International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies
Central Area Campus, United Kingdom
MSc International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies
University of Edinburgh
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Program Overview: MSc International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies
The MSc International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies at the University of Edinburgh equips you with critical perspectives and cultural awareness in relation to counselling and psychotherapy practice in our increasingly globalised and diverse world. You will engage with psychosocial approaches to counselling studies, drawing on theories from within psychotherapy as well as from social sciences, cultural studies, and philosophy.
In this programme, you will be encouraged to question the colonial, ethnocentric, and heteronormative assumptions that underlie many psychotherapeutic practices. Drawing on contemporary perspectives, post/de-colonial approaches, and social theory, you will challenge traditional discourses of suffering and healing while developing culturally informed frameworks for understanding mental health.
Staff members come from different parts of the world and bring diverse lived experiences alongside academic and professional credentials to foster a climate of dialogue and encounter with difference. Please note that this MSc is not a full professional practice training in counselling and psychotherapy, but rather an advanced academic programme that provides a robust foundation for further specialist training or doctoral research.
Key Program Highlights
- Critical engagement with decolonial and cross-cultural perspectives on counselling and psychotherapy
- Flexible curriculum with a wide variety of optional courses from Counselling and Psychotherapy, Global Mental Health Studies, and other disciplines
- Interdisciplinary, arts-based, experiential, and embodied pedagogic and research practices integrated throughout the programme
- Training in qualitative, creative, and relational approaches to research culminating in an original research project
Curriculum & Modules
The MSc International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies offers a blend of core and optional courses spanning practice, theory, and research. You will have the flexibility to tailor your learning through a wide range of electives drawn from Counselling and Psychotherapy, Global Mental Health Studies, and related disciplines. Assessment is through essays, presentations, and a research dissertation.
Critical Perspectives in International Counselling
20 creditsExplores how counselling and psychotherapy operate across diverse cultural contexts, examining colonial legacies and ethnocentric assumptions in therapeutic practice.
Psychosocial Approaches to Counselling Studies
20 creditsEngages with critical and psychosocial theories from psychotherapy, social sciences, cultural studies, and philosophy to develop nuanced understandings of mental health and wellbeing.
Research Methods in Counselling
20 creditsTrains you in qualitative, creative, and relational approaches to research and inquiry, exploring different research paradigms and challenging established rigidity in research practice.
Decolonial and Post-Colonial Approaches to Mental Health
20 creditsExamines how post/de-colonial approaches and social theory can challenge traditional Western discourses of suffering, healing, and therapeutic intervention.
Intersectionality, Diversity, and Counselling Practice
20 creditsCritically explores how personal history, difference, intersectionality, and diversity emerge and influence helping relationships with others across cultural boundaries.
Research Dissertation
60 creditsAn original research project in which you undertake independent inquiry on a topic of your choice within the field of international and cross-cultural counselling studies.
Elective Options
Admission Requirements
The MSc International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds who demonstrate a strong motivation to study counselling from international and cross-cultural perspectives. All applications and inquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum DegreeA UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent
- Alternative EntryA UK 2:2 honours degree or equivalent with a strong personal statement, relevant experience, and/or references confirming aptitude for postgraduate study
- Personal StatementMust demonstrate high motivation, understanding of international and cross-cultural perspectives in counselling, and capacity to reflect on personal aptitude for this field
- Subject BackgroundOpen to graduates from a range of disciplines; particularly suited for those with existing counselling qualifications or social science backgrounds
- Professional ExperienceRelevant professional or voluntary experience in counselling, mental health, or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicTotal 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current accepted scores and equivalent qualifications
- Other QualificationsDegrees taught and assessed in English from approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries may be accepted (degree must be no more than five years old)
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international postgraduate students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on scholarship eligibility and application support.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
Covers the difference between UK and international tuition feesHighly competitive scholarships designed for outstanding international postgraduate research students. Awarded on the basis of academic excellence and research potential.
GREAT Scholarships 2026
Minimum GBP 10,000 towards tuition feesOffered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, these scholarships support students from selected countries pursuing one-year postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships
Full tuition fee coverageAvailable for eligible part-time distance learning Masters programmes. Awarded based on academic merit to talented students regardless of financial background. Contact Uni4Edu to check programme eligibility.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSc in International and Cross-Cultural Counselling Studies use the degree in a variety of ways, from entering employment in diverse fields to pursuing further specialist training or doctoral research. The programme enhances career prospects by developing critical, analytical, and culturally informed skills valued across multiple sectors.
Potential Career Paths
Sectors and Employers
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the English-speaking world, founded in 1583. It is consistently ranked within the top 50 universities globally and is a member of the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and the League of European Research Universities.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences & Management | QS World Rankings | Top 50 |
| Psychology | THE World Rankings | Top 50 |
| Research Power (UK) | Research Excellence Framework | #4 in the UK |
| Clinical & Health | THE Subject Rankings | Top 100 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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