Counselling Psychology

The University of Victoria offers a comprehensive Master of Education in Counselling Psychology designed to prepare students for a career as a Registered Professional Counsellor. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training to develop advanced skills in counselling, assessment, and intervention strategies across diverse populations. Throughout the program, students engage with evidence-based practices and ethical standards essential for effective counselling in various settings, including schools, community agencies, and private practice. The curriculum emphasizes not only foundational knowledge of human development, psychopathology, and counselling theories but also fosters critical thinking, cultural competence, and professional identity. Students have opportunities for supervised practicum placements, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world environments under the guidance of experienced practitioners. The program is designed for individuals committed to making a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Graduates are well-equipped to undertake roles that require comprehensive assessment and intervention skills, with the possibility of pursuing registration as a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPc) or equivalent certification. The faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to mentorship and innovative teaching, ensuring students receive a supportive environment conducive to academic and personal growth. With a focus on both individual and systemic change, the Counselling Psychology program at the University of Victoria prepares graduates to address complex mental health issues with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.

• Program Development and Evaluation
• Assessment in Counselling
• Advanced Seminar in Theories of Counselling Psychology
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Counselling
• Career Development and Counselling Across the Life Span
• Group Counselling
• Diversity, Culture, and Counselling
• Skills and Practice for Counselling
• Internship in Counselling
• Methods in Educational Research
• Comprehensive Examination
• Project

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree requirement. We accept undergraduate degrees from any discipline. You normally must have earned the equivalent of a B+ average over the last two years (or equivalent of 30.0 UVic units) of their degree to be considered. Practica, non-graded (pass-fail) courses, credit granted on the basis of life or work experience, or credit earned at institutions not recognized by the University will not be used in determining your grade point average or units completed.
• You are required to have 2 courses (three units) of relevant third or forth year coursework in Educational Psychology, Psychology, or a related helping discipline in the following two areas:Learning/Cognition/Memory,Abnormal Psychology/Behaviour Disorders
• counselling prerequisites courses form.
• ED-D 414, 417 and 418 or their equivalents with a B+ or higher
• A significant number of counselling related hours
• Two counselling skills evaluations
• Two assessment reports
• Personal statement
• Statistics course (Thesis-based applicants only)
• Research statement (Thesis-based applicants only)
• Practicum support letter (Mid-island and Three summers applicants only)
• English language requirement. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - For the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), we require a minimum of 95 with the following minimum section requirements: Listening 21; Speaking 21; Reading 21; Writing 21. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 575 on the paper-based test. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - A minimum Overall Band Score of 7.0, with no score of less than 6.5 on each individual component on the Academic IELTS is required. Note than any IELTS test, other than the Academic test, will not be accepted.
• Disability request (only for applicants with disability considerations)
• Letter of reapplication (only for repeat applicants)

Scholarships

• Bursaries
• UVic awards and fellowships
• University of Victoria Graduate Donor Awards
• Canada Graduate Scholarship
• Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships

The Master of Education (MEd) in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for professional practice as counsellors, psychologists, and mental health specialists. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling graduates to work effectively in diverse clinical and community settings. The curriculum covers core areas such as psychological assessment, counselling theories and techniques, human development, ethics, and multicultural issues, ensuring students are well-equipped to address complex mental health challenges. Students participate in supervised practicum experiences that offer real-world exposure and the opportunity to develop their counselling competencies under the guidance of experienced faculty and practitioners.

The program is designed for individuals who have a strong interest in mental health, emotional wellbeing, and helping others. It aims to foster critical thinking, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development. Through coursework, research, and field placements, students gain deep insights into the psychological processes underlying human behaviour, as well as skills for effective intervention. The program typically spans two years of full-time study, with opportunities for part-time enrolment in some cases. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue licensure as registered psychologists or to work in various settings such as schools, healthcare facilities, private practices, and community organizations. The University of Victoria’s Counselling Psychology program benefits from a vibrant academic community, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong ties with health and social service agencies, providing students with valuable connections and employment prospects after graduation.