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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

A postgraduate masters programme preparing students with the knowledge, practical skills and professional discipline required in Arts in Counseling Psychology.

Masters

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

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01

Programme Overview

This programme is generally intended for qualified Bachelors and Postgraduate diploma holders who have equivalent educational recognized qualifications and wish to gain qualifications and upgrade their expertise. The program is also intended for those who wish to become counseling psychologists, school psychologists, Adolescent and Youth counselors; Marriage and Family therapists; Child therapists and/or those who wish to handle emotional and mental health issues in various clinical settings. The M.A Counseling Psychology program shall be delivered on face-to-face mode; however, there shall also be internships in the designated sites as approved by the University Senate, these internships will be supervised by experts from the Department of Counselors Education and Applied Counseling Psychology.  A minimum of 42 credit hours are required for graduation with a Masters Counseling Psychology Degree, OR and a minimum GPA of 3.00.   The M.A Counseling Psychology shall extend for a minimum of TWENTY-FOUR MONTH (24) months and maximum of FORTY-EIGHT (48) months for face-to-face. The candidates applying for this programme shall be required to choose one of the following modes of study:- Full time (FT)- Part time (Weekend/evenings)

Applied learningConnect classroom knowledge with practical tasks, projects and supervised learning experiences.
Professional formationBuild communication, ethics, teamwork and discipline-specific judgement.
Research awarenessUse evidence, inquiry and analytical thinking to understand problems and propose solutions.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study, entrepreneurship and service in relevant professional settings.
02

What You Will Learn

By the end of the programme, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, practical skills and professional conduct required for effective work in Arts in Counseling Psychology.

Disciplinary knowledgeBuild a strong foundation in the core concepts and methods of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
Applied problem-solvingUse knowledge to analyse situations, make decisions and propose practical solutions.
CommunicationPresent ideas clearly in written, oral and digital formats.
Research and inquiryUse evidence, data and critical thinking to support decisions.
Professional practiceDevelop ethical, responsible and collaborative work habits.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study and service in relevant sectors.
03

Course Structure and Learning Experience

The learning experience is organised to move students from foundational knowledge into applied, supervised and professionally oriented practice.

01

Foundation stage

Students build the conceptual base needed for progression in Arts in Counseling Psychology.

02

Core discipline stage

The programme deepens knowledge through core courses and guided academic work.

03

Applied learning stage

Students connect theory to practical cases, projects or field-related tasks.

04

Research and analysis

The curriculum develops inquiry, evidence use and analytical capability.

05

Professional preparation

Students consolidate learning for employment, entrepreneurship, service or further study.

04

Course Content

38 courses 125 credit units

Academic Year 1

13 courses | 39 units
Semester 1
21 units
ICT7101 ICT Skills
3 units | Core
MCP7111 Theories of counseling
3 units | Core
MCP7112 Psychology of adjustment and interspersonal relations
3 units | Core
MCP7113 Assessment and testing
3 units | Core
MCP7114 Counseling practicum
3 units | Core
UCC 7100 Research methods
3 units | Core
UCC7101 Scholarly writing and publication skills
3 units | Core
Semester 2
18 units
MCP7121 Developmental psychology
3 units | Core
MCP7122 Biology of behavior
3 units | Core
MCP7123 Social psychology
3 units | Core
MCP7124 Professional issues in counseling
3 units | Core
MCP7125 Counseling and interviewing skills/techniques
3 units | Core
UCC7201 Statistical methods in research
3 units | Core

Academic Year 2

25 courses | 86 units
Semester 1
68 units
HIV7301 History of HIV/AIDS/STIs (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
HIV7302 HIV Testing and counseling (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
HIV7303 HIV/AIDS Policies and practices (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
HIV7304 HIV/AIDS Management strategies (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
HIV7305 Psychological aspects of HIV/AIDS (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
HIV7306 HIV/AIDS Treatment and adherence (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPAYC7211 Theories of adolescence
3 units | Core
MCPAYC7212 Parenting the adolescents
3 units | Core
MCPAYC7213 Adolescence and behavioral problems
3 units | Core
MCPAYC7214 Adolescents in the family, school and at work
3 units | Core
MCPAYC7215 Adolescence and youth sexuality
3 units | Core
MCPAYC7216 Counseling the adolescents and youths
3 units | Core
MCPEDP 7215 Adolescent substance use and behavirol addictions (school counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPEDP 7216 Foundations of special education (school counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPEDP7211 Educational psychology (school counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPEDP7212 Principles and theories of learning (school counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPEDP7213 Child and adolescent psychotherapy (school counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPEDP7214 Career development counseling (school counseling)
3 units | Core
MCPMFT 7213 Marital, family & individual psychotherapy (marriage & family therapy)
3 units | Core
MCPMFT 7214 Dynamics of family relationships (marriage & family therapy)
3 units | Core
MCPMFT 7216 Legal, ethical and professional issues in counselling (marriage & family therapy)
3 units | Core
MCPMFT7211 Theories of marital and family therapy (marriage & family therapy)
3 units | Core
MCPMFT7212 Addictions and violence in families (marriage & family therapy)
2 units | Core
Semester 2
18 units
MCP7221 Counseling internship (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
3 units | Core
UCC7000 Thesis (HIV/AIDS Counseling)
15 units | Core
05

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission in this programme, a candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in any area of psychology from a recognized university, notably;

  • BA Psychology
  • BA Community Psychology
  • BS Clinical Psychology
  • Other related areas.

In addition, the following may be admitted to the program

  1. Holders of relevant social sciences degrees in related subjects from Kampala International University or any other recognized institutions will be eligible for admission to the degree course.
  2. Holders of a postgraduate diploma in a related field.
  3. Holders of any other qualification accepted by the University Senate in consultation with the National Council for Higher Education.
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Fees and Application Guidance

Tuition, functional fees and any programme-specific charges are confirmed by KIU Admissions and Finance for each intake. Applicants should review the current fee schedule before submitting an application.