Master of Science in Counselling Psychology

Master of Science in Counselling Psychology

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Program Duration

Location

Credit Hours              

Cost Per Credit Hour

4 Semesters (On Average)

Abu Dhabi

48

AED 2,500

Pursuing a Master of Science in Counselling Psychology focused on adult mental health aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) emphasis on improving healthcare and mental health services. The UAE government is investing in initiatives such as the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which prioritizes mental health as a key aspect of overall well-being, and the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health, which aims to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma. This creates a demand for highly trained professionals who can provide therapy, intervention, and support to adults facing psychological challenges. Graduates of this program are well positioned to contribute to the UAE’s healthcare system, working in clinical settings, and help shape mental health policy, making it a critical and rewarding field of study.

Six reasons why you should enrol in Zayed University’s Master of Science in Counselling Psychology:

1. Focus on Adult Mental Health Specialization: Acquire the expertise, specialized knowledge, and skills to apply psychological theories and models to effectively support adult populations with a range of psychological concerns.

2. Licensure Pathway: License-eligible graduates will have experience in psychological assessment, case conceptualization, research, and evidence-based intervention tailored to the unique needs of adult clients.

3. Promoting Adult Mental Health and Wellness: Acquire advanced skills in advocating for adult mental health needs, contributing to community awareness and de-stigmatization while promoting mental health wellness.

4. Comprehensive Research Opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge research on adult mental health issues, contributing to evidence-based practices and innovative interventions.

5. Distinguished Faculty: Learn from faculty who hold PhDs from some of the world’s most prestigious universities and have built a stellar reputation for their groundbreaking research, published works, and their insights into an exceptionally wide range of psychological issues at both a national and international level. As faculty members are also highly qualified and trained psychologists, you will gain valuable insights from their expertise and experiences and receive strong mentorships and guidance.

6. Strong Career Prospects: The growing demand for mental health professionals in the UAE opens career opportunities across both public and private sectors, including hospitals, mental health centers, policy-making bodies, NGOs, and private practice.

Dr Lance Kahn


Reach out to Dr Lance Kahn, Graduate Program Coordinator, Master of Science in Counselling Psychology to explore how this master's degee program can align with your academic and career aspirations in counselling psychology, particularly in addressing the growing demand for adult mental health services.

Professional Outcomes

The program will prepare you for a variety of careers in adult mental health settings in both public and private sectors such as business, healthcare and education. Specific job roles include:

Clinical Director in Mental Health Care Facilities

Counselling Therapist/Psychologist

Allied Healthcare Professional

Mental Health Worker/Specialist

Crisis Counsellor

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

Rehabilitation Counsellor/Psychology Therapist

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Counselling Psychology program, students will be able to: 

Theoretical and Conceptual Knowledge

Identify and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of mental health issues, compare and summarize psychological theories, assessment and intervention techniques utilized in clinical/counselling psychology.

Critical and Analytical Thinking

Effectively analyze, assess, and apply appropriate and relevant prevention or intervention strategies related to the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, groups, or communities.

Research Capacity

Independently evaluate current research in psychology, design, develop and engage in research studies in psychology, and engage in academic writing. 

Contextual Application of Knowledge

Critically analyze, summarize and discuss psychological concerns and interventions related to the diverse cultural context of the UAE and other communities.

Knowledge and Practice of Ethics

Demonstrate knowledge of, appraise and apply the major principles that govern professional and ethical standards in counselling and psychology.

Professional Development

Demonstrate a commitment to develop as a scientist-practitioner through engagement in academic courses and practical and applied training.

Curriculum

Program Required Courses (48 Credit Hours)

PSY600 Cultural Competency, Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology 
PSY610 Psychological Disorders 
PSY620 Theories and Models of Psychotherapy 
PSY630 Psychological Assessment: Tests and Measurement 
PSY640 Foundations of Psychological Interventions: Interviewing, Counseling and Prevention Strategies 
PSY655 Advanced Research Methods 
PSY621 Professional Development and Competency to Practice 
PSY641 Special Population Focus: Public Health 
PSY681 Special Topics: Mindfulness and Cognitive-Based Approaches to Trauma and Grief 
PSY675 Addiction Preventions and Interventions 
PSY635 Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience 
PSY671 Advances in Positive Psychology, Prevention, and Community Wellbeing 
PSY660 Motivational Interviewing, Group and Family Counseling and Psychotherapy 
PSY690 Counseling Internship I 
PSY695 Counseling Internship II 
PSY699 Master’s Thesis 

Program Study Plan

View the program study plan here.

Program Delivery

Program Duration

The Master of Science in Counselling Psychology program is delivered in English over 4 semesters at Zayed University located in Abu Dhabi.

Course Delivery Format

The program is taught face-to-face across four weekdays (Monday - Thursday from 17:00-20:00).

Internships

Students must complete two internships within an external organization and be closely supervised by a licensed psychologist. Students must complete the first internship in semester 3 of the program and the second internship placement in the final semester of the program. For each internship, students must complete a total of 300 hours which is equivalent to 8-9 weeks of full-time work. Therefore, if students are employed at the time of application, their employers must complete the Employer Internship Consent form thereby consenting the employees to release them from their regular employment setting to complete the two internship placements with an external organization.

Applicants are also required to submit an Applicant Consent form and a Police Clearance Certificate.

For more information on the Master of Science in Counselling Psychology application deadline and location for program delivery, please visit the Application Deadlines section of the website.

Faculty

Courses in the Master of Science in Counselling Psychology program are taught by select professors from the College of Natural and Health Sciences who are experts in their fields and possess diverse international research experience.

Program Cost

A total of 48 credit hours at AED 2,500 per credit hour.

Tuition Fee Payment Plan

View the tuition fee payment plan here.

For more information on the Master of Science in Counselling Psychology program cost, payment procedure and financial support, please visit the Admissions and Fees section of the website.

Graduation

Students must complete all required courses in the approved program curriculum and achieve a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0.

Contact

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Zayed University

Abu Dhabi & Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971-2-599-3605

Email: dgs.recuitment@zu.ac.ae

 
Program Recognition
 

  • Ministry of Education

 
Program Admission Requirements
 

 
 
Ouick Links
 

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