MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology

To enter in the programme, students must have:

• A good standard of English (IELTS 6.0 and above)
• A good Bachelors degree in Psychology, or a relevant area, at 2.1 or above (those who have a 2.2 may be accepted after a successful interview)
• Experience in a support capacity in one to one helping roles
• Two satisfactory references (one academic and one from employer/ volunteering organisation)
• Counselling qualifications will be an added advantage but not an essential requirement

The master’s programme MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology of the University of Bolton is an 18 month full-time programme which involves the comprehensive study of selected areas in counselling and positive psychology at an advanced level, and the acquisition of advanced professional practice and research skills. Topics covered include Positive Psychology theory, research and practice, therapeutic counselling and research methods for counselling and coaching. The programme includes120 hours of supervised clinical practice. Graduates will be able to apply the skills learnt on this MSc within health and social care settings, private practice, research and teaching, and management roles where working with people is the prime focus.

Graduates can become members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the International Positive Psychology Association and the Hellenic Association of Positive Psychology (upon individual application).

The programme includes the following modules:

• Therapeutic Counselling
• Foundations of Positive Psychology
• Positive Psychology in Practice
• Supervised Counselling Practice 1
• Qualitative Inquiry
• Research Methods for Counselling and Coaching
• Positive Psychology Dissertation

The distinctive feature of this master's programme is its flexibility, as classes take place only on Friday evenings and Saturdays, so that professionals can combine post-graduate studies with working. All courses are delivered in English.

WHY TO CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM

• It leads to a professional qualification in counselling and psychotherapy
• You will achieve practical competency in counselling and psychotherapies for common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma
• You will receive high quality clinical supervision and complete 120 hours placement in the area of counselling, psychotherapy and positive psychology
• This 18 month full-time programme can be combined with working - classes are only on Friday afternoons and Saturdays
• Two intakes per year, in February and October
• Graduates will be able to apply the skills learnt in many settings, such as health and social care, education and in private practice
• Graduates can proceed to a PhD in Psychology

University of Greater Manchester
Among the 30 best and fastest developing Universities of the United Kingdom (Guardian 2024)
The public British university University of Greater Manchester (known until 2024 as the University of Bolton) has a long history and strong commitment to the provision of high-quality education. It was founded in 1824 as Bolton Mechanics’ Institute, one of the first educational institutions in Great Britain. The University of Greater Manchester has managed to stand out for the quality of its teaching. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 ranks it first in North West England for teaching quality, the Complete University Guide 2024 ranks it first in student satisfaction, while the University held the 30th position according to the Guardian’s 2024 ranking list of British Universities. Recently, the BBC highlighted the UNIVERSITY OF GREATER MANCHESTER as a model for the Universities of Britain regarding its operating standards for student safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the British Minister of Education Michelle Donelan, from the podium of the House of Commons, referred to the “amazing work the University is doing.” New York College has a franchise agreement in accordance with the legislation of the Greek Ministry of Education, and the degree you will receive at the end of your studies is awarded by the University itself.

Careers
This course is designed to enhance practice and facilitate employment and career progression in counselling and positive psychology within health and social care settings, private practice, research and teaching, and management roles where working with people is the prime focus.

“The MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology offers a unique opportunity for students to gain competence from two disciplines and thus the opportunity to have a wide variety of job roles within practice, education and training, business, healthcare, charities and government agencies.”

Marsha Koletsi, CPsychol, AFBPsS Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Accredited Supervisor of the British Psychological Society

“The ability of graduates to provide counselling based on positive psychology will make them highly eligible to the Greek market, which has already accepted and needs more positive psychology professionals.”

Dr Agathi Lakioti, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist and board member of the Hellenic Association of Positive Psychology