Psychology (Counselling)

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology (Counselling) is one of only a few such programmes nationally, designed specifically for students who are interested in pursuing a career in counselling or counselling psychology. Psychology and Counselling is* accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)*, offering students the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

There are multiple points throughout this counselling and psychology degree where there are opportunities for work placements. During stage one, there is a short work placement to complete as part of a module assessment. Following from here, there are work placement opportunities within our Education focused modules at stages two and three. We also run an optional placement year, between stages two and three, giving you the opportunity to strengthen career skills alongside your degree, should you so wish.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026**.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information.
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information.

STAGE 1
• Introduction to Counselling (compulsory)
• Becoming a Psychologist (compulsory)
• Introduction to Psychology (compulsory)
• Psychology in Practice (compulsory)
• Positive Psychology (compulsory)
• Psychology for Life (compulsory)

STAGE 2
• Counselling: from Theory to Practice (compulsory)
• Research Methods and Statistics (compulsory)
• The Psychology of Well Being (designated)
• The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational Settings (designated)
• The Human Animal (designated)
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the mind (compulsory)
• Development and Society (compulsory)
• Personality & the Fundamentals of Psychology (compulsory)

Optional Placement Year
• The FHES Placement Year Experience (designated)
Students must have successfully completed 100 credits at Level 5 in order to undertake placement.

STAGE 3
• Counselling Psychology Dissertation (compulsory)
• Counselling in Context (compulsory)
• The Psychology of Mental Health (designated)
• Psychology of Spirituality, Religion and Wellbeing (designated)
• Parapsychology and Anomalous Experiences (designated)
• Applying Positive Psychology (designated)
• The Psychology of Health (designated)
• Educational Psychology (designated)
• Neuroscience of Mind (designated)
• Lifespan Development (designated)
• The Psychology of Work and Organisations (designated)

• Students must take the compulsory modules and three designated modules. Students who do not complete the Honours Degree will be eligible for an Ordinary Degree in the named subject upon successful completion of a minimum of 60 Level 6 credits. These can be from any Level 6 modules, whether identified as compulsory or designated.

*Module information is quoted for 2025/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

The course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Essays

• Role play exercises

• Reflective writing assignments

• Practical reports

• Multiple-choice tests

• Oral presentations

• Essays

• Seen and unseen examinations

• Critical reviews

• Group project work

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

• British Psychological Society