This unique degree gives you the tools you need to help people to explore their lives, their emotions, and the issues that underlie their difficulties.

You’ll study many of the modules you would take as part of our BSc (Hons) in Psychology, along with specialist modules designed to provide you with understanding of the theory and practice of counselling.

You’ll gain a strong understanding of core psychological concepts and practices, and the professional applications of psychology, whilst learning concepts, ethics and techniques related to counselling.

You will undertake your own research, and complete a dissertation which will bring together your expertise in psychology and counselling.

We offer clear Master's and PhD progression routes from this BSc (Hons) programme. Entry to areas such as clinical, occupational, forensic, counselling, health or educational psychology requires a postgraduate qualification following a first degree in psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of qualification of Second-Class Honours is achieved and the empirical psychology with counselling project is passed. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and/or Practising Psychologist. But training in Counselling Psychology is acquired through postgraduate education and supervised practice, not through an undergraduate degree.

We have always had an excellent graduate employment record, which reflects on important aspects of our courses that are highly valued by employers, namely: the ability to examine issues in depth and to make constructive judgements on them; and the capacity to work in groups to resolve problems, or research issues. 

The courses are the first step towards entry into areas such as clinical, occupational, forensic, counselling, health or educational psychology which would require a further postgraduate qualification.

However, our courses are also suitable for those interested in psychology as a subject without being committed to a career as a Psychologist. The course provides key transferable skills relevant to a variety of careers including social work, personnel management, market research, advertising, teaching, broadcasting, nursing, the police and the Armed Forces. 

There are also opportunities for further study and research for MPhil and PhD. The Faculty has been working at the cutting edge of research for more than 40 years. The Psychology research groups focus predominantly on the areas of health psychology and behaviour change. The Applied Health and Social Psychology Group has an increasing national and international reputation, receiving Economic and Social Research Council and NHS funding for research.