Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Keele University

Program Overview

Psychology with Counselling at Keele University is designed for students who want to understand human behaviour while also gaining insight into how counselling approaches support mental health and emotional wellbeing. It is a strong choice if you are interested in people, mental health, and developing skills that can lead into helping professions or further training in psychology and counselling.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you are introduced to the core foundations of psychology alongside the basics of counselling approaches. Modules such as First Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher, Understanding People, and Introduction to Person Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help you understand how psychological science explains behaviour and how therapies like CBT and person-centred counselling are used in practice. You also begin exploring mental health and wellbeing in everyday life, linking theory to real human experiences.

Year 2

In your second year, you deepen your understanding of both psychology and counselling practice. Through modules such as Next Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher and Understanding People in Depth, you strengthen your research and analytical skills. You also explore applied psychology topics such as clinical, health, forensic, and educational psychology, while continuing to build your awareness of counselling approaches and how they support individuals experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

Year 3

In your final year, you take on more independent and advanced study. The Psychology Dissertation allows you to carry out your own original research project, while modules such as Grand Challenges in Psychology and Wellbeing and Mental Health Practice focus on complex issues in mental health and psychological support. You also continue developing counselling-related understanding through advanced practice-focused learning, preparing you for further training or careers in helping professions.

Focus Areas

Human behaviour, mental health, counselling psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred counselling, emotional wellbeing, psychological research methods, clinical psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, communication skills, applied psychology, ethical practice

Learning Outcomes

You will develop strong research skills, an understanding of psychological theory, and practical awareness of counselling approaches. The course also builds empathy, communication skills, ethical awareness, and the ability to apply psychological knowledge in mental health and support-related contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which provides an important foundation for further training in professional psychology and potential progression towards Chartered Psychologist status with additional study.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

Keele University is known for its strong teaching and research in psychology, with a focus on real-world application and student development. Graduates are well prepared for careers in mental health support, counselling pathways (with further training), healthcare, education, social care, and other people-focused professions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Keele University, Psychology with Counselling students gain hands-on experience by applying psychological theory and counselling concepts in practical, structured learning environments. From the start of the degree, you are encouraged to develop real skills in understanding behaviour, mental health, and communication, while also learning how therapeutic approaches such as CBT and person-centred counselling are used in practice. The course focuses strongly on active learning, so you will regularly engage in research activities, skills sessions, and reflective practice that prepare you for real-world helping professions.

Alongside this, you will work with real research methods and tools used in psychology and social science, gaining confidence in analysing human behaviour and wellbeing. Teaching is supported by specialist facilities and interactive learning approaches that help you connect academic knowledge with real-life counselling and psychological contexts:

Psychology laboratories for studying behaviour, cognition, and social interaction through controlled experiments
Training in research methods including interviews, surveys, experimental design, and data collection techniques
Use of statistical software for analysing psychological and counselling-related research data
Practical counselling skills development in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Person-Centred Therapy approaches
Role-play and supervised practice sessions to build listening, empathy, and communication skills
Video-based analysis of counselling scenarios and human interaction for reflective learning
Group projects focusing on mental health, wellbeing, and real-world psychological challenges
Independent final-year dissertation based on original psychological research
Access to extensive academic libraries and digital databases for psychology and counselling research
Engagement with applied case studies linked to mental health, wellbeing, and community support
Opportunities to participate in psychological research studies and reflective learning activities
Research-led teaching informed by active work in psychology, counselling, and mental health fields

Progression & Future Opportunities

Psychology with Counselling at Keele University prepares you for careers that focus on supporting mental health, wellbeing, and understanding human behaviour. Graduates often move into roles such as mental health support worker, assistant psychologist, counselling support worker, youth worker, and roles in HR or community services. The combination of psychology knowledge and counselling awareness gives you strong communication, empathy, and analytical skills valued across many people-focused professions:

Keele’s Careers and Employability team provides personalised support including CV guidance, interview preparation, career coaching, and access to graduate job opportunities
Students can attend employer networking events, careers fairs, and benefit from mentoring opportunities to build professional connections
The degree develops transferable skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, teamwork, and research skills valued by employers
Optional placement year opportunities allow students to gain relevant workplace experience and strengthen employability before graduating
Graduates progress into sectors such as mental health services, social care, education, counselling-related roles, healthcare, HR, charity organisations, and public services
Accreditation from the British Psychological Society provides a recognised foundation for further professional psychology training
Independent research projects and dissertation work help students develop confidence and practical skills for employment
Academic support and career guidance throughout the course help students plan long-term career pathways

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students often continue into postgraduate study in areas such as counselling psychology, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, mental health, or applied psychology. The degree also provides a strong foundation for master’s programmes, professional counselling qualifications, or research-based study such as MPhil or PhD for those interested in specialist or academic careers.