Psychology and Counselling

Combine your understanding of human behaviour with strong counselling skills. Learn why people behave the way they do. How research helps us to understand human behaviour and the approaches and methods used in counselling practice.

You’ll develop an understanding of human behaviour and combine it with a knowledge of mental health and counselling skills on this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree.

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and the relation between the two. Using contemporary research, we will give you a scientific understanding of mind, brain, behaviour and experience and the complex interactions between them. You’ll explore how we act and interact as individuals and in groups, and the thoughts and feelings that motivate behaviour.

Counselling is about psychological theory with interventions and therapeutic practice. You’ll cover the perspectives of society and healthcare providers, along with the skills to engage appropriately in helping conversations. You’ll need to share personal experiences and support others in sharing theirs. You’ll graduate in a good starting point for people-focused careers like teaching, research, social work, marketing, human resources and more.

Our Psychology and Counselling degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and its core areas follow the curriculum set out by the BPS. This accreditation is essential if you want to become a Chartered Psychologist and means that successful graduates can apply for further professional psychology training.

Learn psychology and counselling skills at the best modern university in Scotland for psychology research. The course has regularly scored over 90% for Overall Student Satisfaction in the National Student Survey for the last five years.

View modules

Teaching is delivered through a variety of lectures, practical laboratory classes, tutorials and independent study. Counselling skills are developed through small group work and reflective practice. Student assessments are mixed to test breadth of skills. Assessments include examinations and class tests, laboratory reports, reflective portfolios, essays, presentations (both oral and posters), research projects, and scientific articles and case studies.