PhD Counselling
Course overview
The University of Strathclyde’s PhD in Counselling teaches students the methods of providing support and consultancy for people. They will learn the processes of working with people from different backgrounds, as well as gain critical thinking and observation skills to help solve problems through dialogue.
In this programme, students understand how to relate with others to a point where they can speak about their problems without fear; they also undertake advanced training in psychological theory, research, sociology, and clinical practice. These modules help them become efficient in areas like research, clinical supervision, and student support. By the end of the course, students present a dissertation or other scholarly research on the field. Additionally, graduates can secure roles as licensed psychologists, researchers, consultants, and university lecturers.
Learning in this course is through lectures, seminars, site visits, independent study, assignments, and a project/dissertation. Students are also assessed by methods such as written assignments, examinations, practical team projects, presentations, and individual projects.
Entry requirements
As part of the application, candidates may need to write a research proposal of 1,500 to 2,000 words, detailing the subject area. They may also need to provide their contact details, transcripts, proof of English fluency, certificates, and two references, one of which must be academic funding or scholarship information.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants should hold a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or an overseas equivalent.
- Candidates should also be practising counsellors or psychotherapists who have a professional postgraduate qualification.
English Proficiency:
- For non-native English speakers, a recent UKVI-recognised Secure English Language Test (SELT) qualification is required.
- Those who obtain an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band score below 5.5 and a TOEFL score of 72, are also welcome to apply.
Scholarships
Asylum Seeker Scholarship
Value: Cost of tuition fees and essential study costs.
BBA International Scholarship
25% fee reduction per year (three years in total).
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Masters Study
The value of the scholarship award is £6,000 and will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Up to £6,000Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Undergraduate Study
Value: 15% of tuition fees for each year of study - typically £4,650 for first year.
Faculty of Engineering: Dean’s International Excellence Award for Masters Study
Dean’s International Excellence Awards for Masters Study worth between £9,000 and £12,000 to exceptional applicants joining a postgraduate taught programme in September 2026.
Up to £9,000Faculty of Science International Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduate Taught Masters Students
The scholarships value will range from £7,000 to £8,000.
Up to £7,000Faculty of Science International Masters Scholarship
Scholarships of £6,000 are available to new international fee-paying students.
Up to £6,000Faculty of Science International Scholarship for MRes Physics
Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international students joining the MRes Physics in the academic year 2025/26.
Up to £7,000Faculty of Science Scholarship for Online Masters Students
Scholarships of £1,900 are available to new students joining one of our online programmes in September 2026.
Up to £1,900Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships of between £6,000 - £7,000 per year of study are available to new international students joining an eligible undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Science in the 2026/27 academic year.
Up to £6,000Humanities & Social Sciences Alumni Scholarship: Postgraduate Taught
Value: 20% tuition fee discount.
Up to 20% of feesHumanities & Social Sciences Dean's International Excellence Scholarship
The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences is delighted to offer a number of Deans Excellence scholarships worth £10,000 to international students.
Up to £10,000Humanities & Social Sciences: International Masters Scholarships
The scholarships will be awarded to the value of £6,000 or £8,000.
Humanities & Social Sciences: Undergraduate International Dean's Excellence Scholarship
Value: £5,000 per year of academic study.
Up to £5,000Law Postgraduate Community Bursary
Value: £700
Up to £700Masters Scholarship for Physics International Students
Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international fee-paying students joining a postgraduate taught masters degree in the Department of Physics in September 2026.
Up to £7,000MBA Part Time - Female Leader of the Future Scholarship
he value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.
Up to £6,500MBA Part time Visionary Scholarship
The value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.
Up to £6,500SBS International Masters Scholarship
Scholarship awards will range from £7,000 to £9,000, depending on the programme and course fee.
Up to £7,000Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Award for International Students
Value: Varies by course fee - Between £10,000 and £12,000
Up to £10,000Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Awards (Undergraduate)
Value: 25% fee reduction per year.
Strathclyde Full Time MBA 60th Anniversary Scholarships
Value: 50% of Full Time MBA tuition fee.
Up to 50% of feesTuition Fee Reduction of 25% for NHS Employees
Up to 25% of tuition fees
Undergraduate Scholarships for Physics International Students
Scholarships of £7,000 per year of study are available to new international students.
Up to £7,000
Career opportunities
A PhD in Counselling from the University of Strathclyde prepares you for roles including:
- University Lecturer or Professor
- Clinical Supervisor
- Researcher
- Consultant Psychotherapist
- Programme Director
Cost of study
The tuition fee for the PhD Counselling at the University of Strathclyde for international students is £19,850.
Admission
You should submit your application using the university’s online portal. If you need personalised help, contact an AHZ counsellor today.
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