Counselling, Communities and Social Work
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Our courses
- MA Counselling and Psychotherapy
- MA Conflict, Displacement and Human Security
- MA Refugee Studies
- MSc International Relations
- MSc NGO and Development Management
- MSc Integrative Counselling and Coaching
- Prof Doc Counselling Psychology
- PGDip Integrative Counselling and Coaching
- PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy
About us
Courses in this subject area enable students to explore key issues surrounding Brexit, globalisation, leadership, migration, individual wellbeing, and the future.
Counselling
Our counselling tutors are highly respected across different fields and are engaged in work at a number of levels: from clinical practice, to policy development and working with professional bodies. You'll always be kept up to date with the latest developments in the field. Our lecturers are active researchers and publish textbooks, many of which you will be reading as part of your course.
Social Work
Covering some of the biggest issues facing society today, you'll learn from researchers investigating different areas including the effects of conflict on children and the wellbeing of migrants in London. With this sort of experience, our graduates go on to secure roles at organisations such as British Red Cross and NSPCC. Our social work course has been ranked 3rd in London by the Guardian (2025).
UEL social work programmes are taught by experts in the field. All teaching staff are professionally qualified and registered social workers, and lectures are lively, highly participative and interactive.
The majority of placements are in east London, a diverse and multicultural environment. This provides unique opportunities for our students as you put theory into practice, giving you a wide range of experiences that is valuable to employers.
Global Sustainable Development
Do you want to understand the world around you? Do you wonder why we are in the middle of multiple crises – climate change, corona virus, economic and social inequalities, conflicts? Our courses help you understand the driving forces behind these issues. You will also discover your own personal response to them. Our International Relations course is ranked 6th in the UK and 3rd in London by the Guardian (2025) within the International Relations subject area.
All our courses provides graduates with the research skills and expertise needed to respond to a wide range of employment opportunities in diverse sectors – from helping local and national governments seeking to understand the impact of policy decisions and NGOs looking to inform the public about neglected aspects of society to corporations trying to market their products effectively.
Why choose us
Top ratings
Our social work course has been ranked 3rd in London by the Guardian (2025). Our International Relations course is ranked 6th in the UK and 3rd in London by the Guardian (2025) within the International Relations subject area.
Employment Success
Our graduates go on to secure roles at organisations such as:
- British Red Cross
- NSPCC
Accreditation
Many of our courses are accredited by the relevant industry bodies. Our accreditations include:
- Social Work England
- Tavistock and Portman Trust
- National Youth Agency
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- European Mentoring and Coaching Council
Our recognised accredited courses give our graduates qualifications that are globally recognised.
What we're researching
We're involved in wide range of research through numerous research centres and groups – united by a desire to improve social justice and individual wellbeing. We have embedded our learning and research practice in the rapid changes and complex relations of this urban laboratory.
Careers at UEL
Our dedicated Careers team works closely with employers to provide up-to-date information about the skills and experience they're looking for and will support you during your studies and after you graduate.
At UEL, you'll have access to:
- Employability skills training such as interview techniques and CV writing.
- Career Assessment, giving you the opportunity to learn about yourself and Career Coach will help you to discover career suggestions based on your interests.
- UEL Skills Academy, where external professionals deliver sessions on the competencies most prized by graduate employers.
- Internships, placements and volunteering opportunities from our work placements team.
- Professional mentoring scheme, matching students with staff from major companies.
- Networking opportunities and annual careers fair.
- Support with setting up your own business.
Career coach
Use our online Career Coach to find out the different career paths your chosen subject area can lead you to. Get information on specific careers, job roles, potential wages and available jobs in the sector. Or take a quick quiz to find a career to match your personality type!
Our location
Our location in one of Europe's largest regeneration areas and our extensive links to local employers will also give you access to fantastic internships and placements. From heavy industry to high-tech, health and social care to the arts, there are so many opportunities right on our doorstep.
Our staff
Find out more about our staff by visiting their profile pages.