BSc Hons Psychology and Counselling

Program Overview:
This three-year full-time degree blends academic psychology with the theory and practice of counselling, offering a balanced foundation in both disciplines. It's an excellent match if you're aiming for roles in mental health support, wellbeing services, educational settings, or wish to progress to postgraduate training in counselling or psychotherapy.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
You begin with core modules that introduce psychological science and counselling fundamentals. Courses such as Adventures in Psychology 1 & 2, Becoming a Researcher 1 & 2, and Core Counselling Skills develop your understanding of psychological theory alongside practical listening, empathy, and reflective skills essential to counselling.

Year Two
In the second year, you explore developmental and biological psychology across the lifespan, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and counselling theory and ethics. This year integrates practical skill development with personal growth, expanding your understanding of therapeutic models and professional standards.

Year Three
The final year focuses on delivering specialist knowledge and independent learning. You study modules such as Child Psychology: Theory to Practice, Personalised Psychology Portfolio, Psychology Project, and Personal and Professional Perspectives in Counselling. These culminate in a major project and professional reflection preparing you for postgraduate training or entry into mental health roles.

Optional modules include advanced research methods, behavioural medicine, neuropsychological disorders, health psychology, and socio-political topics such as oppression and empowerment.

Focus Areas:
You’ll concentrate on psychological research, ethical counselling practice, developmental psychology, professional and personal development, and applied therapeutic approaches.

Learning Outcomes:
By graduation, you'll be able to critically understand and apply psychological theory, conduct both qualitative and quantitative research, integrate counselling techniques into practice, and communicate effectively in therapeutic and academic settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), granting eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The skills gained also align with routes toward postgraduate counselling (e.g. BACP accreditation)

Reputation & Facilities:
Staffordshire University is nationally recognised for its psychology teaching excellence, especially student satisfaction and academic support. Students benefit from modern Science Centre facilities, including observation and counselling suites, cognitive research cubicles, psychophysiology equipment, simulation machines, and immersive learning environments.