Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counselling Psychology

The Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) is designed for students who intend to develop professional careers in Counselling or in counselling-related fields. The MACP program is equivalent to a Master's program in any other academic discipline. It will advance the undergraduate to a higher level of understanding and skill, and will provide the student with the opportunity for greater specialisation.

An MACP is useful to students who plan to pursue more advanced graduate studies in disciplines to which counselling is often applied. Such fields might include psychology, social work, education and/or the social sciences. An MACP is also useful to students who plan to pursue careers involving (or related to) people management, youth work, teaching, nursing, child guidance and/or working for the rehabilitation of offenders.

Students must have successfully completed a recognised undergraduate degree, preferably in the social-sciences; and with a significant psychology component. Students who are entering the discipline with little or no background in psychology may be required to take undergraduate courses, or complete projects to prepare them for graduate work. Students will not earn graduate credits for undergraduate course work assigned.

Students can work with their mentors to combine modules into customised programs, suited to their interests and capabilities. Read the complete module descriptions for information as well as ideas.

Exemptions may be awarded based on prior courses taken, professional experience, writing and research samples, and counselling portfolios. Students may also choose to embark on a research-only program.

From the broad base of options offered by the program, an area of specialty can be determined. 60 credits, including an independent Master's Project, will be required for an MACP degree. In accordance with Warnborough regulations, MACP candidates will need to fulfill the following requirements:

Requirements - See full Module list here

Distribution Requirements for the M.A. degree (60 credits):
30 credits: 5 core modules
18 credits: Three elective modules
12 credits: MACP Final Project/Thesis

Candidates will work with their mentors, the faculty department and the university to establish the parameters for their final project. Final submission of the project must be accompanied by a critical paper, which discusses the project in appropriate critical terminology, consistent with guidelines established by Warnborough.

The program is spread over 54 weeks, taking just over one year for completion. It is divided into 4 twelve week quarters, with an additional 6 weeks for the Final Project.  Depending upon exemptions, performance and the work load, it may take more or less time. Students should regard 54 weeks as the average length of the program.

For a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree, students must complete a total of 60 credits. All requirements must be satisfied, unless students are granted exemptions. Students who complete the first 8 modules satisfactorily and who wish to leave the program can apply for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology.

Students in the program may work independently or in self-managed groups. Independent work will be expected of all graduate students. Online resources and interactive forums may be used as medium for program delivery.

Students are required to purchase resources needed for successful completion of program projects. The resources needed depend upon modules being taken, and include such items as text books, journals and videos, etc. Students will be given resources lists after registration in the program and prior to the onset of each module. A connection to the Internet and an email account is vital.

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Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing.

Download Application Form.
View admissions information.
Note: Please specify if you wish to do the program by RESEARCH or by INSTRUCTION (modular).

Program Director Dr. Barbara (Zaynab) D'Elia has been active in the field of psychology and counselling for over 20 years, and has nearly ten years of experience in online teaching. As an administrator she has worked in program development in the fields of clinical psychology, corrections, community health, and education. She is a certified online course developer and holds a certificate in online teaching skills, and has received awards for mentoring online.  With experience as an educator in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Dr. D'Elia brings a sensitivity to diversity and a concern for the individual talents and development of learners to the program.

Please contact Dr D'Elia at admissions@warnborough.edu