Psychology with Counselling with foundation year

Explore the human mind and apply counselling theories and techniques to build towards impactful and diverse career opportunities, as well as personal growth.

Please note that the foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from our Coventry University campus.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Unlock your potential to excel in the field of mental health and wellbeing, while developing highly sought-after research and critical thinking skills valued across a wide range of professions.

• Dedicated pathway: learn more about the core areas of psychology. Delve into specialist modules on mental health, wellbeing and the application of counselling skills.

• Real-world learning: explore the practical applications of psychology and counselling in real-world scenarios such as managing workplace stress, while considering diverse cultures and global contexts.

• Key skills: develop valuable and transferable skills like empathy and active listening. Gain a deep understanding of core psychology and counselling techniques and learn how to apply and adapt them across different scenarios and contexts. You'll also explore contemporary approaches to counselling, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Why you should study this course

• Professional accreditation: successfully completing this course to the required standard of accreditation means you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is necessary for further postgraduate study in psychology (including professional doctorates). See accreditation section for more details.

• Psychology in action: through problem-based learning, actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

• Equipped for the future: this course is your first step towards a career in professional psychology practice. The course content has been designed to prepare you for further study in professional psychological practice (clinical, counselling, forensics, education and sport) and equip you with the core counselling skills you need to enter further training to work in the field of mental health.

• Career-focused assessment: boost your career prospects by gaining practical skills through industry-focused learning. Develop key counselling techniques and essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership. This includes activities such as reflecting on your counselling approach and receiving peer feedback in simulated counselling sessions.

• Focus on counselling skills development: immerse yourself in realistic counselling scenarios to develop, refine and adapt your skills for any situation.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

This course includes a sandwich (placement year) option.

Course Modules

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

• Explore everything from professional development and disease to psychology and health promotion, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.

• Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.

• Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Foundation Year Modules:

Professional Development

Health and Disease

Psychology of Social and Emotional Development

Promoting Health and Wellbeing

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Sports and Exercise BSc (Hons)
Forensic and Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)

Year One Modules:
Biological Basis of Behaviour
The Psychology of Human Interaction
Mental Processes: From Thought to Action
Development Across the Lifespan

Year Two Modules:
Developing Self and Identity in the Social World
Humanistic and Psychodynamic Approaches in Counselling
Sciences of the Mind
Therapy Skills: Thoughts, Behaviour, and Ethics

Sandwich Year:
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year Modules:
Project Planning and Ethics in Psychology
Independent Research Project
Contemporary Interventions and Applying Counselling Skills
Adapting Counselling Skills for Psychological Distress

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society