Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology is a four-year degree programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand human behaviour and provide professional counselling services. Students study psychological theory, counselling skills and techniques, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality theories, social psychology, research methods, psychological assessment, group counselling, family counselling, trauma counselling, and ethics in counselling.

The programme is offered at multiple CUE-accredited universities including Kenyatta University, Kisii University, and private universities including Kabarak University, St. Graduates pursue careers as counsellors, psychological counsellors, school counsellors, rehabilitation counsellors, substance abuse counsellors, human resource officers, and social workers.

The programme is delivered over eight semesters through lectures, counselling skills laboratories, case studies, role-plays, and supervised practicum. Students engage in counselling practice, psychological assessment, and supervised fieldwork.

Entry-level salaries for counselling psychology graduates in Kenya range from KES 40,000–65,000/month depending on the role and organisation, with higher earnings in private practice and international organisations. The programme suits students passionate about mental health, helping others, and human wellbeing.

Skills RequiredCounselling and Therapy SkillsPsychological AssessmentActive Listening and EmpathyCrisis InterventionGroup Counselling FacilitationFamily and Couples TherapyTrauma CounsellingResearch Methods in PsychologyEthics in Counselling PracticeMental Health PromotionKey SubjectsPsychological TheoryCounselling Skills and TechniquesDevelopmental PsychologyAbnormal PsychologyPersonality TheoriesSocial PsychologyResearch MethodsPsychological AssessmentGroup and Family CounsellingEthics in CounsellingCertificationsKenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) MembershipCounsellors and Psychotherapists Licensing Board RegistrationInternational Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP) MembershipSpecializationsClinical and Abnormal PsychologyFocus on psychological disorders and clinical practice — covering abnormal psychology, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychopathology, and the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. Family and Marriage CounsellingFocus on counselling couples and families — covering family systems theory, couples therapy, family therapy techniques, parenting support, and the resolution of family and relationship conflicts.

Trauma and Crisis CounsellingFocus on trauma and crisis intervention — covering trauma theory, post-traumatic stress disorder, crisis intervention models, grief counselling, and the treatment of trauma survivors.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 227,500
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Psychological Theory
Counselling Skills and Techniques
Developmental Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Personality Theories
Social Psychology
Research Methods
Psychological Assessment
Group and Family Counselling
Ethics in Counselling

Modules

12 in the programme

Counselling Skills and Techniques
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical counselling skills — covering active listening, empathy, rapport building, questioning techniques, counselling stages, and the foundational skills of the counselling process.
Introduction to Psychology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational introduction to psychology — covering the history of psychology, major perspectives, research methods, biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, and the fundamental conc...
Theories of Personality
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Personality theories and their application — covering psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioural, cognitive, and trait theories of personality, and their implications for counselling practice.
Developmental Psychology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Human development across the lifespan — covering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development from infancy through adulthood, developmental theories, and the application of developmental ...
Abnormal Psychology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Psychological disorders and their treatment — covering abnormal psychology, classification systems, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and the assessment and treatment of menta...
Research Methods in Psychology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methodology for psychology — covering quantitative and qualitative research, experimental design, psychological measurement, data analysis, and the application of research methods to couns...
Group Counselling
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Group counselling theory and practice — covering group dynamics, group development, group counselling techniques, leadership styles, and the design and facilitation of counselling groups.
Family and Marriage Counselling
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Counselling couples and families — covering family systems theory, couples therapy techniques, family therapy approaches, parenting support, and the resolution of family and relationship conflicts.
Trauma and Crisis Counselling
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Trauma and crisis intervention — covering trauma theory, PTSD, crisis intervention models, grief counselling, disaster response, and the treatment of trauma survivors.
Psychological Assessment
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Psychological testing and assessment — covering psychological measurement, test construction, intelligence testing, personality assessment, and the use of assessment tools in counselling practice.
Ethics in Counselling
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Professional ethics in counselling — covering ethical principles, confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, professional boundaries, and the ethical and legal framework for counselling...
Counselling Practicum and Research Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year supervised counselling practicum and research project — demonstrating mastery of counselling psychology theory and practice through supervised counselling practice and original research.

Specialisations

Clinical and Abnormal Psychology
Focus on psychological disorders and clinical practice — covering abnormal psychology, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychopathology, and the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders.
Family and Marriage Counselling
Focus on counselling couples and families — covering family systems theory, couples therapy, family therapy techniques, parenting support, and the resolution of family and relationship conflicts.
Trauma and Crisis Counselling
Focus on trauma and crisis intervention — covering trauma theory, post-traumatic stress disorder, crisis intervention models, grief counselling, and the treatment of trauma survivors.
School and Educational Counselling
Focus on counselling in educational settings — covering child and adolescent development, educational psychology, school counselling programmes, career counselling, and the support of students with academic and behavioural challenges.
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Counselling
Focus on addiction and rehabilitation — covering addiction theory, substance abuse assessment, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and the design and implementation of rehabilitation programmes.
Organisational and Employee Counselling
Focus on counselling in workplace settings — covering employee assistance programmes, workplace stress, organisational psychology, career counselling, and the support of employee wellbeing and performance.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on psychological theory, developmental psychology, or counselling techniques with afternoon counselling skills laboratories, case studies, and role-plays. Students practise counselling skills in supervised settings, conduct psychological assessments, and engage in personal development groups. Field attachments in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or counselling agencies provide hands-on experience, with students conducting counselling sessions under supervision, developing treatment plans, and writing case reports. Research papers and reflective journals are regular assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for mental health services — increasing awareness of mental health in Kenya creates demand for qualified counselling psychologists in schools, hospitals, workplaces, and private practice.
Multiple university options — the programme is offered at several CUE-accredited universities, giving students choice in cost, location, and study mode.
Practical skills training — the programme includes counselling skills laboratories, role-plays, and supervised practicum, giving graduates hands-on counselling experience.
Versatile career paths — graduates work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, corporate settings, and private practice with diverse client populations.

Against it

Emotional demands — counselling work involves dealing with others' trauma and distress, which can be emotionally taxing and requires self-care and supervision.
Professional registration requirements — while the degree provides the foundation, professional recognition through KCPA and ongoing supervision are important for career advancement.
Variable programme quality — quality varies across universities, with some having better counselling laboratories and supervision arrangements than others.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 241 social sciences courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private158k to 228k

158k at KCA University228k at Africa Nazarene University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Verified educationnewshub+fee schedules: KU 153K, KCA 158K, Tangaza 202K, ANU 228K/yr

Students can access HELB loans, university internal scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some mental health organisations offer sponsorships for counselling psychology students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
University Scholarships and Bursaries
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

University Internal Bursaries
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by individual universities, applied through the financial aid office.
Mental Health Organisation Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 60,000Kenyan
Sponsorships from mental health organisations for students committed to counselling psychology practice in underserved communities.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) Student Support
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing counselling and psychology programmes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with C- in English, or KACE with two principal passes, or Diploma in a related field with at least a credit pass from a recognised institution.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework25% of the mark
Written tests covering psychological theory, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and counselling techniques — assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.
Counselling Skills Practicals
Coursework30% of the mark
Counselling skills demonstrations, role-plays, case studies, psychological assessment exercises, and group counselling facilitation — assessed through practical evaluation and supervisor feedback.
Supervised Practicum Reports
Coursework20% of the mark
Reports from supervised counselling practicum in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or counselling agencies — documenting counselling practice, case management, and professional reflection.
Final Examinations and Research Project
Examination25% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year research project or counselling practicum demonstrating mastery of counselling psychology theory and practice.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) at multiple public and private universities. Graduates may register with the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) for professional recognition.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes. The Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology is CUE-accredited at Kenyatta University, Kisii University, Kabarak University, St. Paul's University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Tangaza University, and other institutions.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Counsellor / Psychological Counsellor
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 65,000
Provides professional counselling services — covering individual counselling, psychological assessment, treatment planning, and therapy for clients in schools, hospitals, NGOs, and private practice.
School Counsellor
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Supports students in educational settings — covering academic counselling, career guidance, behavioural support, crisis intervention, and the promotion of student mental health and wellbeing.
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Counsels individuals in rehabilitation — covering substance abuse counselling, disability rehabilitation, reintegration support, and the design of rehabilitation programmes for recovery centres and NGOs.
Human Resource Officer (Employee Wellness)
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 70,000
Manages employee wellness and counselling — covering employee assistance programmes, workplace counselling, stress management, conflict resolution, and the promotion of employee mental health.
Social Worker (Counselling Focus)
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000
Provides counselling and support services — covering case management, family support, community counselling, and psychosocial support for vulnerable individuals and families.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as counsellors, psychological counsellors, school counsellors, rehabilitation counsellors, and human resource officers — in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, and private practice.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Productivity tools including Word for case reports and research papers, Excel for assessment data, and PowerPoint for case presentations and training sessions.
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for psychology research — covering psychological data analysis, research statistics, and the analysis of counselling outcomes and assessment data.
Psychological Assessment Tools
Resource
Standardised psychological assessment instruments — covering personality inventories, intelligence tests, depression and anxiety scales, and other assessment tools used in counselling practice.
Counselling Skills Laboratory
Resource
University counselling skills laboratories — providing simulated counselling environments with one-way mirrors, recording equipment, and supervision facilities for practising counselling skills.
University Library and Psychology Databases
Resource
University library resources — providing access to psychology journals, counselling research databases, assessment manuals, and case study materials for counselling psychology study.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Counselling Psychology is just about giving advice.
The programme covers psychological theory, assessment, evidence-based counselling techniques, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and ethics — it is a rigorous academic discipline requiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Counselling Psychologists can prescribe medication.
Counselling psychologists provide therapy and counselling but cannot prescribe medication — only psychiatrists (medical doctors) can prescribe medication in Kenya.
Counselling is only for people with mental illness.
Counselling helps people with a wide range of challenges including life transitions, relationship issues, grief, stress, career decisions, and personal growth — not just mental illness.
Anyone who is a good listener can be a counsellor.
Professional counselling requires training in psychological theory, counselling techniques, ethics, assessment, and supervised practice — the programme provides the professional foundation needed for effective counselling.
There are no jobs in counselling psychology in Kenya.
Growing awareness of mental health, increasing demand for counselling in schools and workplaces, and the expansion of healthcare services create opportunities for counselling psychology graduates.