PhD in School Counseling and Wellbeing

PhD in School Counseling and Wellbeing at KUSOED

The PhD in School Counseling and Wellbeing is a doctoral-level program at Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED). Within KUSOED’s current academic structure, the doctoral program is identified as PhD in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing and is offered through the School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit.

The program is situated within an academic area that connects school counselling, psychological wellbeing, contemplative education, and research in educational contexts. It forms part of a wider School Counseling and Wellbeing pathway that also includes one-year and two-year MEd programs and MPhil study.

Course at a Glance

About the Program

The PhD is offered within the School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit at Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED). The unit operates as an autonomous academic unit concerned with education, school counselling, contemplative education, and psychological wellbeing.

KUSOED developed its School Counseling programs in stages. A one-year MEd in School Counseling was launched in August 2023, followed by a two-year MEd in 2024. An MPhil/PhD program in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing was subsequently introduced as the research-oriented part of this academic area.

The doctoral program sits at the advanced research level of this sequence. Its academic context is education rather than a stand-alone clinical or medical program. School settings, educational environments, psychological wellbeing, contemplative practices, and research form the principal framework around the program.

School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit

The School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit brings together academic study and research related to counselling and wellbeing within education.

Its academic direction includes:

• School counselling

• Psychological wellbeing

• Contemplative education

• Mindfulness

• Meditation

• Emotional and psychological support within educational settings

• Research on educational and wellbeing practices

The unit aims to develop academic approaches that connect mindfulness, meditation, and other contemplative practices with curriculum and support systems in educational institutions. It also places research within this work, including examination of contemplative practices and psychological wellbeing in educational contexts.

Academic Pathway

The PhD forms part of a group of School Counseling and Wellbeing programs at KUSOED.

The academic pathway includes:

• One-Year MEd in School Counseling

• Two-Year MEd in School Counseling

• MPhil in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing

• PhD in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing

The presence of programs at master’s, MPhil, and doctoral levels allows school counselling and psychological wellbeing to be studied through both taught and research-oriented pathways.

The PhD should be considered separately from the MEd programs. The one-year and two-year MEd courses have their own taught structures, while the doctoral program belongs to KUSOED’s research-degree portfolio.

Research Orientation

Research is central to the academic purpose of the PhD in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing.

The School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit seeks to build a research environment around contemplative practices, psychological wellbeing, education, and learning. Its academic interests include examining how these areas function within schools and other educational contexts.

Research interests associated with the unit include:

• School counselling

• Psychological wellbeing in educational settings

• Contemplative education

• Mindfulness and meditation in education

• Emotional and psychological support systems

• Educational environments and wellbeing

• Counselling-related educational practice

This research orientation distinguishes the PhD from professional coursework at the MEd level.

Admission

Admission to the doctoral program follows the rules and regulations of Kathmandu University.

KUSOED organizes research-degree admission separately from bachelor, postgraduate diploma, and master’s admissions. Doctoral applicants therefore follow the requirements established for the relevant PhD intake.

Research-degree admission can involve program-specific requirements concerning academic qualifications, research expectations, application procedures, and selection. These conditions apply according to the relevant Kathmandu University and KUSOED doctoral admission process.

Academic Regulations and Degree Award

The PhD operates within Kathmandu University’s academic framework. Admission, academic progression, research requirements, assessment, examination, results, and degree completion are governed by the applicable university rules and regulations.

Candidates must complete the requirements prescribed for the doctoral program before the PhD is awarded through Kathmandu University.

Relationship with MPhil Study

KUSOED also offers MPhil in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing.

The MPhil and PhD belong to the research-oriented part of the School Counselling and Wellbeing academic area, but they are separate qualifications. Applicants should distinguish between their respective admission requirements and research expectations.

Both sit above KUSOED’s one-year and two-year MEd in School Counseling programs within the broader academic pathway.

Academic Context at KUSOED

KUSOED includes school counselling and psychological wellbeing among its current doctoral fields, alongside areas such as Development Education, Language Education, Educational Leadership, STEAM Education, Adult Learning, and Early Childhood Development.

The School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit gives this PhD a specific educational setting. The program addresses counselling and wellbeing through research connected with schools and educational environments rather than treating wellbeing as an isolated area of study.

This orientation may be relevant to candidates whose research interests lie at the intersection of education, counselling, psychological wellbeing, school environments, and contemplative educational practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PhD in School Counseling and Wellbeing at KUSOED?

It is a doctoral program within the School Counselling and Wellbeing academic area at Kathmandu University School of Education. KUSOED currently identifies the program as PhD in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing.

Which academic unit offers the program?

The program is offered through the School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit at KUSOED.

What areas does the program relate to?

Its academic context includes school counselling, psychological wellbeing, contemplative education, mindfulness, meditation, educational support systems, and research within educational settings.

Is the program research-oriented?

Yes. The PhD forms part of the research-oriented academic work of the School Counselling and Wellbeing Unit.

Does KUSOED offer MPhil study in the same field?

Yes. KUSOED offers MPhil in School Counseling and Psychological Wellbeing alongside the PhD.

Are there master’s programs in School Counseling at KUSOED?

Yes. KUSOED offers both one-year and two-year MEd in School Counseling programs.

Which university awards the PhD?

The program operates under Kathmandu University, and the doctoral degree is awarded through Kathmandu University after fulfillment of the applicable academic requirements.

How is admission managed?

Admission follows Kathmandu University rules and the requirements established for the relevant KUSOED research-degree intake.