Counselling Psychology (Singapore) MSc

What is Counselling Psychology?

Counselling Psychology is all about helping individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate emotional, social, and psychological challenges. By employing a range of therapeutic techniques to support mental and emotional well-being.

Delivered collaboratively by Aston University and the College of Allied Educators (CAE), the MSc counselling psychology equips students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience to pursue a successful, rewarding career in psychology and counselling.

Throughout the 15-month part-time programme, students will explore social psychology, brain and behaviour, individual differences, health, and personality, and the practical applications of neuroscience in counselling contexts. This programme instils a deep understanding of human behaviour, critical thinking, and empathy, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. The program culminates in an independent research project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Core Modules

Social Psychology

Social psychology explores the dynamic interplay between individuals and their social environment. In this module, you will delve into topics such as social influence, attitudes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships.

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

1.    Critically evaluate social psychological approaches and judge their contribution to theory.
2.    Critically evaluate and communicate the suitability of qualitative methods for answering social psychology research questions.
3.    Develop a semi-structured interview schedule and conduct a qualitative interview following qualitative research principles.
4.    Transcribe, analyse and effectively communicate the data collected in the interview following best practice in DA (discourse analysis) or IPA (interpretive phenomenological analysis) as used in social psychology.

Brain and Behaviour

This module introduces the intricate relationship between the brain and human behaviour, delving into topics including perception, memory, emotion, and motivation. This module also explores neuroscience and its implications for understanding and treating psychological disorders.

Upon successful completion, students will be able to

1.    Demonstrate systematic understanding and critical awareness of the evidence relating to the neural bases for cognition and higher-order cognitive functions.
2.    To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, including identifying new hypotheses where appropriate.
3.    To analyse EEG data and to communicate those findings transparently.

Individual Differences, Health & Personality

In this module, you will explore the wide spectrum of human personality, through assessments, case studies, and personality inventories, students will gain proficiency in assessing and understanding individual differences, enabling them to tailor their counselling approaches to the unique needs of clients.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. To demonstrate a critical awareness and systematic understanding of conceptual and historical issues related to individual differences within the psychological literature.

2. Critically discuss and interpret the results from empirical/academic research in the study of individual differences.

3. To critically evaluate methodologies and to develop critiques of them including developing new hypotheses where appropriate.

4. To independently analyse, interpret and communicate findings related to individual differences data in the applied setting of health and personality.

Neuroscience in the Real World

Neuroscience offers valuable insights into understanding and addressing psychological disorders and mental health challenges in real-world contexts. Students will explore how advances in neuroscience inform counselling practices, including evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge of cognitive and social neuroscience research evidence particularly in relation to evidence for the neural basis of behaviour in real-world contexts.

2. Articulate and critically evaluate a range of psychological theories, neuroscientific techniques and experimental paradigms used to investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of behaviour in real-world contexts.

3. To deal with complexity within the evidence and to communicate critically informed arguments by selecting and using relevant scientific evidence in the context of cognitive and social neuroscience.

Research Project in Applied Psychology (and Practicum)

The dissertation module is the culmination of the MSc Counselling Psychology program, integrating theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical experience. Students will identify a research question in the field of counselling psychology, design and execute an independent empirical research project, and report their findings.

• Entry into Stage 2 with a minimum of 60 credits obtained at level 7 in Psychology through recognised prior learning.
• Students should have completed the required 60 credits within the previous 3 years and attained an overall minimum mark of 65% in those credits.
• Due to the nature of this course and in line with Aston University’s Fitness to Practise Regulations, you will be required to submit a criminal disclosure letter. For further details please contact CAE admissions team. 

The delivery method of this course is a combination of online distance learning, and campus-based seminars/workshops, and clinical training. Assessment includes written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.
 

Please contact CAE admissions consultants directly for fees:

Email CAE:

• jolyn.koa@icae.edu.sg
• lynn.tan@icae.edu.sg
   

Graduates of our psychology programmes have pursued careers as therapists or counsellors, clinical psychologists, school counsellors in education institutions, and mental health educators promoting mental health initiatives. Students often move into research and academia to advance discoveries and development in the field of psychology.

Clinical settings include private practices or hospitals, providing psychotherapy and counselling services to individuals and groups dealing with mental health issues. Upon the successful completion of the required practicum hours that comprise this programme students will be eligible to apply for membership to the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS).

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm BST)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

Why study Counselling Psychology at Aston University?

Studying this top-up course in Counselling Psychology will provide you with the basis for understanding why people act in certain ways and provide you with the insight, skills, techniques and approaches to support people to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing, whilst enhancing lives and enabling personal growth. 

By choosing to study this programme you will gain the experience to pursue a successful career as a counselling psychologist.
 

Why study Applied Psychology at Aston University?

Studying this top-up course in Applied Psychology will provide you with the basis for understanding why people act and behave in certain ways, and provide you with the insight, skills, techniques and approaches to support people in improving their mental and emotional well-being, whilst enhancing their lives and enabling personal growth. 
By choosing to study at Aston you will gain the experience to pursue a successful career in clinical psychology.

How is the course delivered?

The course is part-time and delivered through a combination of online distance learning, campus-based seminars/workshops, and clinical training. 

Will I be eligible for the Singapore Psychology Society membership?

Upon the successful completion of the required practicum hours that comprise this programme students will be eligible to apply for membership to the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS).