MSc Animal Assisted Counselling and Psychotherapy

The MSc Animal Assisted Counselling and Psychotherapy at Hartpury University is a specialist postgraduate programme designed for qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals seeking to integrate Animal Assisted Services (AAS) into their professional practice.



The programme explores the relationship between humans, animals, and mental wellbeing through a One Health and One Welfare approach. Students develop advanced theoretical knowledge, ethical understanding, practical skills, and professional competencies required to safely and effectively incorporate animals into counselling and psychotherapy settings.



The course emphasizes animal welfare, ethical practice, professional responsibility, animal behaviour assessment, training, client suitability assessment, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Students learn from experienced practitioners and gain practical exposure through observation, mentoring, and hands-on learning opportunities.



Graduates are equipped to enhance existing mental health practices through Animal Assisted Services while ensuring the wellbeing of both clients and animals.




Key Modules



Compulsory Modules





  • Companion & Working Animal Regulations




  • Animal Training, Behaviour and Assessment




  • Animal Assisted Counselling and Psychotherapy in Practice




  • Integrating Humans, Animals and the Environment into Counselling




  • The Research Process





MSc Only





  • Postgraduate Dissertation






Career Opportunities



Graduates may pursue careers such as:





  • Animal Assisted Therapist




  • Animal Assisted Counsellor




  • Animal Assisted Psychotherapist




  • Clinical Psychologist with Animal Assisted Practice




  • Mental Health Practitioner




  • Therapeutic Programme Coordinator




  • Animal Assisted Intervention Consultant




  • Wellbeing Practitioner




  • Private Practice Counsellor




  • Animal Assisted Services Specialist






Graduate Destinations





  • Private Counselling Practices




  • Mental Health Clinics




  • Psychotherapy Services




  • Educational Settings




  • Community Wellbeing Organisations




  • Rehabilitation Services




  • Therapeutic Animal Programmes




  • Healthcare Organisations




  • Charitable Organisations




  • Further Doctoral Research




Program Requirements
  • Academic Requirement:

    Applicants must meet one of the following:

    • Minimum 2:2 Honours Degree in a related subject, AND

    • BPS Accredited Clinical Psychologist, OR

    • Qualified Mental Health Counsellor, OR

    • BACP Level 5 Counselling Qualification, OR

    • Psychotherapy Qualification with at least 1 year of professional experience, OR

    • Equivalent international professional qualifications.

  • ELP Requirement:

    IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall

    • Equivalent English language qualifications accepted.

  • Special Requirement: Applicants must already be qualified mental health practitioners. Suitable for: Counsellors Psychotherapists Clinical Psychologists Mental Health Professionals Interest in Animal Assisted Services (AAS) required. Students will participate in practical animal handling, assessment, observation, welfare monitoring, and training activities. Focus on ethical and evidence-based use of animals in therapeutic environments.
Key Facts
  • CAS Deposit: 50% on First year tuition fee
  • Annual Tuition Fee: £20,625
  • Course Duration: 2 Years (Flexible Study Options Available)
  • Credentials: Master's Degree (msc)
  • Intakes: September 2026
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