Psychosocial Counselling (MA)

Enrolment Conditions

Enrolment in the 1st Year

You may enrol in the first year of the Master’s Study Programme Psychosocial Counselling (MA) if:

you have completed a first-cycle study programme in a relevant professional field amounting to at least 180 ECTS credits, in accordance with the first indent of Article 38.a of the Higher Education Act (Bologna system).
- Relevant fields include graduates classified under 0313 according to the KLASIUS-P-16 classification*. The undergraduate degree may have been obtained in Slovenia or abroad.
you have completed an appropriate higher professional study programme in a relevant professional field adopted before 11 June 2004 (pre-Bologna system).
- Relevant fields include graduates classified under 0313 according to KLASIUS-P-16*. The undergraduate degree may have been obtained in Slovenia or abroad.

if you have completed an undergraduate programme classified under:

092 Social Security
003 Personal Skills and Personal Development
1014 Sport
0114 Teacher Education with Subject Specialisation (programmes in sport or physical education)
you must complete the following additional study obligations: Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling and Psychopathology.

if you have completed an undergraduate programme classified under:

031 Social Sciences and Behavioural Sciences (excluding 0313 Psychology and 0311 Economics),
you must complete the following additional study obligations: Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling, Psychopathology, and Developmental Psychology.

if you have completed an undergraduate programme classified under:

01 Educational Sciences and Teacher Education (excluding 0114 Teacher Education with Subject Specialisation – sport/physical education),
you must complete the following additional study obligations: Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling, Psychopathology, and Sociology of Social Policy.

if you have completed an undergraduate programme classified under:

090 Health and Social Security (not further specified)
091 Health
098 Interdisciplinary Activities/Outcomes, mostly Health and Social Security
099 Health and Social Security, other
you must complete the following additional study obligations: Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling, General Psychology 2, Sociology of Social Policy, and Developmental Psychology.

if you have completed any other undergraduate programme not listed above, you must complete the following additional study obligations:

Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling, General Psychology 1, Sociology of Social Policy, Psychopathology, and Developmental Psychology.

Candidates who have completed equivalent study programmes in other professional fields may enrol if they complete additional study obligations in accordance with the second indent of Article 38.a of the Higher Education Act, as specified below.

Completed undergraduate study programme or wider area as per KLASIUS –P-16 classification	Additional study obligations	Number of credit points of additional study obligations
092 – SOCIAL SECURITY, 003-PERSONAL SKILLS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, 1014 SPORT, 0114 EDUCATION OF TEACHERS WITH SUBJECT SPECIALIZATION (study programs in the field of sports or sports education)	Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling Psychopathology	6+9=15
031 – SOCIAL SCIENCES AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES (except 0313 – psychology, 0311-economy)	Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling Psychopathology Developmental Psychology	6+9+6=21
01 – EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES AND TEACHER EDUCATION (excluding 0114 – teacher education with subject specialization – study programs in the field of sports or physical education)	Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling Psychopathology Sociology of Social Policy	6+9+6=21
090 – Health care and social security, undefined 091 – Health care 098 – Interdisciplinary educational activities/outcomes, mostly health care and social security 099 – Health care and social security, other	Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural CounsellingGeneral Psychology 2 Sociology of Social Policy Developmental Psychology	6+7+6+5=24
Other	Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Counselling General Psychology 1 Sociology of Social Policy Psychopathology Developmental Psychology	6+6+6+9+6=33

A candidate applying for enrolment in the 1st year of the Master’s Study Programme Psychosocial Counselling (MA) who has completed part of the first-cycle Study Programme Psychosocial Support (BAA), specifically the segment titled “Psychotherapeutic Propedeutics,” or an equivalent study programme or part of a programme, may enrol in the 1st year without completing additional study obligations (differential exams).

Enrolment in the 2nd Year (Transfer Criteria)

Transfer to the 2nd Year

In accordance with the (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 14/19) and the Transfer Criteria adopted by the Senate of SASS on 30 September 2019, transfers are possible between study programmes:

that ensure the attainment of comparable competencies and learning outcomes upon completion, and
for which at least half of the obligations (ECTS credits) from the first study programme, relating to the compulsory courses of the second programme, can be recognised in accordance with the rules on the recognition of prior learning.

Direct Enrolment into the 2nd Year is possible for:

graduates of university study programmes (pre-Bologna) in relevant professional fields. In accordance with Article 49 of the Act Amending the Higher Education Act (Official Gazette No. 63/04), 60 ECTS are generally recognised
graduates of second-cycle (Bologna) study programmes in relevant professional fields
candidates transferring from other master’s study programmes in relevant professional fields, based on recognised exams previously completed within other (Bologna) study programmes of the same level

Relevant professional field: 0313 Psychology according to the KLASIUS-P-16 classification.For the study programme Psychosocial Counselling in Sport, the following fields are also considered relevant: 1014 Sport and 0114 Teacher Education with Subject Specialisation (study programmes in sport or physical education).

Candidates who have completed an equivalent education abroad also meet the conditions for enrolment.

Candidates who enrol directly in the second year of the Psychosocial Counseling study programme must complete the following study obligations from the first year: Fundamentals of Psychosocial Counselling (9 ECTS), Training of Psychosocial Counseling (8 ECTS), Structure and Procedures of Counselling Process (6 ECTS), and Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Approach (6 ECTS) for a total of 29 ECTS.

Candidates who enrol directly in the second year of the Psychosocial Counseling in Sport study programme must complete the following study obligations from the first year: Fundamentals of Psychosocial Counselling (9 ECTS), Training of Psychosocial Counseling (8 ECTS), Basics of Sports Psychology (6 ECTS), and Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioral Approach (6 ECTS) for a total of 29 ECTS.

Limited Enrolment

The faculty may introduce limited enrolment if the number of applications exceeds the number of available places. In the case of limited enrolment, candidates will be selected based on their undergraduate grade point average (GPA).

Language Proficiency in Slovenian and English

For all international students enrolled in this study programme, a B2 level of Slovenian or English is strongly recommended at the start of their studies. Students are expected to continue improving their Slovenian/English language skills throughout the programme.

Differential exams are subject to an additional fee (see the Price List) and must be paid before applying for the exam. All differential exams must be completed prior to enrolment.

Enrolment Instructions

Information regarding enrolment and application deadlines for the next academic year is available here.

Tuition Fee

Payment options allow for a single payment or installment payment (up to 5 installments) with the following due dates: upon enrolment, no later than 30 November, 31 January, 31 March, and 31 May of the current academic year.
For installment payments, an administrative fee of 30.00 EUR is charged for each installment.

Details regarding study costs are available in the Price list.

Course Structure and Schedule

The programme is delivered as a part-time study. The organisation of the part-time study process is specifically adapted to the needs of students who are employed or have other commitments. For the delivery of contact hours, the faculty also uses various modern information and communication technologies (such as the online classroom).

The study takes place at two locations:

Nova Gorica, at the headquarters of the faculty (Gregorčičeva ulica 19)
Ljubljana, at the branch unit (Leskoškova 9e)

Lectures and seminars are generally held two to three times per week (Mon–Fri) in the afternoon between 16:00 and 20:00, with some exceptions. Other contact hours are delivered via ICT tools. If the volume of lectures and seminars cannot be completed during weekdays, some sessions may exceptionally take place on Saturdays.

For students who cannot attend certain scheduled sessions, the faculty offers the Study+ Support package, which provides additional flexibility in following the study programme.

* In exceptional circumstances (public health measures, illness, etc.), we reserve the right to make minor adjustments.
** If the number of newly enrolled students at a part-time study location is below the threshold specified in the call for enrolment, the faculty may decide to conduct the programme in the form of consultations only or not to deliver the programme at that location.
*** A list of courses for which mandatory physical attendance is required despite the purchase of the Study+ Support package is available by contacting: urniki@fuds.si.

Study for International Students

International students are offered the possibility to study in English.

International students attend lectures and seminars in English in those courses where an English-language delivery is provided alongside the Slovenian version.
For other courses, individual or group consultations in English are organised, provided that at least one international student is enrolled in the course. In some courses, attendance at additional lecture or seminar sessions may be required; students are informed of this in advance via the timetable.

At the beginning of the academic year, students complete a survey regarding their interest in English-language consultations. If they select this option, regular attendance is expected.

Students who use the Study+ Support package have access to recordings of consultations, provided that at least one student attended the session.

Study+ Support Package

By purchasing the Study+ Support package, you you secure maximum flexibility and a premium study experience tailored to your lifestyle. In addition to comprehensive faculty support, you gain access to the following enhanced services designed to help you achieve your academic goals:

Live participation in most lectures and seminars via Zoom. Be present and actively involved, wherever you are.
Year-round access to recordings of most lectures and seminars. Enjoy continuous access to a wide range of recorded lectures and seminars. Your personal knowledge base remains available for revision and consolidation until the end of the autumn examination period.
Responsive administrative and technical support. To ensure faster and more efficient handling of your study-related matters, we remove administrative and technical obstacles that could slow you down. Through the Student Affairs Office at a click and Technical SOS services, we provide a responsive study infrastructure that moves at your pace, with immediate access to solutions via the centralised Study+ Info Hub.
20% discount on professional training programmes. Benefit from a 20% discount on professional development courses focused on soft skills and actively strengthen your digital agility. The competencies you gain will further enhance your CV and increase your competitiveness in the labour market.

The Study+ Support package can be ordered upon enrolment or at any time during the academic year via the Web Office. Package pricing for the academic year is available on our Price List page. Study with the Study+ Support package will be available from the 2026/27 academic year onwards.

A list of courses that require mandatory physical attendance despite the purchase of the Study+ Support package can be obtained by emailing urniki@fuds.si.

Curriculum

The Psychosocial Counselling programme is structured so that each academic year comprises 60 ECTS credits. The programme lasts two years, and students must complete a total of 120 ECTS credits.

First Year

Course	ECTS
Fundamentals of Psychosocial Counselling	9
Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Behavioral Approach	6
Modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	4
Structure and Procedures of Psychosocial Counselling	6
Training of Psychosocial Counselling	8
Leading Participation and Help in Community	3
Behavioural Science, Salutology and Psychosomatics	6
Qualitative Research in Social Sciences	6
Quantitative Research in Psychosocial Counselling	6
Elective Course 1	6
TOGETHER	60

Second Year

Course	ECTS
Counselling of Specific Mental Health Issues	5
Methods of Cognitive Behavioral Approach in Psychosocial Counselling	5
Practicum: Psychosocial Counselling with Intervision and Supervision	17
Socio-Legal Aspects of Social Security Systems	6
Master’s seminar	3
Elective Course 1	6
Master’s Thesis	18
TOGETHER	60

Elective Courses

Course	ECTS
Theory of Addiction and Addiction Treatment	6
Psychotraumatology	6
Systematic Approach to Families with Children with Special Needs	6
Psychosocial Counselling and Violence	6
Psychosocial Counselling and Spirituality	6
Family Law	6
Learning and Transfer of Generic Knowledge	6
Current Topics in Psychosocial Counselling	6
Somatic Techniques in Counselling	6
Leadership and Management of Social Enterprise	6
Communication and Social Reality	6
Marketing Communication	6
Legal and Organizational Aspects of Work in the Field of Psychosocial Counselling	6

Legend: ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) — credit points

In the current academic year, the faculty offers a selection of elective courses from the full catalogue. The list of elective courses offered in the current academic year is available at urniki@fuds.si.

Students may also complete elective courses within other comparable study programmes at SASS or at other higher education institutions. The procedure is defined in the Rules on Verification and Assessment of Student Knowledge, which is available on the Regulations page.

The (new) curriculum (adopted at the Senate meeting on 14 November 2019) includes all programme changes and applies to all students. In addition, updates to certain course syllabi were adopted by the SASS Senate on 10 September 2021 and 15 February 2023; all current course syllabi are published on the website. Note: The previous curriculum is no longer implemented. Older content is available in the Archive of Previous Study Programmes.

Practical Training

Practical training (internship) plays an important role in the Psychosocial Counselling master’s programme due to its applied and practice-oriented nature. SASS organises work-based or professional practical training (internship) for students enrolled in this programme. Students will encounter practical challenges through both organised and individual work.

Practical training within the postgraduate programme Psychosocial Counselling will take place in various forms: personal experience (individual), supervision (group), practice in psychiatric and other institutions, practice with psychotherapists of the selected psychotherapeutic approach, and independent counselling work with clients under supervision within the chosen psychotherapeutic approach.

Check our Partner Organisations for Internships at the link.

Assessment of Knowledge

The assessment system is designed to encourage continuous work, active learning, and steady student progress. Various forms of assessment are used, including mid-term tests, written and oral exams, seminar papers, projects, portfolios, and reports on practical training.

The methods of assessment are defined in the course syllabi, which are published on the website.

Students may apply for recognition of previously completed exams or other obligations if they are comparable in content to the requirements of the programme. More information on the Recognition of exams.

Progression Through Study Years

To progress to the next study year, a student must complete at least 45 ECTS from the previous year when advancing from the first to the second year. To progress from the second to the third year, the student must have completed all obligations from the first year and at least 45 ECTS from the second year. If differential exams are prescribed, they must be completed before progression.

In exceptional cases—such as illness, parenthood, or officially granted special status—a conditional enrolment into the next study year is possible. The decision is made by the Dean, based on the proposal of the Student and Academic Affairs Commission.

Termination of student status: Student status is terminated in the cases defined by the Higher Education Act and the Statute of SASS.

Additional Year (“Absolventski Staž”): After completing the final semester, a student who has not yet graduated may exercise the right to an additional year (“absolventski staž”). This is possible only immediately after the completion of the final semester, and only if the student has not repeated a year or changed the study programme or study track. If the student has repeated a year or changed the programme, their student status ends immediately after the completion of the final semester.

Requirements for Completing the Study Programme

To complete the programme, a student must fulfil all study obligations prescribed by the curriculum, amounting to 120 ECTS credits.

A student who, according to the above-mentioned SASS transfer criteria, is eligible to enrol directly into the second year of the Master’s programme Psychosocial Counselling must complete all prescribed differential exams, the required first-year courses totalling 29 ECTS, and the regular study obligations of the second year totalling at least 60 ECTS.

The programme is completed with the preparation and oral defence of the Master’s thesis.

General Competences

Within the Master’s programme Psychosocial Counselling, students will acquire the following general and subject-specific competences:

General Competences:

ability to apply knowledge in practice and to solve problems in original, creative ways in new or unfamiliar contexts
ability for in-depth critical analysis, synthesis, and anticipation of solutions and consequences
mastery of research methods, procedures, and processes, and the development of critical and self-critical judgement
autonomy in professional work
development of communication abilities and skills, and the ability to manage (collaborate, coordinate, lead, co-create) communication in an international environment, including with experts from other fields
ethical reflection and commitment to professional ethics, and the assumption of personal and social responsibility related to the application of acquired knowledge
cooperativeness and the ability to work in a team (including in an international environment)
ability to use sources and cite them appropriately
ability to integrate knowledge and manage the complexity encountered in professional work
ability to clearly communicate conclusions and knowledge to both professional and general audiences

Subject-Specific Competences:

in-depth and detailed understanding of the theoretical and clinical principles of the selected counselling approach and its relationship to general counselling principles
advanced general understanding of other major counselling approaches
ability to understand, evaluate, and independently use research methods relevant to all counselling approaches, as well as a critical stance toward “objective” research within humanistic models
ability to formulate and apply a model of psychosocial support in accordance with the selected counselling approach
ability to develop hypotheses and generate creative, generative responses to clinical situations, as well as analyse psychosocial interventions
ability to work effectively with a group and/or as co-counsellors, reflect on the effectiveness of group work, and improve it based on reflective outcomes
advanced ability to use critical reflection and continuous supervision to evaluate and enhance both one’s own work with clients and the work of others
ability to adopt an in-depth critical stance toward the selected counselling approach, assess its limitations, and compare it with other alternative approaches
ability to further develop critical evaluation of the implications of issues related to culture, race, gender, and sexual orientation
ability to research, reflect on, and regulate one’s personal involvement in psychosocial support processes that one co-creates and leads
ability to autonomously use learning resources, demonstrating skills in managing and integrating information
ability to document and critically present one’s counselling work to both professional and general audiences for discussion and mutual learning
ability to document and analyse supervision outcomes and apply them in further psychosocial work
ability to co-create solutions to psychosocial problems and respond creatively to complex, unpredictable, and unique situations
ability to successfully anticipate and manage the consequences of implemented solutions
ability to learn independently in the context of ongoing professional development
ability to synthesise one’s own integration of theory, counselling practice, and personal growth experiences
ability to work collaboratively in teams with client systems as well as with professionals (including experts from other disciplines)
ability to work autonomously in professional practice
awareness and demonstration of ethical and professional responsibility in the role of psychosocial counsellor, including the ability to manage ethical implications and dilemmas related to specific counselling approaches
ability to gain insight into existential issues and crises of meaning
knowledge of the field of marketing and understanding of media phenomena and their connection with the structure and development of societies
ability to reflect on and consider the context and boundaries of the psychotherapeutic situation (including relevant legislation), and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in the psychotherapeutic approach
ability to co-create a counselling relationship, carry out an appropriate counselling intervention, and competently manage the conclusion of the counselling process
ability to use critical reflection and supervision to evaluate one’s own learning based on participatory observation of counselling work with clients, as well as the work of other experts involved in the problem-solving process

Psychosocial Counselling (MA)

Are you interested in becoming someone who knows how to listen and guide others through life’s challenges? Would you like to develop professional knowledge and emotional intelligence that enable you to help people in a deeper and more sustainable way?

Success Stories of Our Graduates

What do you gain by studying Psychosocial Counselling (MA)?

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Student Testimonials

Enrolment Conditions

Enrolment in the 1st Year

Enrolment in the 2nd Year (Transfer Criteria)

Transfer to the 2nd Year

Limited Enrolment

Language Proficiency in Slovenian and English

Enrolment Instructions

Tuition Fee

Course Structure and Schedule

Study for International Students

Study+ Support Package

Curriculum

First Year

Second Year

Elective Courses

Practical Training

Assessment of Knowledge

Progression Through Study Years

Requirements for Completing the Study Programme

General Competences

Study+ Support Package

FAQ

What is the Master’s programme in Psychosocial Counselling and who is it for?

What title do I obtain after completing the programme, and what does it enable me to do?

What knowledge and competences do I develop during the programme?

Does the programme include practical training?

What is the cognitive-behavioural approach and why is it important?

How is the programme organised and where does it take place?

Can I work independently after completing the programme?

Does the programme allow me to take the professional examination in the field of social care?

What are the employment opportunities after completing the programme?

Can I continue my studies at the doctoral level?

Other Programmes

Psihosocialno svetovanje v športu (MAG)

Psychosocial Support (BAA)

Psihoterapevtska propedevtika