Psychology with Counselling Studies

Psychology is the study of human minds, behaviours, experiences and relationships. Real-world experience is at the heart of your learning and you’ll learn how psychological knowledge is applied to real-world personal and social issues.

Exploring the two complementary and exciting disciplines of psychology and counselling will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand how people think, how they behave and how they can be helped to make changes.

You will examine how counsellors and psychologists use theories and evidence to contribute to understanding of mental health and distress and how we develop and interact with others.

You will engage with psychological theory, research and its applications, and focus on how counselling is used to help create change in people. As you progress you will deepen your understanding of the personal and social relevance of this lively and contested field of study.

As well as covering the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) recommended curriculum, we also offer opportunities to take a voluntary work placement in the local community as part of your course.

Graduates who achieve the required standard are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. This is the first step in becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Year 1
Introduction to Applied Psychology
Developmental Psychology
The Psychology of Wellbeing
Psychology and Society
Psychology Investigations – Practical Applications
Psychological Investigations – Foundations

Year 2
Psychological Investigation: Becoming an Independent Researcher
Counselling and Psychotherapy: Key Theoretical Foundations
Brain, Body and Cognition
Psychology, Mental Health and Distress
Social Psychology and Individual Differences

Options*
Forensic Security
Psychology Beyond the Barriers
Community Engagement
Innovative Research Methods and Analysis
Childhood, Psychology and Society

Optional Placement Year

Final year
Psychology Dissertation (the psychology dissertation must be taken and passed to be eligible for graduate basis of chartered membership of the BPS)
Counselling Skills and the Therapeutic Relationship
Counselling Practice and Dilemmas: Case Studies

Options*
Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Children
Community Wellbeing and Social Justice
Forensic Psychology
Ecopsychology and Ecotherapy
Critical Addiction Studies
Sexualities
Psychology of Poverty
Power in the Psy Disciplines

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.