MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology
Are you interested in applying positive psychology in practice as a counsellor? Our dual qualification Master’s in Counselling and Positive Psychology offers you the opportunity to develop core counselling skills, alongside your understanding of the theoretical models of counselling and psychotherapy. We’ll support you to gain the ABC level 4 Diploma in Counselling, and help you prepare to meet the BACP registration requirements.
MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology
Award
MSc
Start Date
22/09/2025
Duration
24 months
Mode
Full-time
Location
University of Bolton
Are you interested in applying positive psychology in practice as a counsellor? Our dual qualification Master’s in Counselling and Positive Psychology offers you the opportunity to develop core counselling skills, alongside your understanding of the theoretical models of counselling and psychotherapy. We’ll support you to gain the ABC level 4 Diploma in Counselling, and help you prepare to meet the BACP registration requirements.
Please note:
This course is 'Subject to Approval' and has not yet completed the University’s approvals process.
Whilst we are confident that the course will be approved, there is the possibility that the course
may not run or may be subject to alterations. This course is due to be validated by September 2025 after
which we will write to all applicants who have applied for the course to let them know the
outcome and of any changes. In the event that a course is not approved the University
will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative course at the University.
Course Overview
Our MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology takes you on an immersive journey exploring the applications of a relatively new subject area within psychology and its relevance and benefits for counsellors and psychotherapists. Offering two qualifications and support to prepare for professional registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), this career relevant course is designed to take you deep into the concepts, theories and practice of counselling and positive psychology.With a special focus on the applications of positive psychology and person-centred for counselling, the course is taught by experienced and enthusiastic teaching staff with an excellent knowledge base. You’ll have the opportunity to practice counselling and psychotherapy skills independently under supervision and guidance. We’ll encourage you to explore and critically debate positive psychology’s new techniques and research, supporting you to evaluate developing theories and applications in positive psychology. Our supportive and passionate team offers expert training in counselling skills, techniques, helping you to conceptualise, design and implement theory into practice.
Successfully completing the University of Greater Manchester’s MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology can put you in a highly favourable position for seeking employment in relevant helping professions, educational institutions, and for securing a place on a specialist psychology-related higher degree or doctorate programme. You could also become an individual counselling practitioner.
Highlights
- On successful completion of this course, you’ll be awarded an MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology by the University of Greater Manchester and, if you choose, gain the ABC level 4 Diploma in Counselling.
- For the duration of the course, our expert team will also support you as you prepare to undertake the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Certificate of Proficiency exam required for registration with this well-respected professional body (fees apply).
- We’ll support you as you develop an in-depth and advanced knowledge of this emerging field of positive psychology, and its applications for counselling and psychotherapy.
- Our teaching staff for this programme are involved in therapeutic practice and ongoing research in this subject.
- You’ll be supported throughout the programme, receiving help in areas such as finding a placement and having the right supervisors for your placement, as well as with your final research project.
- You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop highly sought-after skills in practice, critical evaluation and reflection relating to counselling and positive psychology.
Key Features
- An enthusiastic, dedicated and supportive teaching team delivers this pioneering programme.
- The course curriculum gives you the opportunity to deliver counselling and psychotherapy to clients under supervision while you are in your placement.
- Learning and teaching is student-centred, with small group sessions and one-to-one tutorials. This is supported by the University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
- You can enjoy contributions from expert guest speakers on a range of subjects covered in this exciting postgraduate programme.
- The programme is designed to enhance your employability, particularly in the counselling and psychotherapy fields – or to help you progress to further studies in psychology or counselling.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes the University of Greater Manchester an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
Entry Requirements
- You should have an upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or higher) in psychology or a relevant area. If you have a lower second class (2:2) honours degree in psychology, then you may be accepted onto the programme.
- All suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview and provide proof of one-to-one basis work experience in a helping role via CV and during the interview.
- You will also need to provide two satisfactory references (one for academic capacity and one for work/voluntary experience).
- We may also ask you to provide a portfolio of your work as part of the application process.
- This course does not confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you are seeking to achieve GBC, please consider applying for our MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme.
- We'll also consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
- This course involves working unsupervised with children and/or vulnerable young people and adults and you must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online Update Service.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University's Fitness to Practice declaration.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
The MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology focuses on the core counselling skills, counselling theories, and applications of positive psychology and psychotherapy in practice. It looks at the impact of counselling and psychotherapy on a person’s wellbeing and what makes people thrive.
The course is designed to develop your employability skills, including intellectual and thinking skills, problem solving, interpersonal awareness, communication skills, your ability to develop arguments supported by relevant evidence, and team work, IT and data handling skills.
What can I do with this qualification?
If you’re aiming to become an assistant psychologist, clinical psychologist, counsellor, counselling psychologist, life skills coach, wellbeing practitioner, or psychotherapist, the theory and transferable skills offered by this course should also benefit your clinical work. Teachers, youth workers and educators can also use counselling and positive psychology expertise in their work.
Some graduates may choose to continue their education to doctorate level. Continuing your education would give you the opportunity to develop your skills further and research your area of interest.
Alternative career options
Graduates can use the qualification as a stepping stone to enter a range of other careers, and for some of these roles, both relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Some of these careers include:
- Teaching and education
- Prison service counsellor
- Probation services
- Family mediation and support
- Child protection
- Social work
- Police
- Youth work
- Communications
- Sport and recreation
- Careers guidance
- Human resources
Professional Recognition
On successful completion of this course, you’ll be awarded an MSc in Counselling and Positive Psychology by the University of Greater Manchester and, if you choose, gain the ABC level 4 Diploma in Counselling.
For the duration of the course, our expert team will also support you as you prepare to undertake the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Certificate of Proficiency exam required for registration with this well-respected professional body (fees apply).
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
Home students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Home fee of £4,720 for the academic year 2025/26.
International Fees
Overseas students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Overseas fee of £17,500 for the academic year 2025/26.
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:
You should have to hand:
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Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
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Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
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Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
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Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
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Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Greater Manchester MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
English Language Qualifications
Have you completed an English Language qualification prior to application or have a valid exemption as per the list below? (The qualification/exemption must be uploaded with this application) E.g. Applicants from Nigeria/Africa must upload their WAEC or NECO certificate before the application is submitted for a prompt response and offer.
Acceptable English Language Tests – Undergraduate and Postgraduate
These tests must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course
| Test | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (taken within 2 years) |
Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements |
| PTE Academic |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 No less than 59 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 No less than 59 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 No less than 76 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 18 Writing – 17 Listening – 17 Speaking - 20 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 20 Writing – 19 Listening – 19 Speaking 21 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 24 Writing – 24 Listening – 22 Speaking 25 |
| Other qualifications we currently accept (which do not require an additional SELT) | |
| GCSE in English Language (from a UK awarding body) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C/C3 (20 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B/B3 (37 points) |
| Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade D/D2 (46 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade C/C2 (66 points) |
| IGCSE English as a First language (for syllabus 0500 Listening and Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| IGCSE English as a Second language (for syllabus 0510 Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| Cambridge Advanced English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 170 points with no component below 160 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 180 points with no component below 170 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 185 points with no component below 180 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus A) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus B) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 5 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 6 |
| European Baccalaureate English Language |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 70% Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 80% |
European qualifications
English component - obtained within the last 4 years
| Country | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Austria | Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis at 2.0 |
| Belgium | Diplome d'acces a l'enseignment superieur/Diplome van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs at 75% |
| Bulgaria | Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie at Grade 3 |
| Croatia | Svjedodzba o Maturi at grade 4.0 |
| Cyprus | Apolyterion at 15 |
| Czech Republic | Maturitni Zkou'ce/Maturita at grade 2.0 |
| Denmark | Studentereksamen/HF/HHX/HTX/IBB /Diplomingenior at grade 9 |
| Estonia | Riigieksamitunnistus or Gümnaasiumilõputunnistus at 70% |
| Finland | Ylioppilastutkintotodistus or Studentexamensbetyg at grade 5 |
| France | Baccalauréat (le bac) or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at grade 12.5 |
| Germany | Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Abitur or a Fachgebundene Hochschulreife at grade 2 / gut |
| Greece | Apolyterion at grade 15 |
| Hungary | Erettsegi at grade 4 |
| Italy | Diploma di Esame di Stato at grade 8/80% |
| Latvia | Atestats Par Visparejo Videjo Izglitib at grade 8 |
| Lithuania | Brandos Atestatas at grade 8 |
| Malta | Matriculation Certificate at grade C |
| Moldova | Diploma de Bacalaureat or Atestat de Studii Medii de Cultura Generala at grade 9 |
| Netherlands | Diploma Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) or Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) at grade 8 |
| Norway | Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering at grade 4 |
| Poland | Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci / Matura at grade 70% |
| Portugal | Diploma de Ensino Secundario at grade 14 |
| Romania | Diploma de Bacalaureat (English with all components at B2) |
| Slovakia | Vysvedcenie O Maturitnej at grade 2 |
| Slovenia | Maturitetno Spricevalo at grade 4 |
| Spain | Titulo de Bachillerato at grade 8 |
| Sweden | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasiesk at grade C |
| Switzerland | Maturitatszeugnis or Maturite Federal at grade 5 |
| Ukraine | Aтестат про повну загальну середню освіту at grade 10 |
Acceptable International Regional qualifications
Must be obtained no more than 4 years before the proposed start date of the course
| Country | Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | General Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
| Botswana | General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level | Grade C/4 in English |
| Brunei | Cambridge O Level | Grade C6 in English |
| Cameroon | GCE O level | Grade C in English |
| Hong Kong | HKCEE | Grade C in English (Syllabus B) |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE | Grade 4 in English |
| Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
| Malaysia | Malaysian 1119 | Grade 6C in English - IELTS 6.0 |
| Singapore | Singapore Cambridge O Level | Grade C6 in English |
| South Africa | South Africa National Senior Certificate | Grade 5 in English |
| Tanzania | Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
| Uganda | Certificate of Education | Grade 6 |
| Zambia | Zambia School Certificate | Grade 6 in English |
| Zimbabwe | General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level | Grade C in English |
| Caribbean Examination Council | General proficiency Grade III in English | |
| Nigeria/Ghana | WAEC/NECO | Grade C6 in English |
I understand the English Language Qualifications/Exemptions. I will upload the evidence with this application or when I obtain the certificate or exemption.
Thank you for your interest
Please secure an approved English language qualification and then apply for the next intake.
backQuestion
Have you ever received a visa refusal for entry into the UK or any other country?
Thank you for your interest
Unfortunately we would be unable to sponsor under the Student Route Visa. If you do not require a visa to study in the UK please email us for further advice: intadmissions@greatermanchester.ac.uk
backYour Funding
Do you have full funding in place to cover your full tuition fees and living costs as required by UKVI? Please click here for more information.
Question
Have you read and understood the course entry requirements and confirm that you fully meet the requirements? (Please click on Entry Requirements tab above to ensure you comply with all the requirements for this course)
You may also refer to the following pages for information about International Qualifications equivalency: https://www.greatermanchester.ac.uk/international/your-country-entry-requirements/
For further assistance with international qualifications equivalency (paid service) – please refer to the ECCTIS website (previously known as NARIC): https://ecctis.com/Qualifications/FindTheServiceForYou.aspx
Thank you for your interest
Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application as all entry requirements must be met.
backFinal Terms & Conditions
Please read the following:
- I understand that the university reserves the right to withdraw their offer at any stage once the quota for the course has been filled.
- I understand that I will be required to pay specific fees before CAS issuance is considered by the university.
- I must declare any agent or consultant at the start of my application and they must be on the list of approved agents. (We also have Branch Offices in Africa, South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia who fully manage applications in their respective regions.)
- I am able to complete the course in the normal duration.
- I am able to arrive on time for the published start date.
- I confirm that I will be 18 years old or more on the start date of the course.
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I understand that the following documents will be uploaded as part my application:
(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity before start of course.
(b) Personal statement (written by myself).
(c) CV if applicable.
(d) Previous qualifications.
(e) English language certificate or proof of exemption.
(f) Professional references if applicable.
(g) Bank Statements and TB Certificate if applicable at the CAS issuance stage. - I have read and understood all questions and answered them correctly and truthfully to the best of my ability and knowledge.
Congratulations
Based on the information supplied, we would like to invite you to apply for this course.
Apply Online
The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.
How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:
- Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
- Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
- Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visit www.ucas.com.
Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@greatermanchester.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Greater Manchester MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology - 22 September 2025
Teaching & Assessment
We use a diverse range of teaching methods, designed to complement each other and help you achieve the course’s intended learning outcomes. We offer lectures, seminars, workshops, group supervision and one-to-one sessions – but you’ll also be expected to undertake significant independent reading and investigation, as well as completing seminar-related work and preparing for workshops, presentations and group discussions. Some modules will require you to follow up taught sessions by using online resources and completing complementary tasks.
Assessment methods are also varied, allowing you to demonstrate your learning in a range of ways. For example, module assessments may require you to complete reports, essays, presentations, deliver counselling sessions, portfolio, literature reviews, or review journal articles, write up case interventions, treatment evaluations, complete short question and present reflective journals.
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
