Master of Arts in Counselling Studies
The Master of Arts in Counselling Studies provides advanced training in counselling theory, counselling practice, psychological assessment, therapy techniques, and counselling ethics. Students learn counselling theories, therapeutic techniques, psychological assessment, grief and trauma counselling, and counselling ethics. The programme is designed for counselling professionals, pastors, and social workers seeking advanced counselling qualifications.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 220,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 441,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 218,400 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Bachelor's Degree (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, modular, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop advanced competencies in counselling theory, counselling practice, psychological assessment, therapy techniques, grief and trauma counselling, and counselling ethics. The curriculum covers counselling theories, advanced counselling skills, psychological assessment, grief and trauma counselling, marriage and family counselling, counselling ethics, research methods, and a research project. Practical skills are developed through counselling practicum and case studies.
Counselling expertise is increasingly important in Kenya as mental health awareness grows. Counselling centres, churches, schools, hospitals, NGOs, and private practice require trained counselling professionals. Kenya's growing mental health needs create demand for advanced counselling qualifications. The programme addresses the demand for advanced counselling studies training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with counselling practicum, case studies, and research. Students study counselling theories, practise counselling skills, conduct assessments, and undertake research. Teaching methods include lectures, counselling skills practice, case studies, and research supervision. The programme emphasises practical counselling skills and research competence.
Graduates find employment as counsellors, counselling psychologists, therapy practitioners, counselling coordinators, or lecturers in counselling centres, hospitals, schools, churches, NGOs, and private practice. The master's degree supports careers in counselling practice, counselling leadership, and academic research.
This programme is ideal for counselling professionals, pastors, social workers, and individuals seeking advanced qualifications in counselling studies. The programme provides advanced skills for counselling practice and counselling leadership roles.
What you study
10 subjects- Counselling Theories
- Advanced Counselling Skills
- Psychological Assessment
- Grief and Trauma Counselling
- Marriage and Family Counselling
- Counselling Ethics
- Research Methods
- Group Counselling
- Cross-Cultural Counselling
- Research Project
Modules
8 in the programmeCounselling Theories
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Counselling theories covering psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, existential, and integrative approaches to counselling.
Advanced Counselling Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced counselling skills covering active listening, reflective practice, therapeutic alliance, advanced interviewing techniques, and counselling process.
Psychological Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Psychological assessment covering assessment methods, psychological testing, diagnostic assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning.
Research Methods in Counselling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, and research ethics for counselling research.
Grief and Trauma Counselling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Grief and trauma counselling covering grief theories, bereavement counselling, trauma-informed counselling, PTSD, and crisis intervention.
Marriage and Family Counselling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Marriage and family counselling covering family systems theory, couples counselling, family therapy techniques, and addressing family dynamics.
Counselling Ethics and Cross-Cultural Practice
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Counselling ethics covering ethical principles, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and cross-cultural counselling covering cultural competence and diversity.
Counselling Practicum and Research Project
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
Supervised counselling practicum providing hands-on counselling experience, and a research project on a counselling topic demonstrating research competence.
Specialisations
Grief and Trauma Counselling
Focus on grief counselling, bereavement support, trauma-informed care, PTSD treatment, and crisis intervention.
Marriage and Family Counselling
Focus on couples counselling, family therapy, family systems, and addressing relationship and family dynamics.
Cross-Cultural Counselling
Focus on cultural competence, diversity in counselling, and counselling across cultural contexts.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on counselling theory with afternoon counselling skills practice and case study discussions. Students study counselling theories, practise counselling techniques, conduct psychological assessments, and work on research. Counselling practicum involves supervised counselling practice. The programme emphasises practical counselling skills, ethical practice, and research competence.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Mental health awareness is growing in Kenya, increasing demand for qualified counselling professionals. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
| Provides practical counselling skills through supervised practicum alongside theoretical training. | ILU's master's fees are relatively high at KES 218,400/year. |
| Suitable for diverse professionals including pastors, social workers, and healthcare workers. | Counselling can be emotionally demanding, requiring self-care and professional support. |
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 coursesAnnual 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
Maseno 236,700/2yr(yumpu). UoN 441K/2yr(uonbi). Daystar 94K/sem(studyinkenya). ILU 218,400/yr(tuko).
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. ILU may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. Churches and faith-based organisations may sponsor students for counselling training.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Lower Division) in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Theology, or related field from a CUE-recognised institution. Relevant work experience may be considered.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding International Leadership University, Tangaza University, United States International University Africa.
Including International Leadership University, United States International University Africa, Kenyatta University.
Including International Leadership University, Tangaza University, United States International University Africa.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Case Studies
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, case study analyses, and counselling skills evaluations.
Counselling Practicum
Practical30% of the mark
Supervised counselling practicum evaluating practical counselling skills, professional conduct, and therapeutic competence.
Research Project
Project30% of the mark
A research project demonstrating research competence in counselling studies.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
ILU is chartered by CUE. MA programme accredited by CUE.
International Leadership University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MA programme is accredited by CUE.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesCounsellor
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Provides professional counselling in counselling centres, hospitals, schools, or private practice, supporting clients through personal, emotional, and psychological challenges.
Counselling Psychologist
Moderate demand
Practises as a counselling psychologist providing therapy, psychological assessment, and mental health support in clinical or private practice settings.
Counselling Coordinator
Moderate demand
Coordinates counselling programmes in NGOs, schools, or faith-based organisations, managing counselling services and supervising counselling staff.
Counselling Lecturer
Low demand
Teaches counselling in universities or training institutions, delivering courses in counselling theory, skills, and practice.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as counsellors, counselling psychologists, and counselling coordinators in counselling centres, hospitals, schools, churches, and NGOs, with opportunities for private practice and academic research.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Counselling is just about giving advice.
Counselling is a professional practice requiring training in theories, techniques, assessment, ethics, and therapeutic approaches, not just giving advice.
Counselling is only for people with mental illness.
Counselling supports people through grief, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and personal growth, not just mental illness.
A master's in counselling is not needed to practise.
Advanced counselling roles, counselling leadership, and academic teaching require master's-level qualifications and professional recognition.
Counselling is only for psychologists.
Counselling is practised by diverse professionals including pastors, social workers, educators, and healthcare workers with appropriate training.