Program requirements
Note: As of May 1, 2025, the counselling psychology program is administered through the Faculty of Health. Counselling course codes have been migrated from "ED-D" to "CNPY" for prerequisite courses, e.g., CNPY 417, 418, 414.
The Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program is offered full-time, on campus, and starts in September every year. Students can enrol in a course-based or thesis-based program, each with its own requirements.
Due to the high level of class participation, as well as the 2 required practicum placements, there are no distance options offered for this program. This applies to both the thesis-based and course-based option.
Degree options
Thesis-based
The thesis-based program is for students who want to pursue doctoral-level degrees upon completion of their MA. The program requires at least 27 units of coursework and typically takes 2.5 to 3 years to complete.
A thesis is an independent research project that requires a supervisory committee and external examination at the University level. (Learn more about thesis-based programs.)
Course-based
The course-based program is for students who want to enter the counselling profession without specialized research training or the intent to complete a PhD.
Students enrolled in the course-based program are required to complete 22.5 units of coursework, including a comprehensive exam. This program typically takes 2 years to complete.
Specific course requirements for each option are listed in the UVic Academic Calendar.
Practicum guidelines
The Council on Accreditation for Counsellor Education Programs (CACEP) considers supervised practice as the most critical experience of the counselling psychology program. Our program includes 2 placements: an introductory first-year practicum (CNPY 522) and a more extensive second-year internship (CNPY 523).
CNPY 522 provides basic counselling interventions with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. CNPY 523 provides intensive practice in advanced counselling techniques and approaches supervised by a professional counsellor in a community setting.
Typical practicum placements in Victoria can include community agencies, health authorities, and schools. You must complete the following hours under the direction of a professional counsellor in the community:
- CNPY 522: 100 total on-site hours (to be completed between January and July 31)
- direct counselling hours (40 individual and 10 group) = 50 hours
- indirect service hours (other on-site practicum activities) = 50 hours
- CNPY 523: 400 total on-site hours (to be completed between September and July 31)
- direct counselling hours (160 individual and 40 group) = 200 hours
- indirect service hours (other on-site practicum activities) = 200 hours