Overview

Designed to meet the needs of both international and local students, the programme provides a route to a qualification in psychotherapy and counselling at doctoral level.

Qualification to practise

It contains a recognised qualification to practise as a psychotherapist or counsellor, and combines theoretical insights from the psychodynamic and person-centred traditions with practical experience gained in a range of psychotherapy and counselling agencies and advanced research engagement.

Career opportunities

The Psychotherapy and Counselling programme from The University of Edinburgh is the highest level of qualification available in this area.

It enables graduates to practise as counsellors or therapists in the UK, and in other countries with equivalent professional and academic standards.

Graduates will be in a position to gain positions such as:

practitioners
counselling educators
managers
academics working in a range of settings - including private, statutory and voluntary or non-government sectors

Programme Structure

This doctoral degree incorporates professional validation within the field of counselling and psychotherapy. It is offered full time over four years or part time over seven years.
The programme provides a high level of student-tutor contact and close supervision of both psychotherapy and counselling practice and research, in line with professional and academic requirements.
The programme also allows for alternative exit awards for students who are unable to complete either the academic or the professional components of the programme.

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-08 00:00:00

More details

Language

English

IELTS

7

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Psychology Cognitive Science Counselling Psychology View 127 other PhDs in Psychology in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

Pass _{(recommended)}

English requirements

IELTS

7

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

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Other requirements

General requirements

UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a subject relevant to counselling and psychotherapy. You should also have substantial relevant experience of working in helping roles in counselling or a cognate area, such as education, social work, nursing, mental health practice, applied psychology or equivalent.

In exceptional circumstances, we will also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a subject relevant to counselling and psychotherapy with evidence confirming your aptitude for study at doctoral level. Such evidence may include a strong performance in postgraduate education, academic references or research experience.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Edinburgh and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

Living costs for Edinburgh

725 - 1167 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Psychotherapy and Counselling.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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