Kathryn Atkinson, BA, MA, RCC-ACS
Faculty Member
CREDENTIAL
Master’s Degree
DURATION
21-42 months

Important Information – Master of Counselling (BC)
The Master of Counselling (MC) program at City University in Canada prepares compassionate, ethical, and culturally responsive counselling professionals. Offered in Vancouver and Victoria, the program combines rigorous academic coursework, supervised clinical training, and experiential learning to prepare graduates for professional counselling practice.
Designed for aspiring counsellors, career changers, and professionals in helping fields, the program emphasizes clinical competence, ethical practice, cultural humility, and social responsibility. Students develop the knowledge and confidence to support diverse individuals, families, and communities while preparing for meaningful careers in counselling and mental health services.
Why Choose CityU?
Our Approach
At CityU, we believe effective counselling begins with self-awareness, cultural humility, ethical practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The program encourages students to understand the social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence well-being while developing the skills to work respectfully and effectively with diverse individuals and communities.
Take the Next Step
Ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others? Explore the Master of Counselling program and take the next step toward a rewarding career in counselling.
Attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the program, admissions requirements, and career opportunities.
NEXT INFO SESSIONS:
Victoria
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5:30 pm PST
Vancouver
Earn your Master of Counselling degree at CityU in Canada, with programs in Victoria and Vancouver. Approved by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Become a trusted counsellor, advocate, and change-maker. At City University’s Master of Counselling program, we balance rigorous clinical training with a deep commitment to social justice, cultural humility, and ethical practice. Students graduate not only with academic knowledge, but with clinical confidence that is grounded in practice, supervision, and applied learning.
The program is designed for individuals seeking to enter the counselling profession, career-changers, as well as working professionals in the mental health field seeking graduate-level training and credentials.
Still undecided about which is the right program for you?
| Criteria | Master of Education School Counselling | Master of Counselling |
| Credential | Master of Education (MEd) | Master of Counselling (MC) |
| Target Audience | Educators, aspiring School/District Counsellors | Aspiring Clinical counsellors, Therapists, Private Practitioners |
| Program Focus | School and child/adolescent counselling | Professional counselling in diverse settings, addressing mental health across the lifespan |
| Key Courses | Child and adolescent counselling, mental health assessments, ethics, group counselling, research | Multicultural counselling, trauma counselling, couple and family counselling, ethics, research |
| Delivery Format | In-person or online synchronous (select Saturdays + July intensive) | Mixed-Mode (online/in-person), Saturday in-person cohort, or Full-Time weekday in-person stream. |
| Schedule | In-person or online synchronous classes on select Saturdays (oct-June), plus a two-week summer intensive | Part-time (Saturdays and Mixed-Mode) or Full-Time (2 weekdays) |
| Program Length: | 2 to 2.75 years (52 Quarter Credits) | 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time (72 Quarter Credits) |
| Program Start Dates | Fall (October) and Spring (April) | Fall (October: Mixed-Mode & Sat. cohort), Winter (January: Weekday stream) |
| Internship | Required, independently secured | Required, including internship (fieldwork) and practicum courses. Internship is independently secured. |
| Capstone Requirement | Yes – Final project or paper | Yes – Integrative research paper and presentation |
| CityU Accreditation/ Consent | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved by BC Ministry of Advanced Education | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, approved by BC Ministry of Advanced Education |
| Career Pathways | School or district counsellors, child and youth counsellors, private practice | Clinical counsellor, private practice, community mental health |
| Credentialing Eligibility* | RCC, CCC, TQS upgrades | RCC, CCC |
| TQS (Teacher Qualification Service) | Eligible for upgrades | Not applicable (unless student holds teaching certification) |
| *Credentialing Eligibility: Graduates may be eligible for professional designations such as RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor), CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor), and for Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) category upgrades, depending on individual circumstances and regulatory body requirements. | ||
Upon completion, you’re eligible to register as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors) or Canadian Certified Counsellor (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association), empowering you to practice professionally across BC and beyond.
If you’re driven by purpose, committed to growth, and ready to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, City University’s Master of Counselling program is a pathway crafted for you. Flexible, experiential, and rooted in ethical practice—this program supports you every step of the way. Graduates leave prepared to support clients with skill, integrity, and confidence—and go on to work in private practice, community agencies, schools, post-secondary settings, health services, addictions, and trauma-focused programs. Ready to take the next step? Explore the program details and apply to join our next cohort.
At CityU, we prioritize career advancement, accessibility, and flexibility in education! The Master of Counselling program in BC is offered in two formats:
1. Flexible Learning: Designed for working professionals, this part-time option allows you to balance your career and studies. Students can choose between Saturday classes or a Mixed-Mode format, with a Fall start date.
2. Full-Time Day Stream: Perfect for those looking to fast-track their studies, this full-time option requires attendance two weekdays per week from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a Winter start date each year.


Victoria
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 5:30PM PT
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 5:30PM PT
Fall part-time
October 2027 – Applications now open
Winter full-time
January 2027 – Waitlists active. Applications are closed.
January 2028 – Applications open
Are you applying as a domestic or international student?
Once your application form and application fee have been received and processed you will receive an email from our Enrollment Team with instructions on how to submit the supplemental documents. Please allow up to 5 business days for your application form to be processed, and please check your junk folder to ensure you receive the email from your Enrollment Advisor.
You can contact our Enrollment Team at: BCAdmissions@cityu.edu
Once you apply, your Enrollment Advisor will email you the instructions to send your Official Transcripts.
Once your application is complete, you will be invited to participate in an interview with the Program Director and/or members of their Academic Team. This conversation will help us get to know you better and determine your eligibility for acceptance into the program. You will be notified promptly regarding the outcome of your interview, and the status of your application.
Once you’ve been accepted into a program, you’ll need to start planning your courses. You will be notified of your acceptance through your CityU email and your myCityU account.
If you are new to the city checkout your campus page:
If your cumulative undergraduate GPA is below 2.75, you must first demonstrate academic readiness through recent prerequisite courses completed with a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher. This will need to be confirmed by the admissions office before you can submit your MC–BC application.
Please contact the admissions office at BCInquiries@CityU.edu to discuss eligibility before starting your application.
Note: The next available intake for international students is January 2028.
Once your application form and application fee have been received and processed you will receive an email from our Enrolment Team with instructions on how to submit the supplemental documents. Please allow up to 5 business days for your application form to be processed, and please check your junk folder to ensure you receive the email from your Enrolment Advisor.
You can contact our Enrollment Team at: BCAdmissions@cityu.edu
You must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit. If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail. Please send all official documents to:
Registrar’s Office
789 W Pender Street, Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Canada
Official documents may include:
Once your application is complete, you will be invited to participate in an interview with the Program Director and/or members of their Academic Team. This conversation will help us get to know you better and determine your eligibility for acceptance into the program. You will be notified promptly regarding the outcome of your interview, and the status of your application.
If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your CityU email inbox. You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program.
After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your CityU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit. Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Once you’ve been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you’ll need to start planning your courses.
International students enrolled in the Master of Counselling (MC) program at City University in Canada are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) upon successful completion of their studies.
The tuition rates listed here applies to the academic year from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Please note that tuition may change in future years.
We recognize that every student pathway is unique. Tuition for this program is structured based on your student status:
International students (studying in Canada on a study permit)
Domestic students (Canadian citizens and permanent residents)
| Tuition | CAD |
|---|---|
| School of Health Sciences/ Master of Counselling — per Credit | $650 |
| CPC 97 Practicum Completion Course (0 Cr) – Flat rate, first enrollment: zero tuition | $250 |
| Undergrad Prerequisite for Master of Counselling — per Credit | $242 |
| Other Fees | |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Alumni Audit per Course | $450 |
| Challenge Course Fee | $450 |
| Diploma Apostille Fee* | $35 |
| Diploma Authentication Fee* | $20 |
| Diploma Apostille/Authentication Fee* | $55 |
| Diploma Re-Issue Fee | $50 |
| English Language iTep Testing Fee** | $75 |
| Final Degree Audit Application Fee | $100 |
| Late Registration Fee | $100 |
| Official Transcript per Copy – Online PDF*** | $16,40 |
| Official Transcript per Copy – Electronic Exchange*** | $15,90 |
| Official Transcript Fee per copy—Onsite**** | $18 |
| Extended Health Insurance Coverage with Alumo (Oct. 1, 2026– Sept. 30, 2027)***** | $380 |
| Auditing Fees | |
| Unpaid Bill Carrying Cost Fee | 1% |
| Tuition | CAD |
|---|---|
| School of Arts and Sciences Graduate/ Master of Counselling — per Credit | $800 |
| CPC 97 Practicum Completion Course (0 Cr) – Flat rate, first enrollment: zero tuition | $250 |
| Undergrad Prerequisite for Master of Counselling — per Credit | $242 |
| Other Fees | |
| Application Fee | $200 |
| Alumni Audit per Course | $210 |
| Challenge Course Fee | $450 |
| Diploma Apostille Fee* | $35 |
| Diploma Authentication Fee* | $20 |
| Diploma Apostille/Authentication Fee* | $55 |
| Diploma Re-Issue Fee | $50 |
| English Language iTep Testing Fee** | $75 |
| Final Degree Audit Application Fee | $100 |
| Late Registration Fee | $100 |
| Official Transcript per Copy – Online PDF*** | $16,40 |
| Official Transcript per Copy – Electronic Exchange*** | $15,90 |
| Official Transcript Fee per copy—Onsite**** | $18 |
| Extended Health Insurance Coverage with Alumo (Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027)***** | $380 |
| Auditing Fees | |
| Unpaid Bill Carrying Cost Fee | 1% |
CityU in Canada is committed to supporting students through a range of scholarship opportunities. In 2026, students may apply for need-based scholarships and the Investing in Indigenous Scholars Scholarship. We encourage you to explore eligibility and plan for future application cycles.
Find Out About Available Scholarships
We’re committed to supporting you throughout your educational journey. Alongside scholarship opportunities, you’ll find helpful guidance and tips on financial aid in our resources below, tailored to your province of residence.
Explore Financial Aid Guides and Resources
Please note: Government student loan programs are generally not available to international students.
Download our comprehensive Financial aid Pocket Book
Get here our Financial Aid Guide for full-time students
Get here our Financial Aid Guide for part-time students
At CityU, we understand that circumstances can change. The guidelines below explain the conditions under which tuition and fees may be refunded for students who withdraw from courses.
To officially withdraw from a course:
If a withdrawal occurs outside the standard refund schedule due to a personal hardship (e.g., medical, family emergency), a student may submit a refund appeal.
The following table outlines the key dates for the 2026 – 2027 term, including term start dates, refund deadlines (100% and 50%), and end dates.
| Session | Last Day to Officially Withdraw | 100% Refund Due | 50% Refund Due | 0% Refund Due |
| Summer Quarter (July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | August 30 | Through July 12 | July 13 – 26 | July 27 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | July 26 | Through July 6 | July 7 – 12 | July 13 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | September 6 | Through August 17 | August 18 – 23 | August 24 & after |
| 4-Week July | July 24 | Through July 1 | July 2 – 7 | July 8 & after |
| 4-Week August | August 24 | Through August 1 | August 2 – 7 | August 8 & after |
| 4-Week September | September 24 | Through September 1 | September 2-7 | September 8 & after |
| Fall Quarter (October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | November 29 | Through October 11 | October 12 – 25 | October 26 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | November 1 | Through October 5 | October 6 – 11 | October 12 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | December 13 | Through November 16 | November 17 – 22 | November 23 & after |
| 4-Week October | October 24 | Through October 1 | October 2-7 | October 8 & after |
| 4-Week November | November 24 | Through November 1 | November 2-7 | November 8 & after |
| 4-Week December | December 24 | Through December 1 | December 2-7 | December 8 & after |
| Winter Quarter (January 1, 2027 – March 31, 2027) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | March 7 | Through January 17 | January 18 – January 30 | February 1 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | February 7 | Through January 11 | January 12-17 | January 18 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | March 21 | Through February 22 | February 23 – February 28 | March 1 & after |
| 4-Week January | January 24 | Through January 1 | January 2-7 | January 8 & after |
| 4-Week February | February 22 | Through February 1 | February 2-7 | February 8 & after |
| 4-Week March | March 24 | Through March 1 | March 2-7 | March 8 & after |
| Spring Quarter (April 2, 2027 – June 30, 2027) | ||||
| 10-Week Session | May 30 | Through April 11 | April 12 – 25 | April 26 & after |
| 5-Week I Session | May 2 | Through April 5 | April 6 – 11 | April 12 & after |
| 5-Week II Session | June 13 | Through May 17 | May 18 – 23 | May 24 & after |
| 4-Week April | April 24 | Through April 1 | April 2-7 | April 8 & after |
| 4-Week May | May 24 | Through May 1 | May 2-7 | May 8 & after |
| 4-Week June | June 24 | Through June 1 | June 2-7 | June 8 & after |
Dates DO NOT correspond to individual courses that fall into a session.
If you wish to qualify as a counsellor or therapist and seek registration with the B.C.A.C.C. our Master of Counselling program is designed for you. The courses will address: fundamental skills; diversity and cultural psychology; ethics and law; grief and loss; family systems; research; human development; sexuality, psychopathology and psychopharmacology; testing and assessment; psychotherapy theory; group counselling; psychological trauma; and addictions. Advanced courses apply this knowledge to couples counselling, thesis research, the psychology of aging, working with youth, and Practicum experience. Through internships, you will gain practical experience in your area of interest while you network with other professionals in the local community social service systems.
Click here for a complete description of the courses.
| CPC 501 | Introduction To Counselling Psychology Practice | 5 cr |
| CPC 502 | Systemic Theory: Diversity and Cultural Psychology | 3 cr |
| CPC 510 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 cr |
| CPC 511 | Psychology of Loss and Grief | 3 cr |
| CPC 512 | Family Systems Therapy | 5 cr |
| CPC 513 | Brief Therapy Models | 3 cr |
| CPC 514 | Research Methods and Statistics | 3 cr |
| CPC 522 | Psychology of Trauma and Interpersonal Violence | 3 cr |
| CPC 523 | Psychology of Sexuality and Human Development | 3 cr |
| CPC 524 | Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology | 5 cr |
| CPC 525 | Testing and Assessment | 3 cr |
| CPC 526 | Counselling Psychology Theory | 5 cr |
| CPC 527 | Group Counselling Psychology | 3 cr |
| CPC 529 | Psychology of Addictions | 3 cr |
| CPC 550 | Comprehensive Exam | 0 cr |
| Total Core Courses | 50 cr |
| CPC 600 | Child and Adolescent Counselling | 3 cr |
| CPC 604 | Psychology of Aging | 3 cr |
| CPC 606 | Couples Counselling | 3 cr |
| CPC 610 | Introduction to Clinical Supervision | 3 cr |
| CPC 680 | Counselling Research Capstone | 4 cr |
| Total Additional Required Courses | 16 cr |
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Associate Faculty Master of Counselling Vancouver Program
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Stay on Track with Your Studies
Find the support you need to succeed. Access resources for academic planning, accessibility and accommodations, health and wellness, technology support, student policies, and other services available to all CityU students.
Learn More: Resources for All Students
Stay on track with your program by accessing the academic calendar for your campus and delivery pathway. Calendars include course sequencing, term dates, scheduled breaks, and other important planning information to support your academic success.
Vancouver Students
Fall 2026 – Summer 2027
Annual Calendar 2026-2027 – Vancouver Full-Time
Annual Calendar 2026-2027 – Vancouver Mixed Mode
Annual Calendar 2026-2027 – Vancouver Saturday
Victoria Students
Annual Calendar 2025-2026 Mixed Mode Saturday Victoria
Annual Calendar 2026-2027 Mixed Mode + Saturday + Friday Victoria
CityU is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment. In addition to academic services, students have access to resources that promote accessibility, well-being, and academic success. Explore the services below to learn more about the supports available throughout your educational journey.
Featured Student Resources
For additional resources and student support services, visit the Resources for All Students page or contact Student Services for assistance.
CityU is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment where all students could succeed. Accessibility and accommodation services are available to support students with documented disabilities, medical conditions, mental health concerns, and other accommodation needs. Our team works collaboratively with students to identify appropriate accommodation and remove barriers to learning while maintaining academic integrity and program requirements.
Students are encouraged to connect with Student Services early to discuss available support, accommodation processes, and resources designed to promote academic success and equitable access to their educational experience.
Learn More: CityU Student Accommodations Office
Contacts:
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Resources:
Students are encouraged to reach out to Student Services to learn more about available wellness resources and receive guidance on accessing the supports and services that can help them thrive both academically and personally.
Understanding university policies and procedures is an important part of academic success. CityU’s Policies & Procedures provide students with information about academic expectations, student rights and responsibilities, institutional practices, and key processes that support a fair, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies throughout their studies and to contact Student Services if they have questions or require clarification
We’re Here to Support Your Success
At CityU, student success is a shared commitment. Whether you are planning your courses, accessing academic and wellness resources, reviewing policies, or seeking additional support, our team is here to help you navigate your educational journey with confidence.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Student Services. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Find out about your program and learn about upcoming events.
Are you ready to transform your life?
Our advisors are ready to help you at any time of your process.
Master of Counselling, Vancouver
789 W Pender Street
Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Ph: 604.689.2489 or 1.800.663.7466
vancouverbc@cityu.edu
Master of Counselling, Victoria
Vancouver Island Technology Park
Suite 2307 – 4464 Markham St, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8
Ph: 250.391.7444 or 1.800.663.7466
vanisle@cityu.edu
General Inquiries
789 W Pender Street
Suite 310
Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
Ph: 604.689.2489 or 1.800.663.7466
vancouverbc@cityu.edu