.
Fees and scholarships
UK tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are £10,715, with University of Aberdeen graduates eligible for an Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship reducing fees to £7,000. All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. The official page directs readers to the Aberdeen Global Scholarship page and the Funding Database for full details. Additional costs include a minimum of 17 hours of professional supervision, with reduced student rates typically £35 to £60 per hour. Personal therapy is highly recommended but not compulsory, with costs between £40 and £80 per session; some agencies offer donation-based or free access.
Programme structure and placement learning
Attendance after a two-day induction is one full day each week on campus for part-time study, or two full days each week for full-time study. Learning emphasises experiential and relational methods and includes clinical learning, group projects, individual projects, peer learning, professional placements, research, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. Students are expected to be on placement as part of their training. All students will be considered for a placement at The Bounds, the University’s counselling and research centre, after successful completion of the readiness to practice process. Staff will also support students to approach agencies offering counselling placements if they wish additional or alternative opportunities.
FAQ
What counselling skills qualifications must I hold before applying?
You must prove you have relevant, credit-bearing counselling skills totalling 60 credits, ideally from completion of Aberdeen University’s Counselling and Listening Skills courses 1 to 4.
Is the PgDip professionally recognised?
Yes. The PgDip is validated by COSCA and meets the professional training requirements of Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy. It includes a minimum of 400 tutor contact hours and 100 client hours.
What English language test scores are accepted?
The University accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. The required overall IELTS score is 6.5, with no component below 5.5 except Reading and Writing which require 6.0.
Can I apply if I do not have a 2:2 Honours degree?
In exceptional circumstances, applicants without this qualification may be admitted by achieving Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You should contact the programme director for guidance.
What scholarship is available for international students?
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Full eligibility details are available on the Aberdeen Global Scholarship page.
Further reading
Official sources
The entry requirements on this page are drawn entirely from the University of Aberdeen’s official programme page for Person-Centred Counselling: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/963/person-centred-counselling/. For related guidance on UK study options, see our articles on York St John University, education agent perspectives on international relations, and current rankings and recommendations for agents supporting applications to institutions such as UNSW.